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Updated: May 26, 2026

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Computational Protocol for Analysis of Plaque Morphology and Hemodynamics in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis
09:36

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Computational Protocol for Analysis of Plaque Morphology and Hemodynamics in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis

Published on: August 12, 2025

Symptomatic carotid artery stenosis is best treated by carotid endarterectomy

Todd L Berland1, Neal S Cayne, Frank J Veith

  • 1New York University, New York, New York, USA.

Methodist Debakey Cardiovascular Journal
|December 7, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is not equivalent to carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Recent data misinterpretations suggest otherwise, but patient outcomes favor CEA over potential complications like myocardial infarction.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Carotid artery stenting (CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) are procedures to prevent stroke.
  • Recent interpretations of the CREST trial data have led to confusion regarding the equivalence of CAS and CEA.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To clarify the comparative effectiveness of CAS versus CEA.
  • To address the inappropriate conclusions drawn from CREST trial data regarding CAS and CEA equivalence.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of existing clinical trial data, specifically the CREST trial.
  • Review of interventionalist and clinician interpretations of trial results.

Main Results:

  • The CREST trial data has been misinterpreted by some clinicians.
  • CAS is not equivalent to CEA, despite some interpretations.

Conclusions:

  • Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is not equivalent to carotid endarterectomy (CEA).
  • Clinicians should not conclude equivalence based on current interpretations of CREST trial data.
Abstract

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