How is symptomatic carotid artery stenosis treated?

One of the major risk factors for stroke is narrowing (stenosis) of the carotid arteries, which run up both sides of the neck and supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain. For people with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis (for example, those who have had a transient ischemic attack [TIA] with symptoms in the same area as the narrowing seen on testing), surgery to remove the blockage should be considered. Options include endarterectomy or a newer procedure that positions a tiny wire mesh tube called a stent at the site of the blockage to keep the carotid artery open. I suggest that a patient with 70% blockage in a carotid artery and symptoms could be a good candidate for stenting, though the patient's overall health and risk factors must be evaluated. There are still a lot of unknowns when it comes to stenting versus endarterectomy.