Suitability of saphenous vein graft lesions for the use of distal embolic protection devices.

The use of distal embolic protection devices (EPD) in saphenous vein graft percutaneous interventions (SVG-PCI) has been associated with a decrease in adverse events. Currently, there are limited data regarding the percentage of SVG lesions that are suitable for EPD deployment. We retrospectively reviewed 131 SVG-PCI procedures occurring over 18 months for suitability for EPD deployment, utilizing previously published suitability criteria. We found that 49% of cases were suitable for EPD use, which is similar to results from other studies. Given the data supporting the use of EPD use in SVG-PCI, we feel that these findings should motivate interventional operators to establish benchmark standards for employing EPDs to improve the care of patients undergoing SVG-PCI.