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Double embolic protection performs well in high-risk carotid lesions
Among patients undergoing carotid artery stenting of high-risk lesions, a double embolic protection strategy effectively minimized the risk for cerebral embolization.
“Our study showed that, in selected high-risk patients, the use of double [embolic protection devices] is feasible, safe and highly effective,” the researchers wrote.
In the single-center study, researchers tested double embolic protection devices (proximal and distal) vs. single embolic protection devices in consecutive patients with high-risk carotid artery stenosis who underwent carotid artery stenting.
In all, 294 patients were enrolled between November 2007 and August 2014, of whom 35 (11.9%) received double embolic protection devices.
Baseline data indicated that patients treated with double embolic protection devices were more likely to present with acute carotid syndrome (48.6% vs. 12%; P < .001) and complex plaque (79.4% vs. 33.6%; P < .0001) when compared with the single embolic protection device arm.
According to results, there were similar rates between groups in procedural success (double embolic protection devices, 100% vs. single embolic protection devices, 99.6%; P = .16), which was defined as residual stenosis up to 30% with no complications.
In addition, 30-day rates of death (double embolic protection devices, 0% vs. single embolic protection devices, 0.8%; P = .6), major stroke (double, 0% vs. single, 0.8%; P = .42) and minor stroke (double, 0% vs. single, 1.1%; P = .66) were also similar. – by Brian Ellis
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.