Significant atheromatous debris following uncomplicated vein graft direct stenting: evidence supporting routine use of distal protection devices.

We present the case of an angiographically uncomplicated direct stent vein graft intervention in which the Percusurge embolization containment device was used. We performed histological examination of the resulting debris and observed massive particulate atheromatous material. This case illustrates the severity of distal embolization that can go clinically unnoticed after direct stenting and also supports the routine use of distal protection devices for vein graft intervention.