Predicting embolic potential during carotid angioplasty and stenting: Analysis of captured particulate debris, ultrasound characteristics, and prior carotid endarterectomy

Captured particulate debris in filter.

Photomicrographs of hematoxylin and eosin staining under the dissecting microscope (left, bar, 300 μm; right, bar, 60 μm) of the captured particulate show amorphous, largely acellular proteinaceous material.

The presence of calcium in the captured embolic debris was correlated with preprocedural ultrasound imaging and angiographic evidence of heavily and moderately calcified lesions (bar, 60 μm).

Energy dispersive spectroscopy confirmed presence of Ca²⁺ (3.69 keV).