Stroke Prevention During Carotid Stenting Surgery

New technologies are continuously emerging for the treatment of carotid artery stenosis, a leading cause of stroke.

Open surgery or carotid endarterectomy has traditionally been used to treat carotid artery narrowing.

Carotid artery stenting are currently being performed in clinical trials. However, manipulation of the artery during carotid artery stenting can release small particles, which can travel into the cerebral circulation and cause stroke.

In a recent clinical trial, NYU’s vascular surgeons and interventional radiology specialists have tested an innovative protection device to prevent this complication. The device consists of a small filter that the surgeon places above the area of manipulation in the artery during surgery. The device traps small particles, reducing the risk of stroke as a complication of the stenting procedure.