CREST-2 Study for Asympotmatic Cartoid Stenosis

Study Purpose

This study is designed to compare the incidence of stroke or death between subjects that receive medical management alone and those that receive medical management in combination with Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) or Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS). These procedures are performed to treat carotid artery stenosis (narrowing). This is caused by a thickened area called a plaque. Carotid arteries are the main arteries that feed the brain, and narrowing increases the risk of having a stroke. During CEA, the plaque is removed through a surgical cut in the neck. During CAS, a metal device called a stent is placed in the artery to keep it open. The intensive medical management includes treatments for lifestyle factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking cessation.