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New Data Also Support Stents in High-Risk Cases

Mike Mitka

JAMA. 2005;294:2955-2956.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

New guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology support the use of carotid endarterectomy for patients with severe to moderate stenosis to reduce stroke risk, but not for asymptomtic patients with less than 50% blockage (Chaturvedi et al. Neurology. 2005;65:794-801). However, the recommendations come just as a new study supports the argument that a less invasive approach using carotid artery stenting may be a viable and perhaps superior alternative for certain patients.

Carotid endarterectomy is the most frequently performed operation to prevent stroke. The guidelines (available online at http://www.aan.com/professionals/practice/guideline/index.cfm) update the academy's previous pronouncement on carotid endarterectomy, published 15 years ago, said Seemant Chaturvedi, MD, lead author.

Carotid artery stenosis (arrows) is best treated through carotid endarterectomy, according to new guidelines. But interventionists say stenting may be the preferred procedure for high-risk patients. (Photo credit: Arch Neurol. 2001;58:658-659)

"In 1990, the academy published a very abbreviated . . . [Full Text of this Article]

A BETTER ALTERNATIVE?