Carotid Disease and Management

Carotid artery stenosis is a leading cause of stroke, and 25% of patients experience a recurrent stroke within 5 years. Early detection and treatment are important to reduce the risk of stroke. Optimal medical therapy should be ensured among these patients regardless of symptom status. Carotid artery revascularization with carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting (CAS) should be considered among patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis, or among patients with severe asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. Refined procedural techniques, improvement in stent design, and use of embolic protection devices have enhanced the efficacy of CAS while reducing the risk of procedural complications.