Use of distal protection filter device for rescue mechanical thrombectomy for symptomatic free-floating thrombus of the cervical internal carotid artery.

Background: Intraluminal free floating thrombus (FFT) of the cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) is a potentially high-risk lesion for recurrent ischemic strokes, with no single optimal treatment established.

Objective: To describe a novel interventional technique for mechanical thrombectomy of intraluminal free floating thrombus using a distal protection filter device and aspiration.

Methods: We identified two cases where anticoagulation was contraindicated in patients with intraluminal FFT and minimal underlying stenosis.