Micro-mesh technology in routine CAS: the final piece of the puzzle?

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is undergoing a new “Renaissance”. Increased operator experience together with advances in technology have provided enough answers to the known controversies traditionally associated with CAS, with a definite improvement in clinical outcomes observed in the latest trials1. The reasons for this deserve an adequate critical appraisal.

It is a fact that carotid angioplasties are emboli-generating procedures. Cerebral embolisation is the main explanation for the post-procedural cerebral events observed after CAS2, with large-burden, friable, thrombotic and ulcerated plaques being associated with a higher risk of embolisation3,4. The use of neuroprotection devices has significantly reduced the ...