An update on the role of proximal occlusion devices in carotid artery stenting.

Carotid artery stenting performed with distal embolic protection devices continues to show elevated rates of periprocedural stroke, in particular with high-risk groups. This article discusses the factors associated with protection devices that may contribute to this complication, performs a literature review to assess outcomes of carotid stenting with proximal occlusion devices, and assesses the role of proximal occlusion devices in the management of patients with carotid artery stenosis.