Background: Stroke is one of the most feared
complications of surgery, significantly contributing
to patients’ disability, mortality and overall
costs. An important factor contributing to
perioperative stroke incidence is atherosclerotic
disease of the extracranial cerebral arteries, major
part of which is attributed to carotid disease.
Carotid disease is synonymous to advanced atherosclerosis
of the carotid bifurcation with consequent
stenosis or occlusion of the extracranial
portion of the internal carotid artery. The latest
clinical trials show that this is a complex issue
with many controversies. Addressing this issue
requires an interdisciplinary approach, which
should be tailored to patients’ risk factors and
the planned surgical procedure.