Carotid procedures test about equally

Study finds similar stroke risks after surgery or stents

SAN ANTONIO — Two techniques for opening neck arteries, one surgical and one using a catheter, offer similar long-term effectiveness in preventing strokes and heart attacks, a large trial showed. But researchers reported February 26 at the International Stroke Meeting that slightly different risks show up for the two procedures in the first month after getting a procedure and in people over age 70.