Stenting Found Safe For Long-Term Stroke Prevention

Using stents can help to keep neck arteries open following invasive neck surgery over long periods of time. Though stenting was previously used as an alternative procedure in which a small mesh cylinder, or stent, was used to keep the artery open, recent findings published in the Lancet reveal that it is a less invasive way to prevent minor bruising in the groin, as well as risk of nerve damage.

"A transient ischaemic attack, also known as a mini-stroke, can be a warning sign that someone has carotid artery stenosis, and is at risk of having a major stroke. Preventative procedures to treat such carotid artery stenosis are therefore crucial," said Dr Shamim Quadir, Research Communications Manager at the Stroke Association, in a news release.

"Carotid endarterectomy is a common, yet invasive surgery used to treat carotid artery stenosis, and is widely used throughout the UK. Previously, far less was known about the long-term effectiveness of stenting as an alternative procedure.

"These latest research findings suggest that overall, stenting is just as safe, and equally effective for the long-term prevention of fatal and disabling strokes. Both procedures carry their own risks, and these will need to be considered for each individual patient.
"This research provides a vital step in providing another viable option which will help people significantly reduce their stroke risk."