摘要
Stroke is one of the most common causes of permanent disability in industrialized countries and become increasingly prevalent in developing countries. Management of stroke consumes $45 billion annually, and is responsible for greater than one million hospital admissions each year in the U.S. Neurologic sequelae related to cerebral vascular accidents （CVA） severely limit a patient＇s ability to carry out activities of daily living and invariably create an enormous burden on health care costs. As a result, the prevention of CVA with safe treatment of extra-cranial carotid occlusive disease remains an important health care goal.
Stroke is one of the most common causes of permanent disability in industrialized countries and become increasingly prevalent in developing countries. Management of stroke consumes $45 billion annually, and is responsible for greater than one million hospital admissions each year in the U.S. Neurologic sequelae related to cerebral vascular accidents （CVA） severely limit a patient＇s ability to carry out activities of daily living and invariably create an enormous burden on health care costs. As a result, the prevention of CVA with safe treatment of extra-cranial carotid occlusive disease remains an important health care goal.
