Carotid surgery today: An update after 14,000 carotid endarterectomy procedures

Overviewing the last 20 years, we stepped forward in understanding, diagnosing and treating carotid arteries disease. More sophisticated preoperative imaging, improved surgical skills, development of new stent materials and techniques and new medication therapy led to better outcome following carotid arteries treatment. Yet, there is a long way to go in order to reduce incidence of peri- and postoperative adverse effects, especially in high risk patients and the elderly population. The saga continues.