Current indications, results, and technique of carotid angioplasty/stenting

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) remains the treatment of choice for most patients with high-grade carotid artery stenosis. Certain patient subsets, including those with severe cardiac and pulmonary disease and those with local/anatomic risk factors (including recurrent stenosis following CEA, cervical radiation therapy, prior radical neck dissection, and surgically inaccessible lesions) are at increased risk of stroke, cranial nerve injury and non-Q myocardial infarction following CEA, and may be better served by carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS). Procedural success is dependent upon proper patient selection and meticulous attention to detail. The use of cerebral embolic protection appears to reduce the risk of peri-procedural stroke following CAS.