Gregg Stone, MD, primary investigator in the PROTECT IV randomized controlled trial, discusses data supporting the use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) for high-risk PCI. This SCAI 2021 presentation is titled, “PROTECT IV: New Data Supporting Complete and Supported Revascularization.”

Dr. Stone begins with an overview of the clinical need for mechanical circulatory support for high-risk PCI. He discusses the clinical and anatomic characteristics of this patient population, who tend to have comorbidities, complex coronary artery disease, and hemodynamic compromise. He describes these patients as being at high risk for procedural complications during PCI, noting that they may not receive complete revascularization and that physicians may alter their stenting techniques in such complex cases.

Dr. Stone then presents the potential benefits of MCS for high-risk PCI, which he states include:

• Reducing procedural complications, which can improve early outcomes
• Enabling optimal stent implantation and complete revascularization, which can improve late outcomes through reduced restenosis, reduced stent thrombosis, and improved recovery of left ventricular function
• Potentially providing renal protective effects, leading to reduced acute kidney injury or long-term renal preservation