Carotid Artery Stenosis (Symptomatic and Asymptomatic)

Carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) is an effective treatment for carotid artery stenosis but carries a risk of cerebral embolization. This prospective randomized study evaluates the safety and efficacy of proximal embolic protection using a balloon guide catheter during CAS by comparing the incidence of diffusion-weighted MRI-detected microembolisms and symptomatic thromboembolic events between protected and unprotected procedures.