OBJECTIVESTo study the efficacy of proximal embolic protection device in preventing intracranial artery embolization during carotid artery stenting (CAS) and to evaluate its security and maneuverability.

METHODSFrom October 2007 to July 2008, 23 patients with carotid artery stenosis who were suitable for surgical therapy according to the standards of NASCET or ACAS were enrolled in this clinical research. Among them 19 patients (82.6%) were symptomatic, 6 patients (26.1%) with 50%-70% stenosis and 17 cases (73.9%) with > 70% stenosis. All the patients received carotid angioplasty and stenting under the protection of MO. MA system (one kind of proximal embolic protection device). We recorded the cerebral ischemic time during the procedure and observed neurologic events within 30 days.

RESULTSAll the procedures were performed successfully, the mean carotid artery blocking time was (5.3 +/- 1.2) min. No death or stroke occurred during perioperative period. Two cases of patients developed transient loss of consciousness combined with contralateral limb convulsion, while the common carotid artery was occluded by balloon. Two cases of patients developed bradycardia, sustained 6 hours and 1 week. Plaque debris in the withdrawal blood from carotid artery were found in 9 cases. At 30-day follow-up after CAS, TIA occurred in 1 case, new contralateral stroke occurred in 1 case, the incidence of 30-day stroke and death rate was 4.3%.

CONCLUSIONThe application of proximal embolic protection device in CAS procedure for preventing neurologic complications is safe and effective, especially for severe stenosis and unstable plaque in carotid artery stenting.