[Distal protection devices in carotid stent]

Endovascular treatment of carotid stenoses is increasingly used. Frequently temporary occlusion balloons or filters are placed distal to the stenosis to gain additional protection against cerebral emboli. There is still a scientific debate about the usefulness of such distal protection devices. The following contribution reviews existing techniques and their clinical results and should allow for a critical discussion and selection of current techniques and materials.