PERFORMANCE 1 study: Novel carotid stent system with integrated post‐dilation balloon and embolic protection device

Objectives The PERFORMANCE I study was designed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the Neuroguard IEP® System, a novel carotid stent system with an integrated embolic filter and post‐dilatation balloon, to treat clinically significant carotid artery stenosis. Background The risk of major adverse events during carotid artery stenting is comparable to carotid endarterectomy, however, the risk of minor stroke remains higher with stenting. Methods In total, 67 patients undergoing carotid artery stenting were enrolled at nine centers in Europe. Follow‐up assessments included neurological exams, duplex ultrasound, 12‐lead electrocardiogram, and cardiac enzyme analysis. The primary endpoint was the 30‐day composite rate of stroke, death, and myocardial infarctions versus a prespecified performance goal. Secondary endpoints included procedure success, device success, and target lesion revascularization. Results The study population was predominantly male (74.6%) with a mean age of 69.3 ± 8.9 years and 67% of subjects met at least one criterion placing them at an elevated risk for adverse events following carotid endarterectomy. All patients were treated successfully with the study device. There were no deaths or strokes within 30 days of the index procedure. One subject (1.5%) experienced a non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction at day 17. The primary endpoint was met with a 30‐day major adverse events rate of 1.5% (1/67). Through 12‐month follow‐up, there were no strokes, neurological deaths, target lesion revascularizations, or instances of in‐stent‐restenosis. Conclusions Results from this study demonstrate the Neuroguard IEP system is safe and feasible with a stroke/death rate of 0% at 30 days. A large pivotal study is currently underway.