Distal Embolic Event Protection Using Excimer Laser Ablation in Peripheral Vascular Interventions: Results of the DEEP EMBOLI Registry

Purpose:To report the results from a single-center prospective registry (DEEP EMBOLI) established to evaluate distal embolization during percutaneous lower extremity interventions using excimer laser ablative therapy.Methods:Elective patients with infrainguinal occlusive disease were eligible for this registry if the lesion(s) met one or more of these angiographic criteria: (1) moderate or severe calcification of any length, (2) total occlusions of any length, (3) a filling defect, (4) irregular (ulcerated) lesions at least 30 mm in length, and/or (5) smooth, non-ulcerated lesions at least 50 mm in length. In all, 20 patients (15 women; mean age 70.9±10.8 years) with 28 lesions (de novo 13, restenotic 15) were enrolled and underwent treatment with laser atherectomy. SpiderFx filters were utilized before laser treatment in 18 of 20 patients and before final definitive treatment with angioplasty ± stenting in all 20 patients. The primary angiographic outcome was a residual narrowing of <30% or 30% to 50% wi...