ABSTRACT
Distal embolisation of atherothrombotic material is a frequent consequence of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This causes microvascular occlusions, leading to a further reduction in myocardial reperfusion. The MGuard™ embolic protection stent (EPS) features a unique polymer micronet mesh coating. When used in acute STEMI, the MGuard EPS shows significant improvement in myocardial flow and ST resolution, even in complicated clinical cases vs the standard approach with conventional bare metal or drug-eluting stents. Data from the andomised Safety and Efficacy Study of MGuard Stent After a Heart Attack (MASTER II) trial and from a real-life registry have shown the efficacy and safety of the MGuard in primary PCI. This report of the proceedings of a symposium at EuroPCR, 20-23 May 2014, Paris, France, discussed clinical trial data, as well as a number of clinical cases, illustrating the utility of the MGuard EPS in difficult situations.