Endovascular treatment of carotid occlusive disease.

Carotid occlusive disease is one of several etiologic factors for stroke. Of all strokes, an estimated 88% are ischemic in nature. Less than 20% of these are caused by atheroma in the carotid bifurcation. Traditionally, carotid artery stenosis has been treated with carotid endarterectomy (CEA); however, carotid artery balloon angioplasty and stent placement has enjoyed significant technological advances over the last decade and can now offer a comparable treatment alternative to CEA. In this review, the authors concentrate their discussion on the treatment of carotid atherosclerotic disease with particular attention on the endovascular treatment.