Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Microvascular Embolism Mouse Model for In Vivo Two-photon Microscopy Using Fluorescent Polystyrene Microspheres
Published on: November 21, 2025
Frequent embolization in peripheral angioplasty: detection with an embolism protection device (AngioGuard) and
Claudius W König1, Benjamin Pusich, Gunnar Tepe
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Tuebingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Strasse 3, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany. claudius.koenig@med.uni-tuebingen.de
Purpose:
To evaluate the deliverability and protection capabilities of an embolism protection filter in angioplasty of peripheral arteries.
Methods:
The Angioguard emboli capture guidewire system was applied in 11 patients with femoropopliteal lesions (6 stenoses, 3 occlusions, 2 controls). Data on lesion crossing, flow deceleration and macroembolization were recorded. Filter membranes were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Results:
System delivery was successful in all patients. Primary lesion crossing was feasible in four of six stenoses; predilatation was required in two of six. Marked flow deceleration was recorded in six patients. Emboli next to the filter were detected in each patient with concentric plaques, but could not reliably be removed with the filter. Downstream macroembolization was also present in all patients with concentric stenoses, but in none with chronic occlusion. None of the patients had clinical signs of ischemia. SEM analysis demonstrated only small particles on control group filters and non-obliterating fibrinous conglomerates on filters used in chronic occlusion. Substantial obliteration was seen on several filters used in stenotic lesions.
Conclusion:
Microembolization of fibrin aggregates is a common incident in balloon angioplasty of femoropopliteal stenoses. Macroembolization occurred more frequently than previously reported. The use of embolism protection filters aided in the detection but not in the removal of larger emboli.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Effects of EDTA on End-Point Detection Methods
In the visual method, metal-ion indicators (metallochromic dyes), which have distinct colors in their free and complex forms, are added to the mixture to signal the titration's end point. They form stable complexes with metal ions, but these complexes are weaker than the corresponding metal–EDTA complexes. As a result, EDTA...
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for diagnosing...
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
