Proximal Protection for Saphenous Vein Graft Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

In a randomized trial of a new device, proximal embolic protection was as effective as distal embolic protection.

Distal embolic protection during percutaneous coronary intervention in a saphenous vein graft (SVG) is known to confer benefit. Potential advantages of a proximal protection device include obviation of the need to initially cross the lesion with the device and feasibility for distal and bifurcated graft lesions, where distal protection devices are unsuitable. The Proxis Embolic Protection System uses a balloon to seal the graft proximally while aspirating and flushing the stagnated column of blood and debris. In this manufacturer-funded study, investigators compared the Proxis device with distal protection devices.

Five hundred ninety-four patients undergoing stenting of 639 SVG lesions were randomized either to proximal protection whenever …

Reviewing Author

Howard C. Herrmann, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAffluent Medical; Artedrone; Caranx; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic; Prolifagen; Wells Fargo

EquityMicrointerventional Devices, Inc.

RoyaltiesUniversity of Pennsylvania

Grant/Research SupportAbbott Vascular; Edwards Lifesciences; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic

Editorial BoardsCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions; Journal of the American College of Cardiology; Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Case Reports; JSCAI