The Three Most Discussed Questions in Carotid Artery Surgery. Review of Russian and Foreign Studies in the Last Five Years

Abstract

This literature review analyzes Russian and foreign publications over the past five years on the three most discussed issues related to carotid artery surgery: 1.Which is more effective: eversion carotid endarterectomy or conventional carotid endarterectomy with patch closure? 2. Which is better: carotid endarterectomy (CEE) or carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS)? 3. How soon after the development of ischemic stroke should cerebral revascularization be performed? The authors of the article came to the following conclusions: 1. According to the majority of large studies and meta-analyses, conventional CEE with patch closure is associated with a higher risk of internal carotid artery restenosis compared to eversion carotid endarterectomy. Single-center trials with small samples of patients do not find statistical differences between the outcomes of applying both surgical techniques. 2. Large multicenter randomized trials are required to address the effectiveness of CEA and CAS in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. To date, there has been no consensus on this matter. 3. CEE and CAS can be equally effective and safe in the most acute and acute periods of ischemic stroke when performed in the presence of a mild neurological deficit and the ischemic brain lesion not exceeding 2.5 cm in diameter. Nevertheless, the choice of treatment strategy should be made strictly personalized by a multidisciplinary council based on the experience of the institution and current recommendations.