Distal Protection

Percutaneous and surgical interventions on vessels often results in distal embolization of atherosclerotic debries downstream. This is usually silent, however, in saphenous vein interventions, carotid interventions, and possibly renal artery stenting distal embolisation may results in clinically significant events including myocardial infarction, stroke, and renal failure. Embolic protection devices trap blood and suspended debris in the body of the saphenous vein graft (occlusion balloons) or trap debris (baskets) during stenting, allowing their evacuation before unobstructed flow is restored. These devices are used in saphenous vein grafts, carotids, and renal arteries as well as venous thromboembolic disease.

A recent use of IVC filters for embolic protection during venous throbectomy and stenting. Below is a case of May Turner syndrome with thrombotic occlusion of left iliac vein treated with thrombectomy, Ultrasound facilitated lysis and stenting followed by removal of IVC filter used for embolic protection during procedure.