Technique and clinical evidence of neuroprotection in carotid artery stenting

Carotid artery stenting has been advocated as an effective alternative to carotid endarterectomy. Periprocedural embolization of debris during endovascular treatment of carotid artery disease may result in neurological deficit. Different strategies are being developed and evaluated for their ability to minimize the clinical embolic risk. Distal filter devices, proximal and distal balloon occlusion systems are increasingly used in carotid artery stenting, because they seem to be safe and effective in preventing distal embolization, according to several uncontrolled studies. However the use of embolic protection devices is a subject of controversy and no data on their benefit are available from randomized controlled multi-center trials. The technique and clinical evidence of cerebral protection systems during carotid angioplasty and stenting for stroke prevention are reviewed.