[Current status of carotid endarterectomy]

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has been evaluated in many prospective randomized studies. After the introduction of carotid stenting (CAS) an alternative treatment is now available for treatment of extracranial carotid stenoses. Comparative studies have been carried out to compare these two modalities. There are two general methods for operative reconstruction available: patch angioplasty and endarterectomy. The results of the mandatory quality assurance registry between the time period 2003-2011 showed a reduction in complication rates, more operations in regional anesthesia and a higher percentage of eversion endarterectomy during the observation period. Since 2012 CAS is now also included in the national quality assurance program.