[New possibilities of antithrombotic therapy improving prognosis in patients with stenosing atherosclerosis of carotid arteries].

The purpose of the COMPASS (Cardiovascular Outcomes for People Using Anticoagulation Strategies) trial was to evaluate a regimen of a two-way impact on thrombus formation in patients presenting with ischaemic heart disease and peripheral artery diseases. The study included a total of 1,919 patients with stenosis of carotid arteries and 1,032 patients with a history of stroke. Many patients with disease of peripheral arteries (including carotid arteries) enrolled into the COMPASS trial appeared to have additional risk factors for stroke such as, for instance, current or former smoking, diabetes mellitus, or ischaemic heart disease.