U. S. researchers on Friday posted a finding that may prove to be a boon to medical device makers, a newer, less invasive approach to preventing strokes with a device called a stent proved to be as safe and worked just about as well as surgery.

A stroke, heart attack or death reported in 8.5 percent of patients with symptoms caused by narrowing neck arteries within four months of getting a stent, contrasted with 5.2 percent of those who underwent surgery, revealed the report published in the journal Lancet.

Surgery has been the most preferred way for many years, to clear away malignant fatty deposits in neck arteries that can cause strokes.

However, newer, less invasive methods using angioplasty and stents have been approved to be performed in higher-risk patients, stirring debate over which approach is best.

The study, funded by the Medical Research Council, the Stroke Association, Sanofi-Aventis SA and the European Union is reported to involve 1,713 patients.

The side effects including cranial nerve palsy that creates weakness in the face and neck, and blood clots known as hematomas, were more common with surgery.