Quantity, particle size, and histologic composition of embolic debris collected in a distal protection filter after carotid angioplasty and stenting: Correlation with patient characteristics, timing of carotid artery stenting, and procedural details

Subjectspatients who underwent a cas procedure during a 17-month period in which a spider embolic protection device (epd) (ev3 endovascular inc, plymouth, minn) was used were included. Patient demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, neurologic symptoms, and time interval between symptoms and cas were retrospectively recorded.procedurecas was performed according to the standardized protocol in our center as described previously.1 this protocol also dictates the antiplatelet regimen.histopathology and filter analysisdebris was photographed before (figure 1, a) and after (figure 1, b) removal from the epd. Clemex image analysis software (clemex technologies inc, longueuil, canada) was used to analyze the number and size of the particles.download high-res image (118kb)download full-size imagefigure 1. Macroscopic images of epd containing embolic material (a, arrow) and debris as retrieved from epd (b).