| Methods |
R = opaque, sequentially‐numbered, sealed envelopes (artery randomised)
Duplex and clinical FU blind
Crossovers: 4 primary closure to patch (all analysed in original group)
Exclusions during trial: none
Patients lost to FU: none |
| Participants |
United Kingdom
199 patients
213 operations
69% male
Mean age: 66 years
8% asymptomatic carotid disease
60% arteries > 75% stenosis
Comparability: age, sex, vascular risk factors not reported by treatment group |
| Interventions |
Rx: autologous vein (N = 53) or Dacron (N = 56) patches (non‐random allocation)
Control: primary closure
Shunt 'when technically possible'
Aspirin before surgery, unknown after surgery |
| Outcomes |
Death < 30 days and end of FU
Stroke < 30 days and end of FU
Perioperative occlusion (Duplex)
Wound haemorrhage, infection
Restenosis > 50% or occlusion at end of FU (Duplex) |
| Notes |
Ex: unknown
FU: 12 months |
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Allocation concealment? |
Low risk |
A ‐ Adequate |
