Objectives:The time of Carotid intervention for recently symptomatic,severe carotid stenosis which cause a transient ischemic attack or minor stroke is still a controversial issue.Early studies showed that carotid endarterectomy (CEA) caused a high risk if performed within days follow an acute ischemic stroke.However,The National Stroke Strategy posted by UK Department of Health advocated that this situation should be regarded as an emergency procedure,and carotid intervention should ideally be performed within 48 hours.We designed this study to discuss the effect of urgent CEA on operative risk and benefit.Methods: we analyze 12 urgent CEA with primary closure performed during 1996 to 1998.All 12 patients were underwent CEA within 2 weeks,and 2 of them within 2 days.Operative risks and overall benefit from surgery were discussed in relation to the time from the last symptomatic event to CEA.Results: 2 urgent CEA performed in 2 days are recovery uneventful.1 of 12 patients,who underwent urgent CEA within 2 weeks,occurred restenosis after 3 months follow up.No 30-day perioperative recurrent TIA,stroke and death.Conclusions:CEA performed within 2 weeks is feasible and reliable procedure in preventing recurrent TIA and stroke after presenting manifestations.The future aim is to perform CEA within 48 hours after TIA or stroke symptoms.