Stroke Prevention: Carotid Stenting and Carotid Endarterectomy Go Neck and Neck

An estimated 15% to 20% of strokes that occur annually in the United States are caused by atherosclerosis of the carotid artery. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has been the standard of care for over 50 years in patients with carotid disease and has a proven track record. Carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS), which received Food and Drug Administration approval in 2004, has emerged as a less invasive alternative treatment for carotid stenosis. Recent clinical studies have shown that long-term outcomes of CEA and CAS are comparable. Carotid stenting may also offer additional clinical benefits in high-risk patients. This article will compare carotid stenting with CEA as a treatment for stroke prevention. The pre-, intra-, and postmonitoring of the patient undergoing this new neurointerventional procedure will be emphasized.