Carotid revascularization in frail patients has implications for the management of asymptomatic carotid stenosis

A commonly held dictum is that carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) are generally associated with minimal mortality and morbidity. This is supported by a multitude of studies demonstrating stroke rates approximating 1% and myocardial infarction of 2%-4%. However, this review of carotid revascularization in frail patients provides us with sobering results that have often been overlooked in our fixation on postprocedure stroke and myocardial infarction rates.1 Frail patients suffered 23.5% in-hospital complications, 5.2% died, and 14.9% were readmitted within 30  days.
Source: Journal of Vascular Surgery - Category: Surgery Authors: Tags: Invited commentary Source Type: research