Endarterectomy vs. Stenting for Carotid Artery Stenosis

Carotid artery stenting is an alternative to carotid endarterectomy for patients with carotid artery stenosis. But which procedure is safer? In this meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials that involved 4800 patients (≈300 asymptomatic), investigators compared carotid endarterectomy with carotid artery stenting.

Periprocedural (within 30 days) outcomes for the primary study endpoint (death or stroke) and secondary endpoints are shown in the Table. Intermediate-term (1–4 years postprocedure) risk for death or stroke did not differ between procedures.