Carotid angioplasty and stenting-Device related complication: Embolic protection filter-wire retention

Abstract

Carotid stenting with the use of an embolic protection device has become a common procedure done routinely for carotid stenosis. The procedure is usually done in patients with transient ischemic attacks or minor strokes for preventing further strokes. Since it is done on patients who are asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic, the occurrence of complications should be kept as close to nil. It is important to know potential complications to be careful when we subject patients to such interventions which can be rewarding if they go well but can be devastating if things go wrong. Here we present a case of carotid stenosis who underwent successful stenting however had a retained filter wire of the embolic protection device. The patient was managed conservatively and the need for a major surgical procedure to remove the retained device could be avoided.