ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses how carotid artery occlusive disease might be managed in 5–10 years. Present-day techniques, the trajectory of current developments, and the importance of preventing stroke through carotid artery treatment are considered in developing a range of possibilities for future directions in this field. Carotid occlusive disease was an untreated cause of stroke through history until the second half of the 20th century. The number of carotid endarterectomies performed in the United States increased steadily from the 1950s to the mid-1980s. Monorail or rapid exchange balloon catheters are used almost exclusively for coronary interventions, and these are the logical choice for carotid interventions. Carotid stent placement will be the treatment of choice for mechanical intervention at the carotid bifurcation. Low-profile covered stents and drug-eluting stents will be available for special circumstances.
