High risk criteria
| Criterion | No (%) of patients |
| Severe emphysema | 28 (12) |
| CHF class III/IV or EF <30% | 15 (7) |
| Coronary high risk (MI <6 weeks, unstable angina, known 3 vessel CAD) | 15 (7) |
| Contralateral occlusion | 15 (7) |
| Radiation | 9 (4) |
| Neck dissection/tracheostomy | 12 (5) |
| High or low (intrathoracic) lesions | 15 (7) |
| Cervical immobility | 5 (2) |
| Prior CEA | 20 (9) |
| Severe bilateral carotid stenosis | 29 (13) |
| Age >75 years | 63 (28) |
| Age >80 years | 29 (13) |
CAD, coronary artery disease; CEA, carotid endarterectomy; CHF, congestive heart failure; EF, ejection fraction; MI, myocardial infarction.