Carotid endarterectomy benefits many pts with symptomatic severe (>70%) carotid stenosis; the relative risk reduction is ~65%. However, if the perioperative stroke rate is >6% for any surgeon, the benefit is questionable. Endovascular stenting is an emerging option; there remains controversy as to who should receive a stent or undergo endarterectomy. Surgical results in pts with asymptomatic carotid stenosis are less robust, and medical therapy for reduction of atherosclerosis risk factors plus antiplatelet medications is generally recommended in this group.