Carotid Stenting - Outcomes

Outcomes

Based on a follow-up study of CREST patients, Brott et al. found that there is no long-term (within 4 years) difference between CAS and CEA in the rate of post-treatment stroke, heart attack, or death. In the short-term (within 1 month), however, CAS has a higher risk of minor stroke, whereas CEA has a higher risk of myocardial infarction. There was no difference between surgery and stenting for major strokes or death.

In another CREST patients study, Cohen et al. found that CAS is associated with better quality-of-life outcomes such as physical functioning, vitality, social functioning, physical role limitations, and pain control compared to CEA in 2 weeks and 1 month post treatment. By 1 year, however, there is no difference in quality-of-life outcomes between CAS and CEA.