Implanting carotid artery-widening stents can prevent a stroke as safely and successfully as performing surgery, according to the initial findings of a landmark study launched in New Jersey and released today.

With the average patient in the study 69 years old, "These patients have many good years ahead of them," said Thomas Brott, director for research at the Mayor Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla. and the study's lead investigator. "People have some very good options for stroke prevention that we hope will not only extend the length but the quality of their lives."

NJ.com, by Susan Livio 2/26/2010

Tags: Cardiology, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Stents, strokes, Thomas Brott