ABSTRACT
Stenting of the carotid artery is rapidly making the transition from an investigational tool to the primary treatment modality for symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid lesions. A key impetus behind this drive has been the significant reduction in the periprocedural complication rate associated with this technique. The most significant sequela of carotid Stenting is the development of neurological deficit, described as small reversible deficits to frank large strokes. With more experience, the development of dedicated angioplasty equipment for the carotid bed and technological advances-including the development and utilization of embolic protection devices-the periprocedural complication rate (death, major and minor stroke) of 5-9% reported in the early series has been reduced to 2-3% currently (1-15). This significant reduction of neurological events associated with carotid artery Stenting (CAS) is best understood by an in-depth review of the nature and causes of these complications.
