Choosing the appropriate intervention for symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid disease in the era of multiple therapies: integration of risk profile and technical data.

With rapid evolution of endovascular techniques, carotid artery stenting has emerged as an alternative to carotid endarterectomy. Several investigations have been performed that examine the roles of carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting and some trials have sought to compare the two treatment modalities. There have also been advances in the understanding of optimal medical management of carotid artery stenosis. The obvious question that arises is what is the most appropriate treatment option for patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis? The answer is not straightforward and requires an understanding of differential outcomes in select subgroups. A review of the major studies, including some of the most recent trials, will help to elucidate the optimal therapy.