I think it depend on the cause. In the pri article the trapezius was already hypertrophied. It's not clear what caused the aggravation. But clearly it was not a compression caused by shoulders traction in any way. It was clearly caused by a shock in the neck.

Anyway i don't see any risks. Just don't use scalenes when doing shoulders shrugs. I have try some and it's easy to not involve them, just don't use you rib cage/scalenes while elevating your shoulders.

If you want to buy it :

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science...02961005805276

My advice is to try before doing surgery, and even if it work check your arteries's health.

The problem is the risks/rewards balance. Even if there is a 10% risks of microemboli, it may still worth it if you are at risk of surgery. It's bad to be results-oriented. I know it may not work but it's not the problem. It's all about taking the right decision, the lowest risks.