Medicare Nixes Expanded Coverage of Carotid Stents

However, in comments to CMS, the American College of Cardiology and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions supported efforts to expand carotid artery stenting to asymptomatic patients at high risk for CEA.

Expanded coverage was requested in March 2006 by Abbott Laboratories, which manufactures two carotid artery stent products, based on new evidence, including four Abbott-sponsored studies.

“This is a disappointing decision for carotid artery disease patients who are at high risk for surgery and who don't have symptoms of stroke,” the company said in a statement. “However, these patients will still have access to carotid artery stenting as a treatment option if they are enrolled in FDA-approved postmarketing clinical trials.”