Carotid endarterectomy versus stenting in patients with contralateral carotid artery occlusion

Aim. The aim of this prospective study was to compare outcomes after CEA and CAS in patients with contralateral carotid artery occlusion. Methods. Between 2004 and 2009, 527 consecutive patients underwent CEA (N.=281) or CAS (N.=246) for severe stenosis of internal carotid artery (ICA). Of them, 85 (16.1%) were identified with contralateral carotid artery occlusion. CEA was performed in 31(36.4%) patients with contralateral ICA occlusion, and 15 (48.4%) were symptomatic. Intraoperative shunts were placed in 12% versus 41.9% (P<0.001) patients with patent (N.=250) or occluded contralateral ICA (N.=31). Fifty-four (63.5%) patients with contralateral ICA occlusion underwent CAS with distal pro…