Prevention of ischemic stroke: The role of carotid endarterectomy in symptomatic patients

Carotid endarterectomy (CE) has recently been proved to be beneficial in symptomatic patients with severe (70–99%) appropriate carotid stenosis. After discussing the historical evolution of CE as a possible preventive treatment of ischemic stroke, we review the results of North American and European trials in order to give practical information for the management of cerebrovascular patients.