The impact of embolic protection device and stent design on the outcome of CAS.

The importance of angioplasty and stenting in the treatment of carotid artery disease cannot be underestimated. Successful carotid stenting does not only depend on the operator's skills and experience but also on an adequate selection of cerebral protection devices, and carotid stents can help avoid neurological complications. A broad spectrum of carotid devices is currently on the market, and because each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, it is virtually impossible to claim that one specific device is the best. The individual characteristics of each specific protection system or stent may make it an attractive choice in one circumstance but render it a less desirable option in other situations. The applicability depends primarily on the arterial anatomy and the specific details of the lesion being treated. But certainly, personal preferences and familiarity with a specific device may legitimately influence the decision to choose one over another.