Modern Analysis of Stroke After Carotid Stenting in Octogenarians Using the Virginia Vascular Study Group Vascular Quality Initiative Data

Abstract

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is a safe and effective alternative to carotid endarterectomy in appropriate patients. However, there remains debate over the safety of stenting in octogenarians. This is due to previous studies demonstrating higher stroke risk in this population. Since those studies were published, transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) has become available, allowing surgeons to stent without crossing the aortic arch. Using a modern database, we sought to evaluate whether CAS is associated with increased odds of stroke in octogenarians compared to younger patients and to determine whether there is a difference in stroke odds between the age groups depending on device used (tfCAS vs TCAR).