UCSF Offers New Technology to Improve Safety of Carotid Artery Stenting

UCSF vascular surgeons have introduced a new  "flow reversal" system designed to improve the safety of carotid artery stenting procedures. The FDA approved the first flow reversal system for clinical use earlier this month based upon the results of a recently completed clinical trial.  Flow reversal systems temporarily redirect blood flow away from the brain during carotid artery stent placement to reduce the risk of embolic stroke.  Flow reversal is achieved by selectively occluding the carotid artery proximal to the carotid artery narrowing and establishing an arteriovenous shunt.