Carotid Stenting

Abstract

Several large-scale studies have corroborated the indications for carotid artery revascularization in patients who present with carotid artery stenosis. The two treatment options are carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stent, both of which show equipoise in outcomes, and although the latter is associated with increased risk of periprocedural stroke, it confers the benefit of shorter procedural and recovery times. Currently, radial artery access is rarely used for placement of carotid artery stents, both among neurosurgeons and vascular surgeons. However, radial artery access for carotid stent placement has been shown to be safe and efficacious, and it confers the benefit of reduced access-site complications and improved patient satisfaction measures. In this chapter, aimed at practitioners who would like to incorporate radial artery access into their clinical practice, we review the evaluation and management of carotid artery stenosis and present an operative technique for carotid artery stent placement via radial artery access.