Endarterectomy for Stenosis of Less Than 50% With Symptoms

Research shows that endarterectomy is not more effective than treatment with medicine for people who have symptoms, such as a previous TIA or mild stroke, but less than 50% stenosis (narrowing).1 In some cases surgery may be harmful—the procedure itself may result in more problems than benefits. The American Heart Association guidelines recommend that these people continue treatment with medicine.2

References

Citations

  1. North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial Collaborators (1991). Beneficial effect of carotid endarterectomy in symptomatic patients with high-grade carotid stenosis. New England Journal of Medicine, 325(7): 445–453.

  2. Biller J, et al. (1998). Guidelines for carotid endarterectomy: A statement for healthcare professionals from a special writing group of the Stroke Council of the American Heart Association. Circulation, 97(5): 501–509.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerRichard D. Zorowitz, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Last RevisedJanuary 7, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: January 7, 2011
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Richard D. Zorowitz, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

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