A new research revealed that surgery is safer and more effective than balloon angioplasty for preventing strokes. A research group is making observations and noticing worse outcomes in patients who have balloon angioplasty to clear the clogged neck arteries supplying oxygen-rich blood to the brain.

The new findings can lead to a major change in the clinical practice in the U. S. Where balloon angioplasty is performed much more than surgery to open blocked arteries. Although both these procedures have their own risks but it is yet not clear as to which one has fewer adverse effects.

A stroke is caused by the narrowing of the carotid artery because of the buildup of fatty plaque. This plaque is either removed surgically or by opening the narrowed artery with a tiny inflated balloon threaded up to the neck through a narrow catheter inserted into a groin artery.

Researchers followed 251 patients who underwent surgery and another 253 who had angioplasty for eleven years. It was found after eight years that angioplasty patients suffered more strokes than surgery patients, although it wasn't a significant difference.

In another research, ultrasound imaging was done to look for plaque buildup in the carotid arteries of 213 patients and it was found after five years that angioplasty patients had three times more severe artery blockage.

Lead investigator Martin M. Brown, MD, says “The trials make it clear that surgery is the best option, but it is important to understand that the difference is not that great, patients who can’t have surgery or don’t want it are still likely to do well.”