Cerebral embolic protection during transcatheter stent expansion of restrictive extra-cardiac Fontan conduit

We report a 20-year-old female patient (76 Kg/164 cm) with an extra-cardiac Fontan circulation who was referred to our institution for exertional dyspnoea and desaturation. The patient was diagnosed with a large calcified thrombus at the level of the Fontan fenestration, protruding inside the lumen of the conduit and reducing the diameter by half with a 3 mmHg pressure gradient. Transcatheter stent expansion of the obstructed extra-cardiac conduit was done with a 48 mm long XXL PTFE-covered Optimus-CVS® under temporary cerebral embolic protection with a TriGUARD-3™ deflection filter device (Keystone Heart). There was no procedural complication and the 3 months clinical outcomes are good.

Hybrid approach for cerebral protection in open-heart surgery: Case series

BACKGROUND

Stroke remains one of the most important complications of cardiac surgery and occurs in 2.2% after open-heart procedure. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The use of a cerebral protection system during transcatheter aortic valve implantation may be associated with a lower risk of periprocedural strokes, and mortality at 30 days. The aim of the present study was to assess the safety and feasibility of this device in patients at high risk for stroke during open cardiac surgery.

METHODS

We present six patients with a high risk of perioperative stroke who underwent placement of Sentinel cerebral protection system during various open-heart operations between 2018 and 2021.

RESULTS

The system was successfully deployed, and debris was retrieved in all patients. There was no device-related complication or development of ischemic stroke postoperatively. One patient suffered from intracranial hemorrhage due to peri-operative coagulopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated the feasibility and safety of this hybrid approach with a high debris capture rate. It encourages further study to evaluate the benefits of the Sentinel cerebral protection system in reducing stroke and mortality in selected patients undergoing open-heart surgery.

Proximal balloon-guided catheter with flow inversion vs. distal filter protection during the carotid stent placement, a seven years experience in a Colombian reference center

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The carotid stent placement as a therapeutic option for carotid stenosis has been increasing among years; therefore, studies are required to evaluate the security and efficacy of its materials. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the distal filter and the proximal balloon-guided catheter with flow inversion as protection devices during carotid angioplasty and stenting.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, observational study of patients diagnosed with carotid stenosis treated with angioplasty between January 1, 2014, and June 30, 2020; we analyzed a radiology service database to compare the distal filter and the proximal balloon-guided catheter as protection devices during angioplasty.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-five angioplasties were performed, the distal filter was the most prevalent embolic protection device used (66%), patients baseline characteristics did not differ between groups with different embolic protection devices, except for history of dyslipidemia (p < 0.000). As well, we did not find any significant differences between the groups in the device related complications, intervention time (p = 0.140), unrelated complications (p = 0.693) and functional independence at 90 days (p = 0.096).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study the proximal balloon-guided catheter and the distal filter protection device as protection devices during the carotid stenting didn't show significant differences regarding complications related to the system.

The relationship between ultrasonographic plaque morphology and histopathology of embolic material captured in the protective filter during carotid artery stenting

PURPOSE

We aimed to correlate the presence or absence of embolic debris in filter-type embolic protection devices (EPD), which are frequently used during carotid artery stenting (CAS), with possible risk factors and ultrasonographic plaque features.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty patients, who underwent CAS using a filter-type EPD in the period between July 2016 and March 2019, were included in our study. The modified Gray-Weale classification (mGWC) subtypes obtained in the pre-procedural ultrasonographic examinations were recorded. In addition, other patient-related risk factors considered to be related to a distal embolism were recorded. After the procedure the filters were evaluated to detect and examine embolic debris in the pathology clinic. The presence and features of embolic debris in the filters were recorded.

RESULTS

In the examinations performed after CAS, embolic debris was macroscopically and microscopically detected in 22 (27%) and 34 (42.5%) of the filter-type EPDs, respectively. A significant correlation was found between the change in the mGWC category of stenotic plaques from type 5 to type 1 and the presence of embolic debris in the filter (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a significant relationship was found between stenotic segment length and the presence of embolic debris in the filter (p < 0.05). The presence of embolic debris was not statistically significantly related to predisposing risk factors for atherosclerosis (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

During CAS, the likelihood of the presence of embolic debris in the EPDs increases as mGWC categories change from type 5 to type 1 and as the length of the stenotic segment increases.

"Tailor-made" Total Cerebral Protection during Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an alternative treatment to surgical aortic valve replacement for treating severe aortic stenosis. With the increased use of TAVI, the risk of cerebrovascular complications during the procedure has become an emerging problem. We evaluated the safety and feasibility of our total cerebral protection methods using embolic protection devices (EPDs) for carotid artery stenting. We collected the results of cases in which the clinical team determined that our protection method was necessary among patients undergoing TAVI from May to October 2019 in our medical center. We applied this method to patients who had a potentially high risk of cerebrovascular events during the procedure. The methods of protection were selected comprehensively based on the potential of collateralization of brain perfusion when some arteries were blocked with a balloon, accessibility of the brain arteries, and the ability to cover the brain arteries with devices. Five patients, aged 83.8 ± 1.8 years, were included in the study. Technical success was achieved in all five patients. No cases showed any new neurological symptoms after the procedures; however, head MRI on the day after showed new ischemic lesions in three of five cases (60%). In all cases, emboli were found in the collected filters. This report demonstrates protection of the entire perfusion area in each case using EPDs in patients at high risk of intraoperative embolism. The methods we used were feasible and can potentially reduce cerebrovascular events following TAVI.

Saphenous Vein Graft Failure: From Pathophysiology to Prevention and Treatment Strategies

Saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) remain the most frequently used conduits in coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Despite advances in surgical techniques and pharmacotherapy, SVG failure rates remain high, often leading to repeat coronary revascularization. The no-touch SVG harvesting technique (minimal graft manipulation with preservation of vasa vasorum and nerves) reduces the risk of SVG failure, whereas the effect of the off-pump technique on SVG patency remains unclear. Use of buffered storage solutions, intraoperative graft flow measurement, careful selection of the target vessels, and physiological assessment of the native coronary circulation before CABG may also reduce the incidence of SVG failure. Perioperative aspirin and high-intensity statin administration are the cornerstones of secondary prevention after CABG. Dual antiplatelet therapy is recommended for off-pump CABG and in patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome. Intermediate (30%-60%) SVG stenoses often progress rapidly. Stenting of intermediate SVG stenoses failed to improve outcomes; hence, treatment focuses on strict control of coronary artery disease risk factors. Redo CABG is associated with higher perioperative mortality compared with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); hence, the latter is preferred for most patients requiring repeat revascularization after CABG. SVG PCI is limited by high rates of no-reflow and a high incidence of restenosis during follow-up. Drug-eluting and bare metal stents provide similar long-term outcomes in SVG PCI. Embolic protection devices reduce no-reflow and should be used when feasible. PCI of the corresponding native coronary artery is associated with better short- and long-term outcomes and is preferred over SVG PCI, if technically feasible.

Use and outcomes of cerebral embolic protection for transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A US nationwide study

BACKGROUND

Outcomes data on the use of cerebral embolic protection devices (CPDs) with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remain limited. Previous randomized trials were underpowered for primary outcomes of stroke prevention and mortality.

METHODS

The National Inpatient Sample and Nationwide Readmissions Database were queried from 2017 to 2018 to study utilization and inpatient mortality, neurological complications (ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and transient ischemic attack), procedural complications, resource utilization, and 30-day readmissions with and without use of CPD. A 1:3 ratio propensity score matched model was created.

RESULTS

Among 108,315 weighted encounters, CPD was used in 4380 patients (4.0%). Adjusted mortality was lower in patients undergoing TAVR with CPD (1.3% vs. 0.5%, p < 0.01). Neurological complications (2.5% vs. 1.7%, p < 0.01), hemorrhagic stroke (0.2% vs. 0%, p < 0.01) and ischemic stroke (2.2% vs. 1.4%, p < 0.01) were also lower in TAVR with CPD. Multiple logistic regression showed CPD use was associated with lower adjusted mortality (odds ratio (OR], 0.34 [95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22-0.52), p < 0.01) and lower adjusted neurological complications (OR, 0.68 (95% CI, 0.54-0.85], p < 0.01). On adjusted analysis, 30-day all-cause readmissions (Hazard ratio, HR 0.839, [95% CI, 0.773-0.911], p < 0.01) and stroke (HR, 0.727 [95% CI, 0.554-0.955), p = 0.02) were less likely in TAVR with CPD.

CONCLUSION

We report real-world data on utilization and in-hospital outcomes of CPD use in TAVR. CPD use is associated with lower inpatient mortality, neurological, and clinical complications as compared to TAVR without CPD.

Complications and failure modes of coronary embolic protection devices: Insights from the MAUDE database

BACKGROUND

There is limited data on complications associated with the use of coronary embolic protection devices (EPDs).

METHODS

We queried the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database between November 2010 and November 2020 for reports on coronary EPDs: Spider FX (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) and Filterwire EZ (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA).

RESULTS

We retrieved 119 reports on coronary EPD failure (Spider FX n = 33 and Filterwire EZ n = 86), most of which (78.2%) occurred during saphenous vein graft interventions. The most common failure mode was inability to retrieve the EPD (49.6%), with the filter trapped against stent struts in 76.2% of the cases. Other device complications included filter fracture (28.6%), failure to cross (7.6%), failure to deploy (7.6%), and failure to recapture the filter (3.4%). Filter fracture (54.5 vs. 29.1%) and failure to recapture (9.1 vs. 2.1%) were more commonly reported, while failure to deploy the filter (0 vs. 10.5%) was less commonly reported with the Spider-FX.

CONCLUSIONS

The most common modes of failure of coronary EPDs are the failure of retrieval (49.6%), followed by the filter fracture (28.6%). When using EPDs, careful attention to the technique is essential to avoid failures and subsequent complications.

Cerebral Embolic Protection and Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Results From the Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry

BACKGROUND

Stroke remains a devastating complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), which has persisted despite refinements in technique and increased operator experience. While cerebral embolic protection devices (EPDs) have been developed to mitigate this risk, data regarding their impact on stroke and other outcomes after TAVR are limited.

METHODS

We performed an observational study using data from the Society for Thoracic Surgeons/American College of Cardiology Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry. Patients were included if they underwent elective or urgent transfemoral TAVR between January 2018 and December 2019. The primary outcome was in-hospital stroke. To adjust for confounding, the association between EPD use and clinical outcomes was evaluated using instrumental variable analysis, a technique designed to support causal inference from observational data, with site-level preference for EPD use within the same quarter of the procedure as the instrument. We also performed a propensity score-based secondary analysis using overlap weights.

RESULTS

Our analytic sample included 123 186 patients from 599 sites. The use of EPD during TAVR increased over time, reaching 28% of sites and 13% of TAVR procedures by December 2019. There was wide variation in EPD use across hospitals, with 8% of sites performing >50% of TAVR procedures with an EPD and 72% performing no procedures with an EPD in the last quarter of 2019. In our primary analysis using the instrumental variable model, there was no association between EPD use and in-hospital stroke (adjusted relative risk, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.68-1.13]; absolute risk difference, -0.15% [95% CI, -0.49 to 0.20]). However, in our secondary analysis using the propensity score-based model, EPD use was associated with 18% lower odds of in-hospital stroke (adjusted odds ratio, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.69-0.97]; absolute risk difference, -0.28% [95% CI, -0.52 to -0.03]). Results were generally consistent across the secondary end points, as well as subgroup analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

In this nationally representative observational study, we did not find an association between EPD use for TAVR and in-hospital stroke in our primary instrumental variable analysis, and found only a modestly lower risk of in-hospital stroke in our secondary propensity-weighted analysis. These findings provide a strong basis for large-scale randomized, controlled trials to test whether EPDs provide meaningful clinical benefit for patients undergoing TAVR.

Transcatheter cerebral embolic protection during WATCHMAN procedure in two patients with persistent left atrial appendage thrombus: Case report with review of the literature

Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) has been increasingly used in patients with atrial fibrillation who are poor candidates for long-term oral anticoagulation. The presence of a left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus is a contraindication for percutaneous LAAC. Despite oral anticoagulation, persistent thrombus is not uncommon. We describe the use of transcatheter cerebral embolic protection with the Sentinel cerebral protection system during LAAC using WATCHMAN in two atrial fibrillation patients who had persistent LAA thrombus despite oral anticoagulation.

Safety and Efficacy of Embolic Protection Devices in Saphenous Vein Graft Interventions: A Propensity Score Analysis-Multicenter SVG PCI PROTECTA Study

Background: Evidence concerning the efficacy of the embolic protection devices (EPDs) in saphenous vein graft (SVG) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is sparse. The study was designed to compare major cardiovascular events of all-comer population of SVG PCI with and without EPDs at one year of follow-up. Methods and results: A multi-center registry comparing PCI with and without EPDs in consecutive patients undergoing PCI of SVG. The group comprised 792 patients, among which 266 (33.6%) had myocardial infarction (MI). The primary composite endpoint was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) defined as death, MI, target vessel revascularization (TVR), and stroke assessed at one year. After propensity score analysis, there were no differences in MACCE (21.9% vs. 23.9%; HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.57–1.45, p = 0.681, respectively) nor in secondary endpoints of death, MI, TVR, target lesion revascularization (TLR) and stroke at one year in EPDs PCI group vs. no-EPDs PCI group. Similarly, there were no differences between groups in the study endpoints at 30 days follow-up. Conclusions: There were no clinical benefit for routine use of EPDs during SVG PCI in short and long-term follow-up. Further studies are warranted to explore the effect of individual types of EPDs on clinical outcomes.

Postoperative ischemic events in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting using algorithmic selection for embolic protection

PURPOSE

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is a valuable alternative to carotid endarterectomy, especially in high-risk patients. However, the reported incidences of perioperative stroke and death remain higher than for carotid endarterectomy, even when using embolic protection devices (EPDs) during CAS. Our purpose was to evaluate 30-day major adverse events after CAS when selecting the most appropriate EPD.

METHODS

We reviewed the clinical outcomes of 61 patients with 64 lesions who underwent CAS with EPDs. Patients who underwent CAS associated with thrombectomy and who had a preoperative modified Rankin scale score >3 were excluded from the analysis. The EPD was selected based on symptoms, carotid wall magnetic resonance imaging and lesion length, and we analyzed combined 30-day complication rates (transient ischemic attack, minor stroke, major stroke or death).

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients were men and 12 were women. The median age was 72 years (range: 59-89 years) and 44 lesions were asymptomatic. A filter-type EPD was selected in 23 procedures, distal-balloon protection in 14 procedures and proximal-occlusive protection in 27 procedures. Two patients (3.1%) experienced a transient ischemic attack and one patient (1.6%) had a minor stroke within 30 days of the procedure. No patients experienced procedure-related morbidities (modified Rankin score >2) or death.

CONCLUSIONS

The perioperative stoke rate was low when we selected a proximal-occlusive-type EPD in high-risk patients with vulnerable carotid artery disease. Our algorithm for EPD selection was an effective tool in the perioperative management of carotid artery stenosis.

The Role of Cerebral Embolic Protection Devices During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is the therapy of choice for patients with severe aortic stenosis who have prohibitive or high surgical risk. However, the benefit of TAVR is attenuated by the occurrence of major disabling stroke which is associated with increased mortality and early-reduced quality of life. Despite advances in TAVR technology, stroke remains a serious complication that is associated with significant negative outcomes. The majority of these occur in the acute phase following TAVR where cerebral embolic events are frequent. Cerebral embolic protection devices (CEPD) have been developed to minimize the risk of peri-procedural ischemic stroke during TAVR. CEPD have the potential to reduce intraprocedural burden of new silent ischemic injury. In this review we outline the etiology and incidence of stroke in TAVR population, and systematically review current evidence for cerebral embolic protection devices.

Review of the Latest Percutaneous Devices in Critical Limb Ischemia

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a terminal stage of peripheral arterial disease that, in the absence of intervention, may lead to lower extremity amputation or death. Endovascular interventions have become a first-line approach to the management of CLI and have advanced considerably within the past decade. This review summarizes the types of percutaneous devices and the techniques that are available for the management of CLI and the data supporting their use. These include devices that establish and maintain vessel patency, including percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, drug-coated balloons, bare metal stents, drug-eluting stents, bioresorbable vascular scaffolds, and atherectomy; devices that provide protection from embolization; and, cell-based therapies. Additionally, ongoing trials with important implications for the field are discussed.

A novel guidewire-integrated embolic protection filter device with a handy-folding system: In vitro and in vivo performance assessment

OBJECTIVES

We developed a novel guidewire-integrated filter device with a handy-folding system (IFD: Inoue filter device). In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to evaluate the feasibilityof the IFD.

BACKGROUND

Although distal atheromatous and thrombotic embolizations remain unresolved critical issues during catheter interventions, distal protection devices are infrequently used partly because of reduced lower maneuverability.

METHODS

In the in vitro experiment, we created an experimental circulation model composed of silicone latex tubes, a reservoir, and a roller pump. After the filter device was deployed in the tube, polystyrene fluorescent microspheres were injected and the capture rate was calculated. Ten trials were performed using the IFD and Spider FX. In the in vivo study, five independent operators deployed, and they retrieved the IFD in swine common iliac and internal carotid arteries. The procedural success rate as well as the delivery and retrieval time was evaluated.

RESULTS

In the in vitro study, the mean capture rate was 94% and 35% in the IFD and Spider groups, respectively. In the in vivo study, all procedures were successful, with no complications. The mean delivery time was 281 ± 87 s and 194 ± 67 s and the mean retrieval time was 24 ± 9 and 13 ±1 s in the left internal carotid and the left common iliac arteries, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Although further studies and improvements are required, the study results indicate that the IFD is feasible.

Complete filter-based cerebral embolic protection with transcatheter aortic valve replacement

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the value of left vertebral artery filter protection in addition to the current filter-based embolic protection technology to achieve complete cerebral protection during TAVR.

BACKGROUND

The occurrence of cerebrovascular events after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has fueled concern for its potential application in younger patients with longer life expectancy. Transcatheter cerebral embolic protection (TCEP) devices may limit periprocedural cerebrovascular events by preventing macro and micro-embolization to the brain. Conventional filter-based TCEP devices cover three extracranial contributories to the brain, yet leave the left vertebral artery unprotected.

METHODS

Patients underwent TAVR with complete TCEP. A dual-filter system was deployed in the brachiocephalic trunk and left common carotid artery with an additional single filter in the left vertebral artery. After TAVR all filters were retrieved and sent for histopathological evaluation by an experienced pathologist.

RESULTS

Eleven patients received a dual-filter system and nine of them received an additional left vertebral filter. In the remaining two patients, the left vertebral filter could not be deployed. No periprocedural strokes occurred. We found debris in all filters, consisting of thrombus, tissue derived debris, and foreign body material. The left vertebral filter contained debris in an equal amount of patients as the Sentinel filters. The size of the captured particles was similar between all filters.

CONCLUSIONS

The left vertebral artery is an important entry route for embolic material to the brain during TAVR. Selective filter protection of the left vertebral artery revealed embolic debris in all patients. The clinical value of complete filter-based TCEP during TAVR warrants further research.

Watchman in ascending aorta for systemic protection (WAASP): Novel use of Watchman in ascending aorta for embolic protection-first in man

We report two cases where left atrial appendage closure (LAA) with Watchman was successfully performed despite presence of definite LAA thrombus. Because there was the risk of thrombus dislodgement, we transiently placed an additional Watchman device in the ascending aorta for embolic protection. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Internal carotid artery stenosis with persistent primitive hypoglossal artery treated with carotid artery stenting: A case report and literature review

Persistent primitive hypoglossal artery (PPHA) is a persistent carotid-basilar anastomosis. It rarely remains at birth. It occasionally may be a risk for ischemia and embolic infarction to the posterior cerebral circulation, especially in patients with carotid stenosis proximal to the origin of persistent primitive arteries. We describe a case of a 60-year-old woman with asymptomatic internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis and ipsilateral PPHA successfully treated by carotid artery stenting (CAS). A few cases of CAS for ICA stenosis with PPHA have been reported, but the strategy and methods in each case were different because of its unique anatomy and hemodynamics. It is essential to prevent distal embolisms and preserve blood flow at the territory of both the ICA and PPHA. The protection method should be selected carefully. We review the literature and discuss appropriate treatment strategies.

Proximal versus distal embolic protection for carotid artery stenting: a national cardiovascular data registry analysis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare the stroke/death rates between proximal embolic protection devices (P-EPDs) and distal filter embolic protection devices (F-EPDs) in elective carotid artery stenting (CAS).

BACKGROUND

P-EPDs have theoretical advantages that may make them superior to F-EPDs for stroke prevention during CAS.

METHODS

We examined 10,246 consecutive elective CAS procedures performed with embolic protection in the NCDR CARE registry between January 2009 and March 2013. We analyzed crude and propensity-matched rates of in-hospital combined death/stroke in patients treated with P-EPDs versus F-EPDs. Secondary analyses included 30-day adverse event rates and stroke rates by the involved cerebrovascular territory.

RESULTS

P-EPDs were used in 590 of 10,246 cases (5.8%). Patients treated with P-EPDs had higher rates of symptomatic lesion status (46.8% vs. 39.7%, p<0.001), atrial fibrillation/flutter (16.1% vs. 13.0%, p=0.03), and history of a neurological event (51.2% vs. 46.6%, p=0.03). In unadjusted and propensity-matched analyses, differences in in-hospital stroke/death between P-EPD and F-EPD cohorts were nonsignificant (1.5% vs. 2.4%, p=0.16 and 1.6% vs. 2.0%, p=0.56, respectively). For patients with available data (n=7,693, 75.1%), 30-day adverse events rates were similar for P-EPDs and F-EPDs before (2.5% vs. 4.2%, p=0.07) and after (2.7% vs. 4.0%, p=0.22) propensity matching.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of a P-EPD during CAS was associated with low rates of in-hospital stroke/death similar to those with an F-EPD in the first comparative effectiveness study of the devices. An adequately powered randomized trial comparing clinical outcomes between these devices is unlikely to be feasible.

Transseptal puncture to facilitate device closure of "long-tunnel" patent foramen ovale

BACKGROUND

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is common and may predispose to paradoxical embolism. Transcatheter device closure of PFO can be challenging in certain cases of "long-tunnel" PFO morphology. We report our experience with device closure of long-tunnel PFO using transseptal puncture.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all cases of PFO device closure using transseptal puncture at the Mayo Clinic from January 1, 2010 to September 30, 2013. We arbitrarily defined a PFO tunnel configuration as a tunnel length ≥ 12 mm as observed in intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) at the time of device closure.

RESULTS

Twelve patients (mean age 40.8 [range 15-67] years; 7 males [58%]) underwent PFO device closure with transseptal puncture. The most common indication for PFO closure was previous stroke (n = 7, 58%). Median tunnel length measured by ICE was 15 mm (12-20 mm). GORE® HELEX® Septal Occluder was used for closure in all but one patient. The only significant procedural complication was a minor perforation of the left atrial wall during attempted septal puncture, which resulted in a trivial pericardial effusion that resolved without intervention. At latest follow-up (mean 543 days, [range 170-1162]) one patient had a residual shunt and subsequently died due to complications during surgical PFO closure. No recurrent strokes or TIAs were reported.

CONCLUSION

Though not without risk, transseptal puncture can be a valuable tool for facilitating device closure of long-tunnel type PFOs. GORE® HELEX® Septal Occluder may be an effective option for facilitating device closure for patients with long-tunnel type PFO.

Flow reversal versus filter protection: a pilot carotid artery stenting randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has become an alternative treatment for patients presenting symptomatic carotid artery stenosis. The improvement in clinical outcomes with CAS has been associated with the development of embolic protection devices. The trial aim is to compare flow reversal versus filter protection during CAS through femoral access.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients were randomly enrolled in CAS using flow reversal or filter protection. The primary end points were the incidence, number, and size of new ischemic brain lesions after CAS. The secondary end points included major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, transient ischemic attack, and definitive ischemic brain lesions on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance image at a 3-month follow-up. Ischemic brain lesions were assessed by a 3T magnetic resonance image. Neurological outcomes were evaluated by means of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Forty consecutive patients were randomly assigned. Compared with flow reversal (n=21), filter protection (n=19) resulted in a significant reduction in the incidence (15.8% versus 47.6%, P=0.03), number (0.73 versus 2.6, P=0.05), and size (0.81 versus 2.23 mm, P=0.05) of new ischemic brain lesions. Two patients, 1 from each group, presented transient ischemic attack at 3-month follow-up. There were no major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events in the hospital or at 3-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

In this small sample size trial, filter protection was more effective than flow reversal in reducing ischemic brain lesions during CAS through femoral approach.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL

http://portal2.saude.gov.br/sisnep/. Unique identifier: 0538.0.004.000-10.

Cerebral protection against left ventricular thrombus during transcatheter aortic valve replacement in a patient with critical aortic stenosis

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is an increasingly common treatment of critical aortic stenosis. Many aortic stenosis patients have concomitant left ventricular dysfunction, which can instigate the formation of thrombus resistant to anticoagulation. Recent trials evaluating transcatheter aortic valve replacement have excluded patients with left ventricular thrombus. We present a case in which an 86-year-old man with known left ventricular thrombus underwent successful transcatheter aortic valve replacement under cerebral protection.

Carotid artery stenting versus endarterectomy: a systematic review

For about 2 decades, investigators have been comparing carotid endarterectomy with carotid artery stenting in regard to their effectiveness and safety in treating carotid artery stenosis. We conducted a systematic review to summarize and appraise the available evidence provided by randomized trials, meta-analyses, and registries comparing the clinical outcomes of the 2 procedures. We searched the MEDLINE, SciVerse Scopus, and Cochrane databases and the bibliographies of pertinent textbooks and articles to identify these studies. The results of clinical trials and, consequently, the meta-analyses of those trials produced conflicting results regarding the comparative effectiveness and safety of carotid endarterectomy and carotid stenting. These conflicting results arose because of differences in patient population, trial design, outcome measures, and variability among centers in the endovascular devices used and in operator skills. Careful appraisal of the trials and meta-analyses, particularly the most recent and largest National Institutes of Health-sponsored trial (the Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy vs Stenting Trial [CREST]), showed that carotid stenting and endarterectomy were associated with similar rates of death and disabling stroke. Within the 30-day periprocedural period, carotid stenting was associated with higher risks of stroke, especially for patients aged >70 years, whereas carotid endarterectomy was associated with a higher risk of myocardial infarction. The slightly higher cost of stenting compared with endarterectomy was within an acceptable range by cost-effectiveness standards. We conclude that carotid artery stenting is an equivalent alternative to carotid endarterectomy when patient age and anatomy, surgical risk, and operator experience are considered in the choice of treatment approach.