Carotid artery stenting

Learning objectives After reading this article the reader should:Know the appropriate diagnostic workup for patients with carotid artery disease. Be able to put in perspective, based on strengths and limitations, the results of randomised trials comparing carotid artery stenting and carotid endarterectomy. Be able to identify patients that may benefit from carotid artery stenting. Introduction In western countries, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death, after heart disease, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases.1 Carotid artery disease may be responsible for 10–15% of all ischaemic strokes.2 Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have established the benefit of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) over medical management in patients with carotid disease. In the last two decades, carotid artery stenting (CAS) has emerged as a less invasive alternative to CEA for the management of patients with occlusive carotid disease. For the purpose of this review...
Source: Heart - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Education in Heart, Drugs: cardiovascular system, Interventional cardiology, Epidemiology, Tobacco use Source Type: research