BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although the PercuSurge (PS) system is an efficient distal protection device, it has several limitations such as significant occlusion time causing myocardial ischemia and requirement of a large 7 or 8 Fr guiding catheter (GC). To address these problems, we developed a new method of use for the PS system using a deeply-engaged 5 Fr GC as an aspiration catheter instead of the Export aspiration catheter. METHODS: We studied the initial feasibility and safety of 14 patients treated with a new PS procedure compared to 18 patients treated with the conventional method. RESULTS: Clinical and demographic characteristics were similar between the two patient groups. Device success rate was also similar. The new method using a 5 Fr GC without the Export aspiration catheter significantly reduced fluoroscopic time, total procedure time, occlusion time and in-hospital costs. CONCLUSIONS: This method may be an important alternative procedure that compensates for the disadvantages associated with the conventional use of the PS system by taking advantage of the flexibility and versatility of a 5 Fr GC.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although the PercuSurge (PS) system is an efficient distal protection device, it has several limitations such as significant occlusion time causing myocardial ischemia and requirement of a large 7 or 8 Fr guiding catheter (GC). To address these problems, we developed a new method of use for the PS system using a deeply-engaged 5 Fr GC as an aspiration catheter instead of the Export aspiration catheter. METHODS: We studied the initial feasibility and safety of 14 patients treated with a new PS procedure compared to 18 patients treated with the conventional method. RESULTS: Clinical and demographic characteristics were similar between the two patient groups. Device success rate was also similar. The new method using a 5 Fr GC without the Export aspiration catheter significantly reduced fluoroscopic time, total procedure time, occlusion time and in-hospital costs. CONCLUSIONS: This method may be an important alternative procedure that compensates for the disadvantages associated with the conventional use of the PS system by taking advantage of the flexibility and versatility of a 5 Fr GC.