What treatment option is considered non-invasive for carotid strokes?

Stenting is a non-invasive treatment option for carotid strokes, particularly in cases where the goal is to restore blood flow to the brain while minimizing the need for open surgical procedures. This technique involves the placement of a stent within the carotid artery to keep it open after it has been narrowed by plaque buildup. The procedure is usually performed through a small access site, often in the femoral artery, using catheters and imaging guidance, which allows it to be done without making large surgical incisions.

In contrast, endarterectomy and embolectomy are more invasive surgical procedures that involve directly accessing the artery, which generally requires larger incisions and carries greater risks associated with surgical recovery. Thrombectomy, while minimally invasive compared to traditional open surgery, still involves navigating catheters to remove clots from blood vessels, which is more invasive than stenting and is typically performed in acute settings.

Overall, stenting is recognized for its ability to provide effective treatment for carotid artery disease while maintaining a less invasive profile compared to other intervention options.