Arteriotomy

Arteriotomy, or the opening of an artery, is an operation that has been strongly advocated in those cases in which it is desirable to produce a more decided and immediate depletion of the cerebral circulation (as in severe forms of sanguineous apoplexy) than could be produced by ordinary venesection. It is supposed by some surgeons to relieve pressure on the brain more efficiently than opening the jugular vein could do; and whether this is the case or not, it is a simpler and less dangerous operation. The only vessel operated on is either the temporal artery itself or one of its main branches, which is partially divided and allowed to bleed. The operation is a simple one, but should of course only be undertaken by a surgeon. To arrest the flow of blood when sufficient has been taken, the artery should be completely divided to allow its cut ends to retract; and after the surrounding parts have been sponged, a compress, or small pad, should be applied to the wound, and secured by a bandage, which must be carefully adjusted, so as, if possible, to remain undisturbed for four or five days, when it may be removed, and the wound covered with a strip of plaster.