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Updated: Jun 30, 2026
Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function
Published on: November 8, 2024
Serial changes of circulating platelet activation markers after carotid artery stenting
Fang Liu1, Jin Li, Da-Ming Wang
1Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Peking University, Department of Neurology, Beijing Hospital Ministry of Health, Beijing 100034, China.
Insights
Dual antiplatelet therapy and embolic protection devices did not alter platelet activation markers like monocyte-platelet aggregates and PAC-1 during carotid artery stenting. These markers did not significantly change after the procedure in patients undergoing stenting.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hematology
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is a procedure to treat symptomatic stenosis.
- Platelet activation is a concern during CAS, potentially leading to complications.
- Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and embolic protection devices (EPDs) are used to mitigate risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serial changes in platelet activation markers following CAS.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of DAPT and EPDs in preventing platelet activation during CAS.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to analyze monocyte-platelet aggregates and PAC-1 (activated glycoprotein IIb/IIIa marker).
- Blood samples were collected from 40 patients before and at 0.5 hours, 18 hours, and 6 days after CAS.
- All patients received aspirin and clopidogrel (DAPT) and underwent stenting with EPDs.
Main Results:
- No significant changes were observed in monocyte-platelet aggregates at any time point post-CAS.
- PAC-1 levels also remained unchanged throughout the study period after the procedure.
- These findings suggest that platelet activation was not significantly induced by CAS under DAPT and EPDs.
Conclusions:
- Serial monitoring of monocyte-platelet aggregates and PAC-1 does not indicate significant platelet activation after CAS.
- The combination of DAPT and EPDs appears effective in suppressing platelet activation during CAS.
- Further research may explore other markers or patient populations.
Abstract:
We investigated serial changes of circulation platelet activation markers in 40 patients undergoing carotid artery stenting under the protection of dual antiplatelet therapy and filter devices. Monocyte-platelet aggregates and PAC-1 (a marker specific for activated glycoprotein IIb/IIIa) analyzed by flow cytometry were determined in patients with symptomatic stenosis undergoing elective carotid artery stenting. Blood samples were obtained immediately before stent implantation and 0.5 hours, 18 hours, and 6 days after the procedure, respectively. All patients were already on dual antiplatelet therapy of aspirin and clopidogrel before carotid artery stenting, and all were stented with embolic protection devices. Both circulation monocyte-platelet aggregates and PAC-1 did not change significantly at the various time points after the procedure. Serial changes of monocyte-platelet aggregates and PAC-1 analyzed by flow cytometry fail to indicate the occurrence of platelet activation after carotid artery stenting under the treatment with dual antiplatelet therapy before carotid artery stenting and the application of embolic protection devices during the procedure.
