Carotid and Intracranial Stenosis

Treatment for symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis has included both medical therapy and revascularization techniques. Historically, carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has been the surgical treatment performed. Recently, carotid artery stenting (CAS) has shown to be safer than CEA in certain high-risk patients.

Over the past decade, intracranial revascularization procedures have become increasingly safe, and can now be performed with a high degree of technical and clinical success. In many cases, angioplasty alone (without stent placement) is sufficient to improve symptoms and decrease further stroke risk. Patients will also need aggressive medical therapy for risk factors including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and cigarette smoking.

Consultation with one of our interventional neuroradiologists can help determine if a patient is an appropriate candidate for endovascular treatment of carotid or intracranial atherosclerosis.