**1. Introduction**

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a rapidly growing minimally invasive alternative in patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis and intermediate or greater pre-operative surgical risk [1–3]. While TAVR is associated with a lower risk of complications, shorter recovery and overall effectiveness, periprocedural stroke remains a significant concern [4] with a relevant impact on mortality, cognitive decline and quality of life (QoL) [5–8]. The progressively expanded recommendation of TAVR for younger or low-risk patients [9–11] makes it necessary to consider preventive strategies to reduce the incidence of this devasting complication for TAVR patients. Over the years, several studies have investigated the safety and effectiveness of different protection devices whose temporary positioning during percutaneous biological valve implantation is still controversial.
