Prospective comparative study of two cerebral protection devices in carotid angioplasty and stenting.
BACKGROUND
The aim of the study was to compare two of the available cerebral protection devices (CPD) PercuSurge, balloon type (group A) and Angioguard, filter type (group B) used in carotid stenting and angioplasty (CAS).


METHODS
From September 1999 to February 2001, 26 consecutive patients undergoing CAS were alternatively assigned to group A and B. Postoperative disabling stroke and neurological mortality, nondisabling stroke, TIA and non-neurological mortality were examined. CPD features included time required, ease of handling, device rupture or malfunctioning, radiopaque markers evidence, abnormal major mobility of the opened system.


RESULTS
RNCR was 0 and TIAs were not observed in either group. Four patients (3 in group A and 1 in group B) showed drowsiness in the immediate postoperative period. Perioperative carotid occlusion and surgical conversion were observed in 1 case of group A. Average time calculated from the beginning of set-up to complete removal was 46 min in group A versus 31 min in group B. Abnormal major mobility of the opened system was very often observed during endovascular maneuvers with both devices.


CONCLUSIONS
CAS may protect against postoperative procedure-related neurological events. Common and specific disadvantages were observed in both systems showing they were not close enough to the ideal device.
Grego
F
F
Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Padua Medical School, Padua Hospital, Padua, Italy. franco.grego@unipd.it
Frigatti
P
P
Amistà
P
P
Lepidi
S
S
Antonello
M
M
Carollo
C
C
Deriu
G P
GP
D000368:Aged; D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000601:surgery; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015607:Stents; D020521:Stroke / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013997:Time Factors