Brain protection with intracarotid filter in angioplasty and stenting of the cervical carotid bifurcation. Preliminary experience in five cases.

We report our preliminary experience in five cases of carotid stenting and angioplasty performed under cerebral protection with new filter devices allowing carotid flow maintenance during the procedure. In four out of five cases solid material was found inside the filters after balloon inflation for angioplasty. The technical aspects are discussed with correlation to carotid plaque embolic behavior and to functional factors.