Factors Influencing Carotid Stenting Complications

Analysis of a phase III randomized European trial of stenting for symptomatic carotid stenosis identifies predictors of complications from the procedure.

Risk factors for complications of carotid angioplasty with stenting (CAS) remain uncertain. Now, investigators have retrospectively analyzed baseline factors that could alter the combined risk for stroke and death within the first 30 days after attempted CAS in a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial that compared CAS and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in patients with symptomatic, moderate-to-severe carotid stenosis.

Among the 262 patients randomized to CAS, the combined risk for stroke and death was significantly higher for patients who had ≥60 degrees of angulation between the internal carotid artery and the common carotid artery (ICA–CCA angulation). The risk for stroke and death was significantly reduced for patients treated with a ce…

Reviewing Author

James F. Meschia, MD