title: Evolving indications for and early results of carotid artery stenting.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  While carotid endarterectomy continues to be the gold standard of treatment for most patients with significant carotid artery disease, there are cases where lesion or anatomy-related factors create situations less than ideal for conventional surgery. Other therapeutic modalities, such as endoluminal stenting, may represent reasonable options for such patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-three patients with 70% or greater internal carotid artery lesions were treated by endovascular stent placement from July 1994 through June 1996. Indications included transient ischemic attacks in 20 and previous stroke in 4; and 9 were asymptomatic.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Stents were placed successfully in all instances. Mortality and stroke rates were zero. All patients remained asymptomatic during follow-up (mean 8 months), and stent patency by duplex ultrasound has been 100%. A single instance of intrastent restenosis has been observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Endoluminal stenting is an investigational technique of unproven efficacy and long-term durability. Yet it appears technically feasible, and possibly reasonable, as an alternate option for cases unfavorable for standard surgery.
authors.affiliation: Division of Vascular Surgery, Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Criado
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Wellons
authors.forename: N S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Clark
mesh_terms: D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D000075202:Contraindications; D016894:Endarterectomy, Carotid; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018579:Patient Selection; D015607:Stents; D016896:Treatment Outcome