Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas

To the Editor: Marfella et al. (March 7 issue) 1 found the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) in carotid artery plaque and linked it with a higher risk of cardiovascular events. However, many factors suggest potential external plastic contamination of samples collected in this study. 2 First, no pre-analytical anticontamination procedures were implemented (only the use of glass tubes is mentioned), so credible detection of MNPs may be questioned. The surgical environment and equipment contain many MNPs, including polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride, and the risk of contamination with MNP intraoperatively is very high. 3 Also, no blank samples from the operating room . . .