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Timing of neck artery surgery after stroke warning signs

Plain-English translation of NCT06767657 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated March 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing the best timing for carotid endarterectomy—a surgery that removes fatty buildup from a narrowed artery in your neck—after you have a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA, a temporary stroke-like warning sign). The study compares having this surgery within 72 hours of your symptoms versus waiting 4 to 14 days. Researchers believe that operating very quickly may lower your risk of having another stroke.

After a stroke or TIA, the risk of having another, more serious stroke is highest in the first few days. While guidelines recommend surgery within 15 days, no one has yet proven whether doing it right away (within 3 days) is safer and more effective than waiting a few more days.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have experienced a TIA or minor stroke in the past 24 hours affecting one side of your body
you have significant narrowing (50% or greater) of the carotid artery on the same side as your symptoms
you are between 45 and 90 years old
you are awake and your neurological symptoms are stable
you are able to return for follow-up visits over the next 90 days
you are willing and able to give informed consent to participate

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had a major stroke (more severe than a minor one) or your carotid artery is torn or completely blocked
you have evidence of brain bleeding or large areas of brain damage on imaging
you are confused, unresponsive, or your neurological condition is unstable
you have serious heart disease, cancer with a poor outlook, or other severe medical conditions
you have already had surgery or a stent placed in this carotid artery

What participation looks like

You will be randomly assigned to receive carotid endarterectomy surgery either within 72 hours of your stroke symptoms or between 4 and 14 days after your symptoms. The surgery itself is standard—your doctor will remove the fatty plaque blocking your artery—the only difference is when you have it. You will be checked regularly and followed for 90 days after your initial symptom to monitor for any additional strokes or complications.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 4, 2026 · Not medical advice

Timing of neck artery surgery after stroke warning signs

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations