Carotid endarterectomy versus carotid angioplasty cui bono.

Abstract

To evaluate the current status of carotid angioplasty (CAS) versus carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in the management of patients with carotid bifurcation disease. Retrospective review of published and presented prospective randomized trials to date, regarding comparative results of CAS versus CEA. Review of six published prospective randomized trials, one trial presented in press, and one trial completed and being analyzed. Large population based studies and a comparative registry study are also included. Retrospective literature review. The results today favor CEA over CAS with respect to stroke morbidity, mortality, freedom from recurrence, and cost. At the present time, CEA remains the intervention of choice in the management of carotid bifurcation disease.