Quantity, particle size, and histologic composition of embolic debris collected in a distal protection filter after carotid angioplasty and stenting: Correlation with patient characteristics, timing of carotid artery stenting, and procedural details

Asymptomatic 5 (8.5) Symptomatic 54 (91.5) Amaurosis fugax 8 (14) Retinal infarction 1 (2) Transient ischemic attack 28 (48) Stroke 17 (29) Onset of symptoms before CAS 0-28 d 35 (59) >28 d 24 (41) Contralateral occlusion 10 (17) Percent stenosis The occurrence of distal embolization during carotid artery stenting (CAS) is a major complication. Determining the preoperative risk of embolization may lead to improved patient selection and outcome of CAS. This study examined the quantity, particle size, and histologic composition of embolic debris collected in a distal protection filter and its possible correlation with patient characteristics, timing of CAS, and procedural details.