Carotid artery disease and interventional therapy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Major results of recent clinical trials for carotid artery disease are changing the understanding of management. RECENT FINDINGS: A major trial comparing carotid endarterectomy with carotid angioplasty and stenting for symptomatic or asymptomatic patients suggests comparable results by overall outcomes analyses, and different results by subset analyses. These results modify the findings of prior trials. SUMMARY: Based on age there appear to be differences in outcomes that may influence decision for management for such patients.