Carotid angioplasty and stenting.
The endovascular management of carotid artery disease is a rapidly developing area currently under evaluation in Europe and the US. The technique is a simple progression of those skills used in peripheral vessels and involves the percutaneous placement of a metallic stent. Current data indicate that it may well offer a similar safety profile and efficacy at stroke prevention as conventional endarterectomy, but as yet there has only been one randomised controlled trial (CAVATAS). Future developments include the identification of a cohort of patients best treated with this technology, the evaluation of cerebral protection systems, and optimisation of pharmacological support.
Gaines
P A
PA
Sheffield Vascular Institute, Northern General Hospital, UK.
D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon / Q000379:methods*; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000628:therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D015607:Stents