Spontaneous and Procedural Plaque Embolisation in Native Coronary Arteries: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Prevention

Figure 4

Prevention and treatment of spontaneous and procedural distal embolisation. Main mechanical and pharmacological options to treat and prevent distal embolisation in native vessels are reported according to their contribution in dealing with both spontaneous and procedural distal embolisation. Notably since spontaneous distal embolisation has already occurred or is ongoing at admission, pharmacological strategies are adopted with an only “therapeutic” intention in order to reduce the impact of embolised debris on myocardium. On the contrary the same drugs have a double role, preventive and therapeutic, in case of procedural distal embolisation.