Carotid endarterectomy and prevention of cerebral ischemia in symptomatic carotid stenosis

Article Abstract:

Carotid endarterectomy, a surgical procedure that strips fatty deposits from the inside of the carotid arteries, may reduce the risk of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and strokes in men who have carotid artery stenosis - narrowing of the carotid artery. TIAs are characterized by symptoms similar to a stroke that resolve completely within 24 hours. One hundred eighty-eight men with symptoms of carotid artery stenosis were divided into two groups. Ninety men were treated surgically and the other 98 were treated non-surgically. They were followed for an average of 11.9 months. Only 7.7% of the men who underwent surgery experienced TIAs or strokes, compared with 19.4% of the non-surgically treated patients. The benefits of surgery were more significant in patients with greater than 70% narrowing of the carotid artery. Of these patients, 7.9% of the patients treated surgically had TIAs or strokes, compared with 25.6% of those treated non-surgically.

Research, Surgery, Cerebral ischemia, Carotid artery, Carotid arteries

---

Endarterectomy for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis

Article Abstract:

The risk of stroke can be decreased significantly by carotid endarterectomy (CEA), daily aspirin use and counseling in male patients with asymptomatic narrowing of the carotid artery. CEA involves surgical removal of arterial plaque. The reduction in stroke risk after five years was 66% among men, but only 17% among women because of a higher complication rate. Between 1987 and 1993, 1,662 patients with carotid narrowing of 60% of more from 39 centers in the US and Canada were divided into two treatment groups. After a 2.7-year follow-up, the risk over five years of stroke or death was calculated at 5.1% for surgical patients and 11% for patients treated medically, for a total risk reduction of 53%. Patient ages ranged from 40 to 79 years. The aspirin dosage for all patients in the study was 325 mg.

Usage

---

Endarterectomy for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis: resolving the controversy

Article Abstract:

Carotid endarterectomy (surgical removal of lesions) can prevent stroke in certain patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic carotid blockage. The beneficial results are associated with low surgical morbidity attained by the investigators. A 54% risk reduction was found among 1,662 people with 60% or greater reduction in the diameter of the artery. Risk of a stroke should be judged carefully by medical examination, hemodynamic status, brain imaging and circulation. Women are at greater risk because of surgical complications. Minorities were underrepresented in the study. The degree of narrowing of the artery and stroke risk were not associated in the trials.

Health aspects, Editorial

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Beneficial effect of carotid endarterectomy in symptomatic patients with high-grade carotid stenosis. Efficacy of carotid endarterectomy for asymptomatic carotid stenosis
• Abstracts: Comparison of surgery and radiotherapy in T1 and T2 glottic carcinomas. Cervical lymph nodes from an unknown primary tumor in 190 patients
• Abstracts: Silicone breast implants and the risk of connective-tissue diseases and symptoms. Meta-analyses of the relation between silicone breast implants and the risk of connective-tissue diseases
• Abstracts: Interruption of highly active antiretroviral therapy in HIV clinical practice. Outcome of a second-line protease inhibitor-containing regimen in patients failing or intolerant of a first highly active antiretroviral therapy
• Abstracts: Vitamin D3 and calcium to prevent hip fractures in elderly women. Effect of risedronate on the risk of hip fracture in elderly women

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.