Prevention of coronary slow flow/no reflow during percutaneous coronary intervention by the use of embolic protection device, ‘Filtrap’

A 68 year-old man underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A 64 multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) demonstrated a non-calcified plaque with positive remodeling. Intravascular ultrasound showed severe attenuation which suggested high risk of coronary no reflow during PCI. In order to avoid this, we used an embolic protection device, Filtrap. Immediately after deployment of a Taxus stent, ST-elevation with chest pain and coronary no reflow appeared. After retrieval of the Filtrap device, ST-elevation and no reflow disappeared. The filter was filled with yellow materials. This case suggests two things: that 64 MSCT can detect coronary plaque with high-risk of coronary no reflow during PCI; and that using a Filtrap device can effectively prevent the coronary no reflow during PCI.