Role of Cerebral Embolic Protection Devices During Cardiac Procedures


Cerebral protection during a heart procedure – this may sound strange for a layman but these two aspects are closely related to each other. Often it happens that the person being operated for heart valve replacement succumbs to brain trauma or stroke. This happens as the emboli enters into the brain system, causing obstruction leading to serious complications in the form of stroke. What objects the normal blood flow through these vessels is the debris that is released into the bloodstream. It enters the blood vessels and causes blockage. To prevent this, the cerebral embolic protection devices (CEPD) were invented. These devices are placed right before the procedure to ensure such complications don’t arise. The devices do not let the emboli enter the brain system while the procedure is on.




Ever since these devices have been employed to guard during surgical procedures, the complications have been reduced by a great deal. The CEPD devices are made of three different types namely, Distal occlusion devices, Distal filters and Proximal occlusion devices.

In Distal occlusion devices, a balloon catheter is used to stop the blood-flow inside the vessel temporarily, during the cardiac procedure. It traps the debris it encounters, which is removed before the release of distal occlusion.

Distal filters comprise of a small net which is termed as basket. It lets the blood flow through the filter which allows some extra time for the procedure. The pore-size of these filters is about 100 microns. In case the pores are smaller than 100 microns, they will easily get clogged even with platelets.

The filter catches blood clots during the procedure and prevents the emboli from reaching downwards. The chances for heart attack are reduced. By the end of the procedure, the clogged filter is removed from the patient’s system. CEPD are used especially during Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) which is performed to improve heart function.

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