A Mechanism for Stroke Complicating Coronary Thrombus Aspiration

Coronary thrombus aspiration was developed to remove thrombus, prevent distal embolization, and prepare the vessel for definitive intervention. However, its use is now limited by the risk of stroke. We describe a case where appropriate aspiration technique likely prevented central embolization of a coronary thrombus. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.)