Recent advances in neurovascular surgery

Cerebrovascular disease continues to be an important focus of investigation for the neuroscientist. Recent results of a large randomized trial for treatment of asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis have helped to establish the indications for surgical therapy. Alternative diagnostic studies such as magnetic resonance angiography have further narrowed the risk margin associated with preoperative evaluation. Modern therapeutic alternatives to surgery have emerged with advances in endovascular technology. The following article is a concise review of recent developments that are impacting on the management of carotid artery stenosis.