Embolic Protection in Saphenous Vein Grafts in Coronary Arteries

Embolic protection devices are designed to capture and remove debris that may be dislodged when undergoing a Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) and to prevent debris from flowing downstream and blocking smaller arteries. There are currently two types of embolic protection systems, filters and occlusion balloons. A filter-based device allows continuous blood flow to the artery while filtering and capturing significant debris. Balloon occlusion systems temporarily stop flow by occluding the artery and then the debris is removed through an aspiration catheter.