In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an integrated chip that includes a lower conductive structure arranged over a substrate. An etch stop layer is arranged over the lower conductive structure, and a first interconnect dielectric layer is arranged over the etch stop layer. The integrated chip further includes an interconnect via that extends through the first interconnect dielectric layer and the etch stop layer to directly contact the lower conductive structure. A protective layer surrounds outermost sidewalls of the interconnect via.