Study of Early Versus Delayed Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) for Small to Medium-sized Ischemic Stroke Caused by High-grade Carotid Stenosis

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 and older. * New small to medium-sized ischemic stroke (defined as less than 1/3 of the MCA territory) in the territory of 70% or greater carotid stenosis. * Women of child-bearing potential will be included only if there is a negative pregnancy test and they agree to birth control during the treatment period. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients judged to be a poor surgical candidate by the treating physicians. * Unstable neurological status.