Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online 2005-03
Prevention of Disabling and Fatal Strokes by Successful Carotid Endarterectomy in Patients Without Recent Neurologic Symptoms: Randomized Controlled Trial
The hazards and medium-term benefits of carotid endarterectomy were studied in patients with substantial carotid artery narrowing but no neurologic symptoms to determine the balance of surgical risks and long-term benefits. Asymptomatic patients were randomized between immediate CEA and indefinite deferral and were followed for 5 years. The number of deaths among those allocated to immediate CEA was non-significantly greater than among those allocated to deferral. Among patients up to 75 years of age, CEA approximately halved the net 5-year risk of stroke, from about 12% to 6%.
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