Perioperative Embolization Load and S-100β Do Not Predict Cognitive Outcome after Carotid Revascularization

Cognitive deterioration could not be predicted using perioperative embolic load and S-100β changes. A similar inverted u-curve of the S-100β levels was observed in the 3 groups and may be caused by impairment in the blood-brain barrier during intervention, and not due to cerebral infarction. Distal protection CAS is associated with a higher embolic load than transcervical CAS using dynamic flow reversal and CEA, but the long-term impact of this higher embolic load is yet unknown. Perfusion-related measures seem promising in their ability to predict cognitive decline.