Jupiter Medical Centers (JMC) Vascular and Vein Institute is participating in two carotid stenting studies offering asymptomatic (do not have symptoms) patients considered to be at high risk for stroke an opportunity to receive the minimally invasive carotid stenting treatment procedure. Typically, outside of the realm of the clinical trials, patients must have symptoms in order to be eligible for this procedure according to Medicare guidelines.
Depending on which trial is most suitable for the patient as determined by the physician, the carotid artery stenting procedure performed involves the use of the Abbott Xact® Rapid Exchange Carotid Stent and Emboshield® BareWire Rapid Exchange Embolic Protection System or the Cordis Carotid System, for the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease (CAD). “We are pleased to be able to offer this breakthrough treatment for asymptomatic patients,” said Lee A. Fox, M.D., Board Certified, Interventional Radiologist, Medical Director of JMCs Vascular and Vein Institute and Principal Investigator of the clinical trials. “There are many patients with conditions that make them high risk candidates for surgery. These patients need a safe, effective alternative to surgical treatment, and the carotid stent procedure enables us to offer them that option.” Previously, only patients with a critical narrowing of the arteries as indicated under Medicare guidelines combined with symptoms such as slurred speech, sudden numbness on one side of the body, dizziness, etc., were eligible to receive the treatment. Now, as part of these clinical trials approved by the Medical Centers Institutional Review Board (IRB), patients who have a critical narrowing of the arteries and are without symptoms, are also eligible for this treatment. Additionally, participants in the clinical trials become part of a registry of patients who are then followed up periodically and methodically over time to determine if the change to the standard treatment protocol is valuable for patients.