Purpose: To compare the rates of embolic debris (ED) generation during lower extremity
arterial interventions and evaluate the safety and efficacy of the using an embolic
protection device (EPD). Methods: This was a single-center retrospective review of
111 patients (114 vessels) having undergone peripheral arterial intervention with
the use of an EPD (Emboshield NAV-6 device). A database was created through review
of the electronic health record and images in PACS. The presence of ED was determined
through visual inspection after retrieval of the device or from filling defects identified
during digital subtraction angiography with the device deployed. Descriptive statistics
were used to report the demographic and clinical information. Relative frequencies
of debris generation were determined for vessel type, trans-atlantic inter-society
consensus (TASC) classification, and type of intervention. Differences in frequencies
between groups weer evaluated with the Chi-square test, and associations were examined
using the logistic regression analysis. Results: Of the 114 vessels treated, 16 (14%)
demonstrated true distal embolization (DE) past the filter basket and 58 (51%) demonstrated
generation of ED as determined by filling of the filter basket. This was significantly
higher in patients undergoing atherectomy (70%) compared with those undergoing thrombolysis
(38%) or angioplasty with or without stenting (29%) (P < 0.001). Of those patients
undergoing atherectomy, laser atherectomy had the lowest rate of DE (26%) compared
with either orbital (67%) or directional atherectomy (57%) (P < 0.05). In regression
analysis, atherectomy was the only factor with significant association with detection
of ED (odds ratio: 4.52, P < 0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference
in the frequency of debris generated based on vessel type or TASC classification.
Conclusion: The frequency of ED is higher in patients undergoing atherectomy versus
patients undergoing lysis or percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty with or
without stenting. Laser atherectomy has a lower frequency of debris generation when
compared to either orbital or directional atherectomy.
Arterial - atherectomy - distal embolization - peripheral arterial disease (PAD) -
peripheral