title: Cerebral protection systems for distal emboli during carotid artery interventions.
abstract: Carotid angioplasty and stenting is associated with liberation of cerebral emboli that can cause periprocedural stroke. There are currently three classes of emboli protection devices (EPDs) that are undergoing feasibility studies and one randomized clinical trial. Preliminary data from a small series appear to be promising, and there appears to be attenuation of embolic signals on a cerebral Doppler exam with EPD use. However, rare strokes and patient intolerance due to imposed ischemia have been observed. The advantages and disadvantages of each EPD class and the issues involving clinical trials and surrogate end points in this area of study are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Depts. of Radiology and Cardiology, Pittsburgh Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center-Shadyside, 5230 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA. tanwa@msx.upmc.edu
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Bates
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Wholey
mesh_terms: D017130:Angioplasty / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000601:surgery*; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D020766:Intracranial Embolism / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011482:Protective Devices