Procedural Risk Following Carotid Endarterectomy in the Hyperacute Period after Onset of Symptoms

Acute ischemic stroke: The role of emergency carotid endarterectomy in isolated extracranial internal carotid artery occlusion

OBJECTIVES

The treatment of choice for acute and isolated extracranial internal carotid artery (eICA) occlusion remains, to date, controversial. Although intravenous thrombolysis is recommended, its effectiveness is generally low. This retrospective study aims to assess the clinical outcome and the role of CT perfusion in symptomatic patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for acute occlusion of the eICA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All the 21 patients presented with stroke-in-evolution, complete patency of intracranial circulation, no evidence of hemorrhagic transformation at CT and a minimum ASPECTS of 6. Clinical improvement was assessed by evaluating the variation of NIHSS and the mRS. We investigated the relationship between NIHSS and the timing of the surgery, the ASPECT score, and the volume of ischemic penumbra at CT perfusion.

RESULTS

Median NIHSS on admission was 9 (range 1-24) and it decreased to 4 (range 0-35) 24 h after surgery, improving in 76.2% of patients. Patients with an ASPECTS of 6 (3 patients) showed an improvement of 66.7%, while it was of 81.8% in those starting with a score of 9 or 10 (11 patients). A mRS between 0 and 2 after 3 months was achieved in 12 out of 21 patients. The average time elapsing between surgery and symptom onset was 410 min (range 70-1070 min). Fourteen patients treated within 8 h from symptoms onset showed a clinical improvement of 85.7%, compared to a 57.1% for those which underwent later surgery. Four patients underwent thrombolytic therapy before CEA showing postoperative clinical improvement and no intracranial hemorrhage. Among the 14 patients who underwent CT perfusion, the median ischemic penumbra volume was 112 cc in those with clinical improvement (10 patients) and only 84 cc in those with worse clinical outcomes (4 patients).

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency CEA in isolated eICA occlusion has proved to be a safe and effective treatment option in selected patients. CT perfusion, imaging the ischemic penumbra and quantifying the tissue suitable for reperfusion, offers a valid support in the diagnostic-therapeutic workup. Indeed, we can infer that the area of the ischemic penumbra is directly proportional to the margin of clinical improvement after revascularization, supposing that the appropriate intervention timing is respect.

Safety of Carotid Endarterectomy for Symptomatic Stenosis by Age: Meta-Analysis With Individual Patient Data

BACKGROUND

There is uncertainty whether elderly patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis have higher rates of adverse events following carotid endarterectomy. In trials, recurrent stroke risk on medical therapy alone increased with age, whereas operative stroke risk was not related. Few octogenarians were included in trials and there has been no systematic analysis of all study types. We aimed to evaluate the safety of carotid endarterectomy in symptomatic elderly patients, particularly in octogenarians.

METHODS

We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies (from January 1, 1980 through March 1, 2022) reporting post carotid endarterectomy risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and death in patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. We included observational studies and interventional arms of randomized trials if the outcome rates (or the raw data to calculate these) were provided. Individual patient data from 4 prospective cohorts enabled multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Of 47 studies (107 587 patients), risk of perioperative stroke was 2.04% (1.94-2.14) in octogenarians (390 strokes/19 101 patients) and 1.85% (1.75-1.95) in nonoctogenarians (1395/75 537); P=0.046. Perioperative death was 1.09% (0.94-1.25) in octogenarians (203/18 702) and 0.53% (0.48-0.59) in nonoctogenarians (392/73 327); P<0.001. Per 5-year age increment, a linear increase in perioperative stroke, myocardial infarction, and death were observed; P=0.04 to 0.002. However, during the last 3 decades, perioperative stroke±death has declined significantly in octogenarians (7.78% [5.58-10.55] before year 2000 to 2.80% [2.56-3.04] after 2010); P<0.001. In Individual patient data multivariate-analysis (5111 patients), age ≥85 years was independently associated with perioperative stroke (P<0.001) and death (P=0.005). Yet, survival was similar for octogenarians versus nonoctogenarians at 1-year (95.0% [93.2-96.5] versus 97.5% [96.4-98.6]; P=0.08), as was 5-year stroke risk (11.93% [9.98-14.16]) versus 12.78% [11.65-13.61]; P=0.24).

CONCLUSIONS

We found a modest increase in perioperative risk with age in symptomatic patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. As stroke risk increases with age when on medical therapy alone, our findings support selective urgent intervention in symptomatic elderly patients.

Carotid Endarterectomy for Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis: Differences in Patient Profile in a Low-Middle-Income Country

INTRODUCTION

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is the standard treatment for patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. Data from low- and middle-income countries are sparse on CEA and its outcomes. We aimed to describe the profile of our patients and factors associated with periprocedural cerebral ischemic events in patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis who underwent CEA in our institute.

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis (50-99%) who underwent CEA between January 2011 and December 2021 was done. Clinical and imaging parameters and their influence on periprocedural cerebral ischemic events were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 319 patients (77% males) with a mean age of 64 years (SD±8.6), 207 (65%) presented only after a stroke. Majority (85%) had high-grade stenosis (≥70%) of the symptomatic carotid. The mean time to CEA was 50 days (SD±36); however, only 26 patients (8.2%) underwent surgery within 2 weeks. Minor strokes and TIA occurred in 2.2%, while major strokes and death occurred in 4.1% patients. None of the clinical or imaging parameters predicted the periprocedural cerebral ischemic events. The presence of co-existing significant (≥50%) tandem intracranial atherosclerosis (n = 77, 24%) or contralateral occlusion (n = 24, 7.5%) did not influence the periprocedural stroke risk.

CONCLUSION

There is a delay in patients undergoing CEA for symptomatic carotid stenosis. Majority have high-grade stenosis and present late only after a stroke reflecting a lack of awareness. CEA can be performed safely even in patients with significant intracranial tandem stenosis and contralateral carotid occlusion.

Carotid artery disease: knowing the numbers

Ischaemic stroke and transient ischaemic attack are of particular interest to the vascular surgeon as over one-third of all strokes are caused by thromboembolism from a stenotic carotid artery, making carotid artery stenosis the leading cause of stroke. If detected early, stenosis can be managed medically, surgically or endovascularly. However, treatment decisions depend on the timing of the transient ischaemic attack and the degree of stenosis, and must be balanced against procedural risk. This article discusses the evidence outlining the epidemiology, measurement and surgical management of carotid artery stenosis that inform national guidelines. Vascular and non-vascular trainees should understand these guidelines because of the potentially debilitating or fatal consequences of untreated carotid stenosis.

In-Hospital Complications and Long-Term Outcomes Associated with Timing of Carotid Endarterectomy

OBJECTIVE

To perform a comprehensive analysis of in-hospital and long-term outcomes of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) performed within different time intervals after most recent symptoms.

INTRODUCTION

Carotid revascularization performed within two weeks of symptoms has proven to reduce risk of recurrent stroke in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis. However, the optimal timing of revascularization within the two-week window has yet to be determined.

METHODS

We analyzed 2003-2016 data from the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) Vascular Implant Surveillance and Interventional Outcomes Network (VISION). Only revascularizations performed for symptomatic carotid artery stenosis were included. Procedures were categorized as urgent (0-2 days from latest symptom), early (3-14 days) or late (15-180 days). The primary in-hospital outcome was stroke/death. The primary long-term outcomes of interest were 5-year recurrent ipsilateral stroke/death. Multivariable logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox-regression were utilized to compare outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 18,970 revascularizations were included: 1,130 (6.0%) urgent, 4,643 (24.5%) early, and 13,197 (69.6%) late. Earlier CEA had increased odds of in-hospital stroke/death compared to late CEA [urgent, aOR:1.9, 95%CI:1.3-2.8, p=0.001], [early, aOR:1.7, 95%CI:1.3-2.2, p<0.001]. No differences were seen in 5-year risk of stroke/death [urgent, aHR:0.95, 95%CI:0.79-1.15, p=0.592], [early, aHR:0.97, 95%CI:0.87-1.07, p=0.928].

CONCLUSIONS

Urgent and early CEA were associated with increased perioperative risk without difference in 5-year outcomes compared to late CEA. Short-term recurrent stroke prevention could not be assessed. Updated population-based studies comparing recurrent stroke prevention with urgent or early revascularization versus best medical management are warranted.

Timing of Carotid Intervention in Symptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

This review aimed to analyse the timing of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) after the index event as well as 30 day outcomes at varying time periods within 14 days of symptom onset.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis statement, comprising an online search of the Medline and Cochrane databases. Methodical quality assessment of the included studies was performed. Endpoints included procedural stroke and/or death stratified by delay from the index event and surgical technique (CEA/CAS).

RESULTS

Seventy-one studies with 232 952 symptomatic patients were included. Overall, 34 retrospective analyses of prospective databases, nine prospective, three RCT, three case control, and 22 retrospective studies were included. Compared with CEA, CAS was associated with higher 30 day stroke (OR 0.70; 95% CI 0.58 - 0.85) and mortality rates (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.31 - 0.53) when performed ≤ 2 days of symptom onset. Patients undergoing CEA/CAS were analysed in different time frames (≤ 2 vs. 3 - 14 and ≤ 7 vs. 8 - 14 days). Expedited CEA (vs. 3 - 14 days) presented a sampled 30 day stroke rate of 1.4%; 95% CI 0.9 - 1.8 vs. 1.8%; 95% CI 1.8 - 2.0, with no statistically significant difference. Expedited CAS (vs. 3 - 14 days) was associated with no difference in stroke rate but statistically significantly higher mortality rate (OR 2.76; 95% CI 1.39 - 5.50).

CONCLUSION

At present, CEA is safer than transfemoral CAS within 2/7 days of symptom onset. Also, considering absolute rates, expedited CEA complies with the accepted thresholds in international guidelines. The ideal timing for performing CAS (when indicated against CEA) is not yet defined. Additional granular data and standard reporting of timing of intervention will facilitate future monitoring.

"Timing to carotid endarterectomy affects early and long term outcomes of symptomatic carotid stenosis."

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate early and long-term outcomes according to the timing to carotid endarterectomy (CEA) of symptomatic carotid stenosis.

METHODS

Consecutive CEAs with selective shunting for symptomatic carotid stenosis ≥50% performed between 2009 and 2020. Patients had acute neurological impairment on presentation, defined as <5 points on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS). We grouped patients according to time between index event and CEA: the first group was operated between 0-2 days, the second group between 3 and 7 days, the third group between 8 and 14 days and the last group after 15 days. Thirty-day neurological status improvement was defined as a decrease (≥1) in the 30-day NIHSS score vs. NIHSS score immediately before surgery.

RESULTS

500 CEAs were performed. The perioperative combined stroke and mortality rate was 3.6% (18/500), representing a perioperative mortality rate of .2 (n=1) and stroke rate of 3.4% (n=17). Overall freedom from stroke was 95% at 1 year, 89 % at 6 years, and 88% at 10 years. Annual stroke rate was 0.6% after the 30-day period. Thirty-day improvement in neurologic status occurred in 103 patients (20.6%), while in 380 (76%) neurologic status was unchanged, and 17 (3.4%) experienced worsening of their neurologic status. Patients treated within 7 days from the index event had significant benefit (OR=2.6) in the 30-day neurological improvement vs. those treated after 7 days from the index event. Timing to CEA <2 days increased significantly the risk of late stroke (OR=9.7).

CONCLUSIONS

The ideal timing for performing CEA is between 3 and 7 days from the index event if NIHSS <5 as it is associated with the best rates of improvement in neurological status and durability in the long term. Very early CEA (<48 hours) was associated with increased late stroke occurrence.

SOCIETY FOR VASCULAR SURGERY CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR MANAGEMENT OF EXTRACRANIAL CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASE

Management of carotid bifurcation stenosis in stroke prevention has been the subject of extensive investigations, including multiple randomized controlled trials. The proper treatment of patients with carotid bifurcation disease is of major interest to vascular surgeons and other vascular specialists. In 2011, the Society for Vascular Surgery published guidelines for treatment of carotid artery disease. At the time, several randomized trials, comparing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS), were published. Since that publication, several studies and a few systematic reviews comparing CEA and CAS have been published, and the role of medical management has been re-emphasized. The current publication updates and expands the 2011 guidelines with specific emphasis on five areas: is carotid endarterectomy recommended over maximal medical therapy in low risk patients; is carotid endarterectomy recommended over trans-femoral carotid artery stenting in low surgical risk patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis of >50%; timing of carotid Intervention in patients presenting with acute stroke; screening for carotid artery stenosis in asymptomatic patients; and optimal sequence for intervention in patients with combined carotid and coronary artery disease. A separate implementation document will address other important clinical issues in extracranial cerebrovascular disease. Recommendations are made using the GRADE (Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach, as has been done with other Society for Vascular Surgery guidelines. The committee recommends CEA as the first-line treatment for symptomatic low risk surgical patients with stenosis of 50% to 99% and asymptomatic patients with stenosis of 70% to 99%. The perioperative risk of stroke and death in asymptomatic patients must be <3% to ensure benefit for the patient. In patients with recent stable stroke (modified Rankin 0-2), carotid revascularization is considered appropriate in symptomatic patients with greater than 50% stenosis and is recommended and performed as soon as the patient is neurologically stable after 48 hours but definitely before 14 days of onset of symptoms. In the general population, screening for clinically asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis in patients without cerebrovascular symptoms or significant risk factors for carotid artery disease is not recommended. In selected asymptomatic patients who are at increased risk for carotid stenosis, we suggest screening for clinically asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis as long as the patients would potentially be fit for and willing to consider carotid intervention if significant stenosis is discovered. In patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis 50-99%, who require both CEA and CABG, we suggest CEA before or concomitant with CABG to potentially reduce the risk of stroke and stroke/death. The sequencing of the intervention depends on clinical presentation and institutional experience.

[Results of carotid endarterectomy in patients after previous stroke]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the most optimal period of surgical treatment after previous stroke.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 186 patients with significant ICA stenosis and previous unilateral stroke for the period 2008-2014 at the Pletnev Hospital (Moscow). Surgical approach was used in 136 (73.1%) patients (group I), conservative treatment at the neurological department - in 50 (26.9%) patients (group II). We analyzed neurological and cognitive status in both groups, regression of symptoms depending on the period after stroke, early and long-term postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

In early postoperative period, 7 (5.1%) cerebral ischemic events (transient ischemic attack (TIA) and stroke) occurred in the 1st group. No correlation of neurological complications and type of intervention was revealed. In long-term period, stroke occurred in 3.6% in the first group and in 14% in the second group over the same period. Surgical treatment was followed by more complete recovery of neurological functions (NIHSS score 6.2±0.5 versus 7.0±0.8; modified Rankin score 1.5±0.2 versus 2.1±0.5, p<0.05) and cognitive mechanisms (MoCA score 22.04±1.48 versus 20.04±1.48, p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting are effective for prevention of recurrent stroke. Carotid artery repair accelerates recovery of cognitive functions and regression of neurological symptoms in these patients.

Safety and Efficacy of Early Carotid Endarterectomy in Patients with Symptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis: A Meta-Analysis

DESIGN

A systematic document retrieval of studies published in the past 10 years reporting periprocedural stroke/mortality/MI after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) related to the time between CEA and qualifying neurological symptoms. The application database has "PubMed, EMbase and Cochrane databases." RevMan5.3 software provided by the Cochrane collaboration was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A systematic literature search was conducted in databases. A total of 10 articles were included in this study. They were divided into early CEA and delayed CEA with operation within 48 h, 1 w, or 2 w after onset of neurological symptoms. Incidence of the postoperative stroke in patients undergoing delayed CEA (≥48 h) was significantly higher than patients with delayed CEA (<48 h) (OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.43-3.21, P = 0.0002). The postoperative mortality of patients after delayed CEA (≥48 h) was significantly higher than patients after early CEA (<48 h) (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.06-1.71, P = 0.02). The risk of postoperative mortality of patients treated with delayed CEA (≥7 d) was significantly higher than patients after the early CEA group (<7 d) (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.21-2.32, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Early CEA is safe and effective for a part of patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis, but a comprehensive preoperative evaluation of patients with carotid stenosis must be performed.

Management and prognosis of acute extracranial internal carotid artery occlusion

Acute occlusion of the internal carotid artery is the underlying etiology in 4 to 15% of all ischemic strokes. The clinical presentation varies considerably ranging from asymptomatic occlusion to severe ischemic strokes. Substantial differences in the acute management of acute symptomatic internal carotid artery occlusions (ICAO) exists between centers. Thusly, we comprised a narrative review of the natural course of acute ICAO and of available treatment options [i.v. thrombolysis, endovascular thrombectomy and stenting, bypass between the superficial temporal and the middle cerebral arteries (MCA) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA)]. We found that very few randomized treatment trials have been performed in patients acute symptomatic ICAO. Most evidence stems from case series and observational studies. Especially in older studies the intracranial vessel status has rarely been considered. After revision of these studies we concluded that the mainstay of the acute management of acute symptomatic ICAO is i.v. thrombolysis when applied within the label and in combination with mechanical thrombectomy in case of intracranial large vessel occlusion. In cases without intracranial large vessel occlusion mechanical thrombectomy of acute ICAO is associated with a risk of distal embolization. More research on prognostic parameters is needed to better characterize the risk of decompensation of collateral flow and to better define the time-window of intervention. When mechanical thrombectomy fails or is not available, surgical approaches are an alternative in selected patients.

Effects of timing on in-hospital and one-year outcomes after transcarotid artery revascularization

OBJECTIVE

The current recommendations are to perform carotid endarterectomy within 2 weeks of symptoms for maximum long-term stroke prevention, although urgent carotid endarterectomy within 48 hours has been associated with increased perioperative stroke. With the development and rapid adoption of transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR), we decided to study the effect of timing on the outcomes after TCAR.

METHODS

The Vascular Quality Initiative database was searched for symptomatic patients who had undergone TCAR from September 2016 to November 2019. These patients were stratified by the interval to TCAR after symptom onset: urgent, within 48 hours; early, 3 to 14 days; and late, >14 days. The primary outcome was the in-hospital rate of combined stroke and death (stroke/death), evaluated using logistic regression analysis. The secondary outcome was the 1-year rate of recurrent ipsilateral stroke and mortality, evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 2608 symptomatic patients who had undergone TCAR were included. The timing was urgent for 144 patients (5.52%), early for 928 patients (35.58%), and late for 1536 patients (58.90%). Patients undergoing urgent intervention had an increased risk of in-hospital stroke/death, which was driven primarily by an increased risk of stroke. No differences were seen for in-hospital death. On adjusted analysis, urgent intervention resulted in a threefold increased risk of stroke (odds ratio [OR], 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-6.2; P = .01) and a threefold increased risk of stroke/death (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.3-6.4; P = .01) compared with late intervention. Patients undergoing early intervention had comparable risks of stroke (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.7-2.3; P = .40) and stroke/death (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.7-2.1; P = .48) compared with late intervention. On subset analysis, the type of presenting symptoms was an effect modifier. Patients presenting with stroke and those presenting with transient ischemic attack or amaurosis fugax both had an increased risk of stroke/death when undergoing urgent compared with late TCAR (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.1-6.6; P = .04; and OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.1-15.0; P = .03, respectively). However only patients presenting with transient ischemic attack or amaurosis fugax had experienced an increased risk of stroke with urgent compared with late TCAR (OR, 5.0; 95% CI, 1.4-17.5; P < .01). At 1 year of follow-up, no differences were seen in the incidence of recurrent ipsilateral stroke (urgent, 0.7%; early, 0.2%; late, 0.1%; P = .13) or postdischarge mortality (urgent, 0.7%; early, 1.6%; late, 1.8%; P = .71).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that TCAR had a reduced incidence of stroke when performed 48 hours after symptom onset. Urgent TCAR within 48 hours of the onset of stroke was associated with a threefold increased risk of in-hospital stroke/death, with no added benefit for ≤1 year after intervention. Further studies are needed on long-term outcomes of TCAR stratified by the timing of the procedure.

Evolution of surgical treatment of carotid artery stenosis: a single center observational study

Background: In 2009 and 2011 respectively ESVS and AHA/ASA guidelines recommended to operate patients with a symptomatic carotid artery stenosis within 14 days. This study aimed primarily to determine if an academic hospital has implemented these international guidelines about indication and timing of surgical treatment of carotid stenosis. Second, the influence of referral from another hospital on time from symptoms to surgery and the influence of time between neurological event and surgery on 30-day complication rate was studied. Third, the number of asymptomatic carotid artery lesions treated surgically was also evaluated in both periods.Methods: Retrospective study to compare patients with significant atherosclerotic carotid stenosis who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS) in 2005-2006 versus patients treated in 2014-2016. Demographic data, treatment characteristics, interval between symptom and surgery and 30-day outcomes were collected.Results: In 2005-2006 38.1% (59/155) of the patients were treated for symptomatic carotid artery stenosis, in 2014-2016 this increased to 66.5% (121/182) (p < .001, 95% CI: 0.179-0.383). Median time from neurological symptom to surgery in symptomatic patients decreased from 30 to 13 d (p <.001, 95% CI: 1.476-2.763). Early surgery did not increase the 30-day postoperative complications (p = .19, 95% CI: 0.987-1.003). Referral from another hospital almost doubled the time interval between symptoms and surgery in 2014-2016 (p <.001, 95% CI: 1.386-2.827).Conclusions: Since the publication of the international guidelines, patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis were preferably surgically treated within 2 weeks at an academic institution. The number of treated asymptomatic carotid stenoses was drastically reduced.

Carotid Endarterectomy Using a Flow-Reversal Technique in the Acute Period: A Novel Approach That May Reduce Intraoperative Cerebral Events

Lesion manipulation during internal carotid artery (ICA) surgical dissection is the most crucial stage of carotid endarterectomy (CEA); a friable part of the carotid plaque or a thrombus may detach from the arterial wall, leading to cerebral embolism. Proximal protection devices used in carotid artery stenting reverse the blood flow to the brain eliminating, at least after their deployment, the chance of cerebral embolism. Based on the working principle of these devices, we propose a new approach to CEA making use of a flow-reversal technique, and we report its successful application in 2 high-risk patients with a soft and friable type 4 ICA plaque: a 62-year-old male patient presenting with crescendo transient ischemic attacks and a 61-year-old male patient presenting with a major stroke. Both were operated in the acute period. Once the reverse flow has been established, the surgeon can freely manipulate the carotid and perform a fast blunt dissection without the risk that the disturbance of the arterial wall may lead to cerebral embolism. A video recording of the procedure has been made and presented with this article. Despite the various limitations, including increased clamping time, transient intolerance to reverse flow, and increased blood loss, this technique may improve clinical outcomes, especially in symptomatic patients with friable plaque. A clinical trial is warranted to further study the results of the flow-reversal CEA.

[Carotid endarterectomy in acute period of ischemic stroke]

A review is devoted to carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic carotid stenosis in acute period of ischemic stroke. Patient selection criteria, dates of surgical intervention and perioperative risk were analyzed.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Identified Brain Ischaemia in Symptomatic Patients Undergoing Carotid Endarterectomy Is Related to Histologically Apparent Intraplaque Haemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

Intraplaque haemorrhage (IPH) has been independently associated with a higher risk of future ipsilateral stroke in patients with carotid artery stenosis. Evaluation of plaque characteristics may contribute to risk assessment of recurrent (silent) cerebrovascular events in order to prioritise patients for timing of treatment. It is unknown if patients showing histologically apparent IPH also have increased risk of silent ischaemic brain lesions in the waiting period between index event and revascularisation.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed based on prospectively collected data of patients included simultaneously in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) substudy of the International Carotid Stenting Study and Athero-Express biobank. Patients randomised for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) underwent surgery between 2003 and 2008. Brain MRI was performed one to seven days prior to CEA. Plaques were histologically examined for presence of IPH. The primary outcome parameter was presence of silent ipsilateral brain ischaemia on magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging (MR-DWI) appearing hypo or isointense on apparent diffusion coefficient.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis meeting the study criteria were identified, of which 13 showed one or more recent ipsilateral DWI lesion on pre-operative scan. The median time between latest ipsilateral neurological event and revascularisation was 45 days (range 6-200) in DWI negative patients vs. 34 days (range 6-74, p = .16) in DWI positive patients. IPH was present in 24/40 (60.0%) DWI negative patients vs. 12/13 (92.3%) DWI positive patients (OR 8.00; 95% CI 0.95-67.7, p = .06). Multivariable logistic regression analysis correcting for age and type of index event revealed that IPH was independently associated with DWI lesions in the waiting period till surgery (OR 10.8; 95% CI 1.17-99.9, p = .04).

CONCLUSION

Symptomatic patients with ipsilateral carotid stenosis and silent brain ischaemia on pre-operative MR-DWI, more often showed pathological evidence of IPH compared with those without ischaemic lesions. This identifies carotid IPH as a marker for patients at risk of silent brain ischaemia and possibly for future stroke and other arterial disease complications. Such patients may be more likely to benefit from CEA than those without evidence of ipsilateral carotid IPH.

Purine nucleoside use as surrogate markers of cerebral ischaemia during local and general anaesthetic carotid endarterectomy

Objectives:

In periods of cerebral ischaemia, adenosine triphosphate is metabolised, leading to accumulation of adenosine inosine and hypoxanthine. These can be measured in real time using peripheral blood samples intraoperatively. The primary aim of this study was to describe changes in purine concentrations in a cohort of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy under general anaesthetic, and to evaluate correlation between changes in values with major perioperative steps. The secondary aim was to compare changes in concentrations with a previous cohort of patients who had undergone carotid endarterectomy under local anaesthetic.

Methods:

This was a prospective observational study. Purine concentrations were determined from arterial line samples and measured via an amperometric biosensor at specific time points during carotid endarterectomy. Mean arterial pressure was manipulated to maintain steady cerebral perfusion pressure throughout the procedure. These results were analysed against data from a cohort of patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy under local anaesthetic in previously published work.

Results:

Valid results were obtained for 37 patients. Purine concentrations at baseline were 3.02 ± 1.11 µM and 3.16 ± 1.85 µM for the unshunted and shunted cohorts, respectively. There was no significant change after 30 min of carotid clamping at 2.07 ± 0.89 and 2.4 ± 3.09 µM, respectively (both p > 0.05). Peak purine during the clamp phase in the loco-regional anaesthetic cohort was 6.70 ± 3.4 µM, which was significantly raised compared to both general anaesthetic cohorts (p = 0.004). There were no perioperative neurological events in either cohort.

Conclusion:

This small study does not demonstrate conclusive evidence that purine nucleosides can be used as a marker of cerebral ischaemia; the comparisons to the loco-regional anaesthetic data offer information about differences in the cerebral adenosine triphosphate metabolism between general anaesthetic and loco-regional anaesthetic. We hypothesise that the lack of a rise in purine nucleosides under general anaesthetic may be caused by a decrease in the cerebral metabolic rate and loss of metabolic rate-blood flow coupling caused by general anaesthetic agents.

Surgery of acute occlusion of the extracranial internal carotid artery - a meta-analysis

Acute occlusion of the extracranial internal carotid artery (eICA) is associated with poor prognosis. Surgical desobliteration has not received adequate attention in recent years. We therefore conducted a literature review and meta-analysis of surgical studies published after 2000 that treated eICA occlusion surgically in an emergency setting. The search identified 10 relevant articles that included a total of 175 patients. The outcomes analysed included rates of recanalization (93 %), early neurological improvement (66 %), modified Rankin Scale 0-2 (62 %), mortality (5 %), early reocclusion (4 %), in-hospital stroke (4 %) and symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (4 %). In conclusion, acute surgical desobliteration of eICA occlusion leads to high rates of recanalization and a majority of patients experience early neurological improvement and achieve favourable outcome. Rates of mortality, early reocclusion, in-hospital stroke and sICH are acceptable in the view of unfavourable natural history.

Timing of Carotid Endarterectomy for Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis: A Snapshot of Current Trends and Systematic Review of Literature on Changing Paradigm towards Early Surgery

Carotid revascularization has been recommended as the maximally beneficial treatment for stroke prevention in patients with recently symptomatic carotid stenosis (SCS). The appropriate timing for performing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) within the first 14 d after the occurrence of the index event remains controversial. We aim to provide a snapshot of the pertinent current literature related to the timing of CEA for patients with SCS. A systematic review of literature was conducted to study the timing of CEA for SCS. The guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) were followed. A total of 63 articles were identified as relevant to this topic. A summary of 15 articles favoring urgent CEA (within 48 h) for SCS within 48 h of index event and 9 articles not favoring urgent CEA is presented. A consensus is still to be achieved on the ideal timing of CEA for SCS within the 14-d window presently prescribed. The current literature suggests that patients who undergo urgent CEA (within 48 h) after nondisabling stroke as the index event have an increased periprocedural risk as compared to those who had transient ischemic attack (TIA) as the index event. Further prospective studies and clinical trials studying this question with separate groups classified as per the index event are required to shed more light on the subject. The current literature points to a changing paradigm towards early carotid surgery, specifically targeted within 48 h if the index event is TIA, and within 7 d if the index event is stroke.

Risk of emergent carotid endarterectomy varies by type of presenting symptoms

BACKGROUND

The timing of carotid revascularization in symptomatic patients is a matter of ongoing debate. Current evidence indicates that carotid endarterectomy (CEA) within 2 weeks of symptoms is superior to delayed treatment. However, there is little evidence on the outcomes of emergent CEA (eCEA). The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of emergency eCEA vs nonemergent CEA (non-eCEA), stratified by type of presenting symptoms.

METHODS

We analyzed the Vascular Targeted-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program dataset from 2011 to 2016. Symptomatic patients were divided into two groups: eCEA and non-eCEA. Univariable and multivariable methods were used to compare patient characteristics and to evaluate stroke, death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke/death, and stroke/death/MI within 30 days of surgery adjusting for all potential confounders. A further subgroup analysis was done to compare the outcomes of eCEA vs non-eCEA stratified by the type of presenting symptoms (amaurosis, transient ischemic attack [TIA], and stroke).

RESULTS

A total of 9271 patients were identified, of which 10.7% were eCEA vs 89.3% non-eCEA. Comparing eCEA vs non-eCEA, the two groups were similar in age (70.8 vs 70.5), female gender (36.3% vs 36.9%), diabetes (26.2% vs 28.9%), and smoking status (31.9% vs 28.7%; all P > .05). Patients undergoing eCEA were less likely to be hypertensive (76.2% vs 80.2%; P = .025), but more likely to belong to non-white race (51.5% vs 20.5%; P < .001). The eCEA patients were less likely to be on preprocedural medication vs non-eCEA (antiplatelets, 76.8% vs 89.2%; statins, 74.2% vs 79.9%; beta-blockers, 44.6% vs 50.4%; all P < .05). The 30-day outcomes comparing eCEA vs non-eCEA were: stroke, 6.2% vs 3.1%; death, 2% vs 1%; and stroke/death, 6.9% vs 3.7% (all P < .05). After risk adjustment, perioperative stroke (odds ratio [OR], 2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36-3.0), stroke/death (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.13-2.45), and stroke/death/MI (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.18-2.23) were higher after eCEA (all P < .01). When stratified by the type of presenting symptom, eCEA vs non-eCEA stroke outcomes were similar in patients who presented with stroke or amaurosis fugax. However, in the subset of patients presenting with TIA, eCEA had much worse outcomes compared with non-eCEA (stroke, 8.3% vs 2.5%; stroke/death, 8.3% vs 3.2%) and had significantly higher odds of stroke (OR, 3.12; 95% CI, 1.71-5.68) and stroke/death (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.25-4.03) in the adjusted analysis (all P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients presenting with stroke, eCEA does not seem to add significant risk compared with non-eCEA. However, patients presenting with TIA might be better served with non-emergent surgery as their risk of stroke is tripled when CEA is performed emergently.

Early Carotid Endarterectomy after Acute Stroke Yields Excellent Outcomes: An Analysis of the Procedure-Targeted ACS-NSQIP

BACKGROUND

Recurrent ischemic events have been associated with delayed carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for patients who present with acute strokes. As such, earlier intervention has been advocated to preserve cerebral function and expedient rehabilitation. We sought to determine the differences in 30-day postoperative major adverse clinical events (MACEs) for patients who undergo early (≤7 days) and delayed (>7 days) CEA after acute stroke.

METHODS

Our sample consisted of patients captured in the CEA-targeted American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data set between 2011 and 2015. The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative MACEs (death, stroke, or myocardial infarction [MI]). Differences in postoperative MACEs were determined between early and delayed CEA treatment. In addition, multivariable analyses were done to determine the association between various patient factors and postoperative complications after CEA for patients who presented with acute strokes.

RESULTS

A total of 3,427 patients were identified who underwent CEA for acute stroke in the CEA-targeted files between 2011 and 2015. Overall, perioperative rates of 30-day death, stroke, or MI were 1.30% (n = 43), 2.74% (n = 94), and 0.96% (n = 33), respectively. There were no differences in 30-day postoperative death, stroke, or MI for early or delayed CEA after acute strokes. On multivariable analysis, independent predictors for postoperative MACEs in patients with acute stroke were age ≥80 years (OR 2.41; 95% CI [1.15-5.06]), preoperative beta-blocker use (OR 2.11; 95% CI [1.13-3.93]), and operative time > 150 min (OR 2.39; 95% CI [0.82-4.98]).

CONCLUSIONS

There are no differences in postoperative 30-day death, stroke, or MI in early and delayed CEA after an acute stroke. These results substantiate the recommendation for early (<7 days) CEA after acute strokes.

Safety of Early Carotid Artery Stenting for Symptomatic Stenosis in Daily Practice

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND

In 2006, the American Heart Association recommended that for preference carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or, alternatively, carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) for symptomatic carotid artery stenosis should ideally occur within 14 days of an ischaemic event. The aim was to determine the safety of CAS according to those recommendations in daily practice.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed of all consecutive patients (2000-16), with ipsilateral carotid symptoms who underwent CAS for extracranial carotid stenosis ≥70%, who were previously included in a prospective database. Thirty day morbidity was assessed (any stroke without transient ischaemic attack [TIA]/amaurosis fugax), along with mortality of the procedure in the early (≤14 days after stroke onset) and delayed phases (15-180 days after stroke onset). Patients who received CAS and/or mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke treatment were not included.

RESULTS

In total, 1227 patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis who underwent CAS were identified. Early and delayed CAS was performed in 291 and 936 patients, respectively. Morbidity (any stroke) and mortality was 2.2% (n = 27) in the whole cohort (n = 8 [2.7%] in early vs. n = 19 [2%] in delayed CAS; p = .47). There were no differences in morbidity between early and delayed CAS regarding TIA (n = 15 vs. 36 [5.2% vs. 3.9%]; p = .33), minor stroke (n = 4 vs. 5 [1.4% vs. 0.5%]; p = .14), or major stroke (n = 2 vs. 6 [0.7% vs. 0.6%]; p = .59). Two patients (0.7%) died after early CAS and eight (0.9%) after delayed CAS (p = .56).

CONCLUSION

CAS may be safely performed in the early phase after an ischaemic stroke with low clinical complication rates. Further studies are needed to validate CAS safety conducted even earlier in the acute phase of ischaemic stroke.

Emergent treatment of carotid stenosis: an evidence-based systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Stroke is one of the major causes of death in the world, but above all is the condition most associated with severe long-term disabilities. It is clear that this condition therefore requires the best therapeutic approach possible to minimize the consequences that this can lead to. The major issues concern the type of treatment to be used for revascularization (carotid endarterectomy [CEA] or stenting of the carotid artery [CAS]) and the timing of the treatment itself. Many studies have been conducted on this issue, but a definitive and unanimous verdict has not yet been reached on account of the great variety of results obtained from the various study group. The aim of this review is to analyze the latest scientific findings focused on revascularization following a symptomatic carotid stenosis (SCS).

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We searched all publications addressing treatments and timing of approach to SCS. Randomized trials, cohort studies and reviews were contemplated in order to give a breadth of clinical data. Medline and Science Direct were searched from January 2013 to April 2017.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Of the 819 records found, 76 matched our inclusion criteria. After reading the full-text articles, we decided to exclude 54 manuscripts because of the following reasons: 1) no innovative or important content; 2) insufficient data; 3) no clear potential biases or strategies to solve them; 4) no clear endpoints; and 5) inconsistent or arbitrary conclusions. The final set included 22 articles.

CONCLUSIONS

CEA is considered a less problematic method than CAS, especially for patients over the age of 75; CAS remains recommended in patients with a favorable anatomy or high surgical risks. Studies that showed more solid results seem to lead to the conclusion that optimal timing may be between 2 days and the end of the first week from the onset of symptoms in patients who are appropriate candidates for surgery.

Editor's Choice - Very Urgent Carotid Endarterectomy is Associated with an Increased Procedural Risk: The Carotid Alarm Study

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND

The aim of the Carotid Alarm Study was to compare the procedural risk of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) performed within 48 hours with that after 48 hours to 14 days following an ipsilateral cerebrovascular ischaemic event.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis undergoing CEA were prospectively recruited. Time to surgery was calculated as time from the most recent ischaemic event preceding surgery. A neurologist examined patients before and, after CEA. The primary endpoint was the composite endpoint of death and/or any stroke within 30 days of the surgical procedure. The study was designed to include 600 patients, with 150 operated on within 48 hours.

RESULTS

From October 2010 to December 2015, 418 patients were included, of whom 75 were operated within 48 hours of an ischaemic event. The study was prematurely terminated owing to the slow recruitment rate in the group operated on within 48 hours. Patients undergoing CEA within 48 hours had a higher risk of reaching the primary endpoint than those operated on later (8.0% vs. 2.9%). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that CEA performed within 48 h (odds ratio [OR] 3.07; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-9.09), CEA performed out of office hours (OR 3.65; 95% CI 1.14-11.67), and use of shunt (OR 4.02; 95% CI 1.36-11.93) were all independently associated with an increased risk of reaching the primary endpoint.

CONCLUSION

CEA performed within 48 hours was associated with a higher risk of complications compared with surgery performed 48 hours-14 days after the most recent ischaemic event.

Early Endarterectomy Carries a Lower Procedural Risk Than Early Stenting in Patients With Symptomatic Stenosis of the Internal Carotid Artery

Background and Purpose—

Patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for symptomatic stenosis of the internal carotid artery benefit from early intervention. Heterogeneous data are available on the influence of timing of carotid artery stenting (CAS) on procedural risk.

Methods—

We investigated the association between timing of treatment (0–7 days and >7 days after the qualifying neurological event) and the 30-day risk of stroke or death after CAS or CEA in a pooled analysis of individual patient data from 4 randomized trials by the Carotid Stenosis Trialists’ Collaboration. Analyses were done per protocol. To obtain combined estimates, logistic mixed models were applied.

Results—

Among a total of 4138 patients, a minority received their allocated treatment within 7 days after symptom onset (14% CAS versus 11% CEA). Among patients treated within 1 week of symptoms, those treated by CAS had a higher risk of stroke or death compared with those treated with CEA: 8.3% versus 1.3%, risk ratio, 6.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.1 to 21.9 (adjusted for age at treatment, sex, and type of qualifying event). For interventions after 1 week, CAS was also more hazardous than CEA: 7.1% versus 3.6%, adjusted risk ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.5 to 2.7 ( P value for interaction with time interval 0.06).

Conclusions—

In randomized trials comparing stenting with CEA for symptomatic carotid artery stenosis, CAS was associated with a substantially higher periprocedural risk during the first 7 days after the onset of symptoms. Early surgery is safer than stenting for preventing future stroke.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT00190398; URL: http://www.controlled-trials.com . Unique identifier: ISRCTN57874028; Unique identifier: ISRCTN25337470; URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT00004732.

Safety of Early Carotid Endarterectomy after Intravenous Thrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND

The timing of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is still a controversial issue. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of early carotid interventions in patients treated with thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed using prospectively collected data from consecutive patients who underwent CEA for symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis within 14 days after the index neurological event during the period from January 2013 to July 2016. Patients who had undergone IVT before CEA were identified. The primary outcome measures were any stroke and death rate at 30 days, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and surgical site bleeding requiring intervention.

RESULTS

A total of 93 patients were included for the final analysis. Among these, 13 (14.0%) patients had undergone IVT before CEA while 80 (86.0%) patients had CEA only. The median time interval between IVT and CEA was 2 days (range: 0-13). A subgroup of 6 patients underwent CEA within 24 hours of administration of IVT. The 30-day combined stroke and death rate was 7.7% (1 of 13) among patients undergoing IVT before CEA and 5.0% (4 of 80) among those undergoing CEA only (P = 0.690). In the IVT group, there were no cerebral hemorrhages or significant surgical site bleeding events requiring reintervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience indicates that CEA performed early after IVT for acute ischemic stroke, aiming not only to reduce the risk of stroke recurrence but also to achieve neurological improvement by reperfusion of the ischemic penumbra, may be safe and can lead to favorable outcomes.

A short time interval between the neurologic index event and carotid endarterectomy is not a risk factor for carotid surgery

OBJECTIVE

Current guidelines recommend that carotid endarterectomy (CEA) be performed as early as possible after the neurologic index event in patients with 50% to 99% carotid artery stenosis. However, recent registry data showed that patients treated ≤48 hours had a significantly increased perioperative risk. Therefore, the aim of this single-center study was to determine the effect of the time interval between the neurologic index event and CEA on the periprocedural complication rate at our institution.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data for 401 CEAs performed between 2004 and 2014 for symptomatic carotid stenosis were analyzed. Patients were divided into four groups according to the interval between the last neurologic event and surgery: group I, 0 to 2 days; group II, 3 to 7 days; group III, 8 to 14 days; and group IV, 15 to 180 days. The primary end point was the combined rate of in-hospital stroke or mortality. Data were analyzed by way of χ² tests and multivariable regression analysis.

RESULTS

The patients (68% men) had a median age of 70 years (interquartile range, 63-76 years). The index events included transient ischemic attack in 43.4%, amaurosis fugax in 25.4%, and an ipsilateral stroke in 31.2%. CEA was performed using the eversion technique in 61.1% of patients, and 50.1% were treated under locoregional anesthesia. The perioperative combined stroke and mortality rate was 2.5% (10 of 401), representing a perioperative mortality rate of 1.0% and stroke rate of 1.5%. Overall, myocardial infarction, cranial nerve injuries, and postoperative bleeding occurred in 0.7%, 2.2%, and 1.7%, respectively. We detected no significant differences for the combined stroke and mortality rate by time interval: 3% in group I, 3% in group II, 2% in group III, and 2% in group IV. Multivariable regression analysis showed no significant effect of the time interval on the primary end point.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined mortality and stroke rate was 2.5% and did not differ significantly between the four different time interval groups. CEA was safe in our cohort, even when performed as soon as possible after the index event.

Short Time Interval Between Neurologic Event and Carotid Surgery Is Not Associated With an Increased Procedural Risk

Background and Purpose—

Guidelines recommend that carotid endarterectomy should be performed within 2 weeks in patients with a symptomatic carotid stenosis. Because a Swedish register study indicated that patients treated within the first days after a stroke or transient ischemic attack might have an increased perioperative stroke and mortality risk, this study aimed to find out whether these findings are also true under everyday conditions in Germany.

Methods—

Secondary data analysis including 56 336 elective carotid endarterectomy procedures performed for symptomatic carotid stenosis under everyday conditions between 2009 and 2014. The patient cohort was divided into 4 groups according to time interval between index event and surgery (I: 0–2, II: 3–7, III: 8–14, and IV: 14–180 days). Primary outcome was any in-hospital stroke or death. For risk-adjusted analyses, a multilevel multivariable regression model was used.

Results—

Mean patients’ age was 71.1±9.6 years; 67.5% were men. Overall rate of any stroke or death was 2.5% (n=1434). Risk of any in-hospital stroke or death was 3.0% in group I, 2.5% in group II, 2.6% in group III, and 2.3% in group IV. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that the time interval was not significantly associated with the primary outcome.

Conclusions—

The time interval between the index event and carotid endarterectomy was not associated with the risk of any in-hospital stroke or death in patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis in Germany. In clinically stable patients, carotid endarterectomy might, therefore, be performed safely as soon as possible after the neurological index event.

Immediate versus delayed treatment for recently symptomatic carotid artery stenosis

BACKGROUND

The timing of surgery for recently symptomatic carotid artery stenosis remains controversial. Early cerebral revascularization may prevent a disabling or fatal ischemic recurrence, but it may also increase the risk of hemorrhagic transformation, or of dislodging a thrombus. This review examined the randomized controlled evidence that addressed whether the increased risk of recurrent events outweighed the increased benefit of an earlier intervention.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the risks and benefits of performing very early cerebral revascularization (within two days) compared with delayed treatment (after two days) for people with recently symptomatic carotid artery stenosis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register in January 2016, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; The Cochrane Library 2016, Issue 1), MEDLINE (1948 to 26 January 2016), EMBASE (1974 to 26 January 2016), LILACS (1982 to 26 January 2016), and trial registers (from inception to 26 January 2016). We also handsearched conference proceedings and journals, and searched reference lists. There were no language restrictions. We contacted colleagues and pharmaceutical companies to identify further studies and unpublished trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All completed, truly randomized trials (RCT) that compared very early cerebral revascularization (within two days) with delayed treatment (after two days) for people with recently symptomatic carotid artery stenosis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We independently selected trials for inclusion according to the above criteria, assessed risk of bias for each trial, and performed data extraction. We utilized an intention-to-treat analysis strategy.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified one RCT that involved 40 participants, and addressed the timing of surgery for people with recently symptomatic carotid artery stenosis. It compared very early surgery with surgery performed after 14 days of the last symptomatic event. The overall quality of the evidence was very low, due to the small number of participants from only one trial, and missing outcome data. We found no statistically significant difference between the effects of very early or delayed surgery in reducing the combined risk of stroke and death within 30 days of surgery (risk ratio (RR) 3.32; confidence interval (CI) 0.38 to 29.23; very low-quality evidence), or the combined risk of perioperative death and stroke (RR 0.47; CI 0.14 to 1.58; very low-quality evidence). To date, no results are available to confirm the optimal timing for surgery.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is currently no high-quality evidence available to support either very early or delayed cerebral revascularization after a recent ischemic stroke. Hence, further randomized trials to identify which patients should undergo very urgent revascularization are needed. Future studies should stratify participants by age group, sex, grade of ischemia, and degree of stenosis. Currently, there is one ongoing RCT that is examining the timing of cerebral revascularization.

Time is brain: an update

The '6-month' threshold for treating symptomatic patients is obsolete. There is compelling evidence that the highest-risk period for stroke (after suffering a transient ischemic attack) is the first 2 weeks, especially the first few days, and that carotid endarterectomy (CEA) confers maximal benefit when performed early. Despite well-documented anxieties, there is increasing evidence that CEA can be performed safely within the first 7 days after onset of symptoms, although risks may be higher when performed within 48 h. The role for carotid artery stenting in the hyperacute period remains uncertain. Centers performing carotid artery stenting within 14 days of symptom onset with risks equivalent to CEA should be encouraged to continue and help others to achieve similar outcomes. For the majority, however, CEA will probably remain the safer option. 'Best medical therapy' and risk factor modification should be started as soon as a transient ischemic attack is suspected, while the early introduction of dual antiplatelet therapy may reduce recurrent events prior to CEA, without increasing perioperative bleeding complications.

Effects of Sarpogrelate Combined with Aspirin in Patients Undergoing Carotid Endarterectomy in China: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing carotid artery stenosis who are prescribed aspirin, clopidogrel, or sarpogrelate as treatment options to inhibit platelet aggregation continues to increase. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of clopidogrel combined with aspirin (CA) versus sarpogrelate combined with aspirin (SA) treatment in carotid endarterectomy (CEA) patients.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 197 CEA patients (mean age 61.4 years, mean follow-up time 42.5 months), who were divided into a CA group (Group A: 65 male and 44 female patients) and an SA group (Group B: 58 male and 30 female patients). Preoperative demographic and clinical characteristics and postoperative results were compared between the 2 groups and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Preoperative demographic and clinical characteristics, transfusions, hospital stay, occurrence of transient ischemic attack, stroke, myocardial infarction, restenosis, general or life-threatening bleeding, and 30-day mortality showed no significant differences between the 2 CEA patient groups. However, the mean operative blood loss (P = 0.023) and the operative time (P = 0.040) were significantly higher in Group A compared with Group B. A highly significant incidence of neck hematoma (P = 0.024) was observed in patients of Group A.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study on CEA patients, antiplatelet treatment with CA resulted in a significant risk of developing neck hematoma, increased operative blood loss, and operative time compared with SA treatment. Long-term prospective studies with larger study populations are needed to further confirm the utility of SA treatment for CEA patients.

Summary of Evidence on Early Carotid Intervention for Recently Symptomatic Stenosis Based on Meta-Analysis of Current Risks

Background and Purpose—

This study aimed to assess the evidence on the periprocedural (<30 days) risks of carotid intervention in relation to timing of procedure in patients with recently symptomatic carotid stenosis.

Methods—

A systematic literature review of studies published in the past 8 years reporting periprocedural stroke/death after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid stenting (CAS) related to the time between qualifying neurological symptoms and intervention was performed. Pooled estimates of periprocedural risk for patients treated within 0 to 48 hours, 0 to 7 days, and 0 to 15 days were derived with proportional meta-analyses and reported separately for patients with stroke and transient ischemic attack as index events.

Results—

Of 47 studies included, 35 were on CEA, 7 on CAS, and 5 included both procedures. The pooled risk of periprocedural stroke was 3.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.6–4.3) after CEA and 4.8% (95% CI, 2.5–7.8) after CAS performed <15 days; stroke/death rates were 3.8% and 6.9% after CEA and CAS, respectively. Pooled periprocedural stroke risk was 3.3% (95% CI, 2.1–4.6) after CEA and 4.8% (95% CI, 2.5–7.8) after CAS when performed within 0 to 7 days. In hyperacute surgery (<48 hours), periprocedural stroke risk after CEA was 5.3% (95% CI, 2.8–8.4) but with relevant risk differences among patients treated after transient ischemic attack (2.7%; 95% CI, 0.5–6.9) or stroke (8.0%; 95% CI, 4.6–12.2) as index.

Conclusions—

CEA within 15 days from stroke/transient ischemic attack can be performed with periprocedural stroke risk <3.5%. CAS within the same period may carry a stroke risk of 4.8%. Similar periprocedural risks occur after CEA and CAS performed earlier, within 0 to 7 days. Carotid revascularization can be safely performed within the first week (0–7 days) after symptom onset.

Debate: Whether carotid endarterectomy is safer than stenting in the hyperacute period after onset of symptoms

The carotid artery has been a regular battleground for debates regarding many issues, including appropriate management of symptomatic and asymptomatic lesions, the conduct, timing, and safety of such interventions, and now, whether endarterectomy or stenting is safer in the hyperacute period. Our discussants agree that, as a prophylactic procedure, a carotid intervention should occur early after index symptoms to prevent as many strokes as possible. However, which intervention is best?

Thirty-day outcome of delayed versus early management of symptomatic carotid stenosis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of early (<15 days) versus delayed carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in symptomatic patients.

METHODS

All CEA procedures performed for symptomatic carotid stenosis between January 2006 and May 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative mortality (within 30 days), stroke, and myocardial infarction (MI) rates were analyzed in the early and delayed CEA groups.

RESULTS

During the study period, 149 patients were included. Carotid revascularization was performed within 15 days after symptom onset in 62 (41.6%) patients and longer than 15 days after symptom onset in 87 (58.4%) patients. The mean time lapse between onset of neurological symptoms and surgery was 9.3 days (range 1-15) in the early surgery group and 47.9 days (range 16-157) in the delayed surgery group. Thirty-day combined stroke and death rates were, respectively, 1.7% and 3.5% in the early and the delayed surgery groups. Thirty-day combined stroke, death, and MI rates were, respectively, 1.7% and 5.9% in the early and the delayed surgery groups.

CONCLUSION

During the study period, the reduction of the symptom-to-knife time in application to the carotid revascularization guidelines did not impact our outcomes suggesting that early CEA achieves 30-day mortality and morbidity rates at least equivalent to those of delayed CEA.

Very urgent carotid endarterectomy does not increase the procedural risk

OBJECTIVES

The timing of CEA for symptomatic internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis remains a matter of controversy. Recent registry data showed a significantly increased risk, especially in the very early days after the onset of symptoms. In this study the outcome of CEA in the hyperacute phase has been investigated.

METHODS

The outcome of CEA for symptomatic ICA stenosis between January 2004 and December 2013 has been retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into four timing groups: surgery within 0 and 2 days, between 3 and 7 days, 8 and 14 days, and thereafter. The post-operative 30 day stroke and death rates were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 761 symptomatic patients (40.1% with transient ischemic attack [TIA], 21.3% with amaurosis fugax, and 38.6% with ischemic stroke) were included, with an overall peri-operative stroke and death rate of 3.3%. A stroke and death rate of 4.4% (9/206) for surgery within 0 and 2 days, 1.8% (4/219) between 3 and 7 days, 4.4% (6/136) between 8 and 14 days, and 2.5% (5/200) in the period thereafter (p = .25 for the difference between the groups) was observed. The timing of surgery did not influence the peri-operative outcome in a multivariate regression analysis (OR 0.93 [0.63-1.36], p = .71).

CONCLUSIONS

These data show that very urgent surgery in symptomatic patients can be performed without increased procedural risk. Given the fact that ruptured plaques with neurological symptoms carry the highest risk of a recurrent ischemic event in the first 2 days, treating patients as soon as possible to offer the highest benefit in stroke prevention is recommended.