CAROTID ANGIOPLASTY

BACKGROUND Carotid angioplasty with stenting (PTAS) is now being inves tigated as an alternative to carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Proven supe riority in at least three areas of PTAS will need be accomplished befo re angioplasty supplants CEA; namely, safety, cost, and durability. ME THODS One hundred and seven patients served as the basis for this prev iously reported review. Both safety (morbidity and mortality) as well as cost issues were evaluated. Other non-neurologic complications were are also investigated. RESULTS The in-hospital and 30-day risk of all strokes and death from PTAS was 9.3%, with a 3.6% major stroke and de ath rate. Minor strokes were found to be statistically more frequent i n the PTAS group than with CEA. Nonprofessional fees were more expensi ve in the PTAS group than CEA ($30,140 versus $21,670). CONCLUSIONS At the present time PTAS has not proven itself worthy to supplant CEA. T he durability of the procedure has not been sufficiently evaluated. No n-neurologic complications ape also not trivial with PTAS.