[Value of interventional angiology in carotid stenosis]

Available results indicate that transluminal angioplasty of the internal carotid artery represents an interesting new alternative for the treatment of patients with symptomatic severe stenosis of the carotid artery. The procedure offers an advantage in patients with stenosis that is not accessible by the surgical approach and in patients with high surgical risk. Furthermore neurological signs can be continuously monitored during the procedure, allowing its interruption if necessary. There is a need for prospective studies assessing risk and benefit of this procedure in comparison with alternative therapies.