Strategies for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis

Neurosurg Focus. 2011 Dec;31(6):E9. doi: 10.3171/2011.9.FOCUS11206.

Abstract

The treatment of asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (ACAS) has continued to evolve for the past 3 decades. With rapidly advancing technology, the results of old trials have become obsolete. While there has been little change in the efficacy of carotid endarterectomy, there have been vast improvements in both medical management and carotid angioplasty with stenting. Finding the best therapy for a given patient can therefore be difficult. In this article, the authors review the current literature regarding treatment options for ACAS and the methods available for stratifying patients who would benefit from surgical versus medical treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Asymptomatic Diseases* / therapy
  • Carotid Stenosis / diagnosis*
  • Carotid Stenosis / therapy*
  • Disease Management
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors