Limitations
This study has several limitations. Though data collection is
prospective, analysis is retrospective in nature. This multicenter
dataset relies solely on accurate site reporting. However, important
morphologic variables related to the carotid arteries have been
collected the study was adequately powered. Therefore, prospective
evaluation of the risk score is needed to clarify its utility for risk
stratification and decision-making. There is the risk of sampling bias
as this is a selected cohort of patients undergoing repair with other
techniques were not included for comparison. Nevertheless, this reflects
the careful selection process in our cases as well as the homogeneity of
the cohort among these centers. Also, the low adverse event rate did not
allow for meaningful multivariate analysis as well as subgroup analyses.
Despite these limitations, this data compares well with the available
literature owing to the consistency and homogeneity of the data. Even
so, these limitations may not allow for generalizability of our
findings.