ABSTRACT
Minor Branches of Facial Vein Once the common facial vein has been ligated, clipped, and cauterized, dissection proceeds up and down the medial border of the jugular vein to open the carotid sheath and identify the underlying common carotid artery (CCA). It is particularly important at this stage to use a “no-touch” type of technique to avoid dislodging any atheromatous material from the carotid artery by harsh manipulation. I administer 5000 units of intravenous heparin as soon as the CCA is first visualized within the carotid sheath.
