Embolic protection devices (EPDs) are used to prevent or reduce plaque debris or thrombus from reaching the distal arterial bed and thereby have the potential to reduce adverse clinical events by preventing myocardial ischemia, infarction or slow/no reflow. They are commonly used in saphenous vein graft (SVG) interventions and during carotid artery stenting procedures.

Three different systems based on the mechanism:

• proximal occlusion aspiration devices
• distal occlusion aspiration devices
• distal filters system

 
Proximal and distal occlusion systems were not used in the contemporary practice.
 
Distal Filtration System

• FilterWire EZ Embolic Protection System (Boston Scientific)
• Spider FX Embolic Protection Device (Medtronic)

  Mechanism: Self-conforming filter loop is designed to provide 360° degree apposition in both straight and curved anatomy. Uniform 110 µm pore filter is designed to permit continuous blood flow while maintaining embolic capture efficiency.