Device Improves Embolic Protection

A new embolic protection system has been designed to better protect patients from a stroke while undergoing carotid-artery stenting procedures.

The Emboshield Pro embolic protection system (EBS) is designed to be more radiopaque than its predecessor, the Emboshield EBS, providing better visibility during x-ray angiography. The device's shorter length and enhanced profile are intended to allow it to cross tighter blockages and be delivered more easily in patients with challenging carotid anatomies. The Emboshield Pro also features Barewire, a proprietary technology that allows the filter to remain stable during the normal guidewire movements that occur during device exchanges in carotid procedures. The system has received the CE Mark.

"I believe the Emboshield Pro represents a significant development in embolic protection for patients in Europe,” said Dr. Alberto Cremonesi, director of the interventional cardio-angiology unit at the Villa Maria Cecilia Hospital (Cotignola, Italy), "Its ability to be applied to many different vessel diameters and its short filter length make this device an important new option for tortuous vessels.

The Emboshield Pro is a product of Abbott Vascular (Abbott Park, IL, USA).

Approximately one-fourth of all strokes are caused by carotid artery disease, a condition wherein one or both carotid arteries in the neck become blocked by plaque, which can break off and cause stroke. This situation is exacerbated during carotid-artery stenting procedures. Embolic protection devices are designed to capture and remove particles of atherosclerotic plaque that can become dislodged during the stenting procedure, potentially leading to stroke and other complications.



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