Carotid artery disease: clinical features and management

The 2011 AHA Guidelines expanded indications for carotid artery stenting (CAS) into 'average risk' symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, though not without generating controversy (especially in asymptomatic patients). However, provided CAS can be performed rapidly in symptomatic patients with procedural risks similar to CEA, this alternative treatment strategy is justified. CAS should not, however, be delayed in order to get better results. In this situation, expedited CEA remains the treatment of choice.