Efficacy of embolic protection devices in renal artery stenting

The efficacy of embolic protection devices (EPDs) have been studied extensively in coronary saphenous vein grafts and extra cranial cerebrovascular disease. Recent ex-vivo and in-vivo renal artery stenting studies suggest atheroembolism is not unique to the coronary and cerebrovascular domain and it seems intuitive, renal EPDs may be beneficial. In an attempt to better understand the current objective evidence regarding renal protection efficacy we systematically reviewed the contemporary literature and summarize the findings herein. There is increasing observational data suggesting the use of embolic protection devices decrease the risk of continued decline in renal function after renal artery stenting. There is also prospective randomized data to suggest that the use of adjuvant IIb/IIIa glycoprotein inhibitor and embolic protection has synergistic benefit, but this is a very small series. However, there are currently no well controlled prospective trials to conclude the added risk and expense of renal protection is countered by proven clinical benefit. Based on the literature compiled in this manuscript we do believe EPDs should be considered in some high-risk patients.