766 Distal embolization protection systems. A rare complication

Aims The no reflow phenomenon is a not rare complication that occurs in up to 30% of patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing myocardial reperfusion by percutaneous coronary intervention. The use of coronary artery thrombus aspiration or distal embolization protection systems has reduced the risk of distal embolization and no-reflow phenomenon. Methods and results We describe the case of a 77 year old female suffering from hypertension presented at our emergency department for inferior STEMI. An urgent coronary angiography was performed, showing a three-vessel coronary artery disease with right coronary artery sub-occluded in the middle segment (culprit lesion), with a voluminous endoluminal minus image, as intracoronary thrombosis. Before performing the coronary angioplasty, a Spider FX3 filter was placed on the distal segment of the right coronary artery; thrombus aspiration was performed, which was ineffective, then angioplasty and Zotarolimus eluting stent implantation in the mid segment of the right coronary artery. After stent implantation, an image of minus was highlighted inside the basket of the filter, as a migrated and incarcerated thrombotic formation; then, the filter was removed. During the removal of the filter, longitudinal crush of the distal portion of the stent is caused, with limitation of the downstream flow, in the absence of haemodynamic instability. The stent was recrossed with Fielder XT guidewire supported by Turnpike LP Microcatheter. Multiple dilations werenperformed with semi-compliant and non-compliant increasing-caliber balloons and then Zotarolimus eluting stent implantation, in partial overlap with the distal portion of the previously implanted stent, with TIMI flow 3. The echocardiogram showed a normal global systolic function, with alterations in regional kinetics. On the 6th day, angioplasty and Zotarolimus eluting stent implantation was performed on the mid-proximal segment of the left anterior descending artery. During the hospitalization the patient was stable and has been discharged in good condition on the ninth day. Conclusions The interest of this case is the evidence of a rare complication related to the use of distal embolization protection system, probably due to an incomplete closure of the filter before removal, due to the high amount of thrombotic material inside it. The rapid recrossing of the stent after the longitudinal crush, the angioplasty and the second stent implantation, led to a quick flow restoration, without haemodynamic and clinical consequences on the patient's outcome.