Trial Offers Patients Hope for Stroke-Free Future

Stenting found to further reduce stroke risk when added to intensive medical management.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Researchers at the University of Utah Health conducted a multinational clinical trial that found adding stenting to intensive medical management can significantly lower the risk of stroke in patients with severe narrowing of the carotid arteries. The trial results are already being implemented to improve stroke prevention care at the university and worldwide.

Why it matters

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in America, and patients with severe narrowing of the carotid arteries are at high risk. While medical management and surgical interventions have both been effective in reducing stroke risk, it was unclear which approach was best. This trial provides evidence that adding stenting to intensive medical care can provide an even greater reduction in stroke risk for these high-risk patients.

The details

The CREST-2 clinical trial involved over 2,400 patients at the University of Utah Health and around the world. All patients received the highest standard of medical care, including medications to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as lifestyle coaching. Patients were then randomly assigned to either continue this intensive medical management or receive stenting in addition to the medical care. The results showed that adding stenting reduced the risk of first-ever stroke within four years from 6% to just under 3%, a significant improvement.

  • The CREST-2 clinical trial results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in February 2026.

The players

University of Utah Health

A leading academic medical center that conducted the CREST-2 clinical trial and is implementing the findings to improve stroke prevention care.

Ramesh Grandhi, MD

A neurosurgeon at the University of Utah Health and the clinical site co-investigator for the CREST-2 stenting trial.

Jennifer Majersik, MD

A researcher at the University of Utah Health involved in the CREST-2 trial.

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What they’re saying

“The trial was truly instrumental in paving the way for evidence-based guidance. This basically changes history and changes what's considered standard of care.”

— Ramesh Grandhi, MD, Neurosurgeon, University of Utah Health (Mirage News)

“I think we were all really surprised with the results, as we've been practicing under the paradigm that the newest medical management was the best way to prevent stroke in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis. But now we have a new tool to prevent what is often a terrible disease.”

— Jennifer Majersik, MD, Researcher, University of Utah Health (Mirage News)

What’s next

The researchers at the University of Utah Health are actively working to create and improve pathways for patients with severe carotid artery narrowing to more easily receive stenting in addition to intensive medical management, the treatment approach shown to provide the greatest reduction in stroke risk.

The takeaway

This landmark clinical trial demonstrates that adding stenting to the highest standard of medical care can significantly reduce the risk of stroke in high-risk patients, providing a new evidence-based approach to stroke prevention that is already being implemented at the University of Utah Health and will likely become the new standard of care worldwide.