Atheroemboli during renal artery angioplasty: An ex vivo study

Athero-emboli produce a local arteritis in the kidney and could cause substantial damage to the renal parenchyma. This report explores the quantity of athero-emboli released during ex vivo angioplasty and stenting of renal atheroma specimens. The number of emboli found in this ex vivo study suggest that the use of protection devices may be advisable to protect the end organ, as done with angioplasty of the carotid artery. Of necessity, this was an ex vivo study and direct application to the clinical setting will need further study. Fortunately, multi-center trials examining the value of protection devices are currently in progress.