[Clinical research of carotid artery stenting under the protection of proximal embolic protection device].

OBJECTIVES: To study the efficacy of proximal embolic protection device in preventing intracranial artery embolization during carotid artery stenting (CAS) and to evaluate its security and maneuverability. METHODS: From October 2007 to July 2008, 23 patients with carotid artery stenosis who were suitable for surgical therapy according to the standards of NASCET or ACAS were enrolled in this clinical research. Among them 19 patients (82.6%) were symptomatic, 6 patients (26.1%) with 50%-70% stenosis and 17 cases (73.9%) with > 70% stenosis. All the patients received carotid angioplasty and stenting under the protection of MO. MA system (one kind of proximal embolic protection device). We recorded the cerebral ischemic time during the procedure and observed neurologic events within 30 days. RESULTS: All the procedures were performed successfully, the mean carotid artery blocking time was (5.3 +/- 1.2) min. No death or stroke occurred during perioperative period. Two cases of patients developed transient loss of consciousness combined with contralateral limb convulsion, while the common carotid artery was occluded by balloon. Two cases of patients developed bradycardia, sustained 6 hours and 1 week. Plaque debris in the withdrawal blood from carotid artery were found in 9 cases. At 30-day follow-up after CAS, TIA occurred in 1 case, new contralateral stroke occurred in 1 case, the incidence of 30-day stroke and death rate was 4.3%. CONCLUSION: The application of proximal embolic protection device in CAS procedure for preventing neurologic complications is safe and effective, especially for severe stenosis and unstable plaque in carotid artery stenting.

[A clinical trial of using antiplatelet therapy to prevent restenosis following peripheral artery angioplasty and stenting].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effect and restenosis rate of antiplatelet therapy following peripheral artery angioplasty and stenting. METHODS: After successful placement of peripheral artery stents to 103 patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) in were randomized assigned to 2 groups: antiplatelet therapy group receiving clopidogrel 75 mg plus aspirin 100 mg (n = 56) and control group (n = 47) receiving anticoagulation therapy low molecular weight heparin (LWMH) for 7 d plus long-term warfarin. The patients were followed up 1 day, and 1, 6, 12, and 18 months after the operation to undergo color Doppler ultrasonography, and examinations of blood routine, bleeding time, coagulation time, and ankle-brachial Index. The primary endpoint events included major bleeding rate, and composite rate of restenosis and reocclusion. The secondary endpoint events included cardiovascular events, death, and adverse drug reaction. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the baseline data between these two groups. The thrombotic occlusion rate was 1.8% in the antiplatelet group and 0% in control group, and the restenosis rate was 14.3% in the antiplatelet group and 25.5% in control group (both P > 0.05). The bleeding complication rate of the antiplatelet group was 1.8%, significantly lower than that of the anticoagulation group (19.1%, P < 0.01). There were not significant differences in cardiovascular event rate and mortality 18 months after operation between these two groups. CONCLUSION: Antiplatelet therapy combined with clopidogrel plus aspirin is effective and safe in preventing restenosis following peripheral artery angioplasty and stenting.