Which of the following is an advantage of general anesthesia during carotid endarterectomy (CEA)?

General anesthesia during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) offers the advantage of enabling rapid blood pressure control. This is particularly important during CEA, as fluctuations in blood pressure can affect cerebral perfusion and increase the risk of neurological complications. Under general anesthesia, the anesthesiologist can more effectively manage hemodynamic parameters, allowing for prompt adjustments to stabilize the patient’s blood pressure.

This management is vital during the procedure, as maintaining optimal blood flow to the brain is crucial to prevent stroke or other cerebrovascular events. The ability to quickly and effectively respond to changes in the patient’s condition without the confounding factors associated with consciousness or awareness is a key benefit of general anesthesia in this surgical context.

Other factors like measurement of brain activity, ensuring patient movement, and extending surgery duration do not align with the main advantages of general anesthesia during CEA, as the primary focus of general anesthesia is not to monitor brain activity but to provide a controlled environment for surgery while maintaining patient stability.