Introduction: Atheroembolization during renal artery angioplasty and stenting (RA-PTAS) has been postulated as a cause for the inferior renal function results observed when compared with those with surgical revascularization. To further characterize procedure-associated atheroembolism, we analyzed recovered atheroembolic debris and clinical data from patients undergoing RA-PTAS with distal embolic protection (DEP).
Methods: RA-PTAS procedures were performed with DEP using a commercially available temporary balloon occlusion and aspiration catheter system between July 2005 and December 2006.