Multi-wire embolic protection filtering device

Abstract

An embolic protection filtering device and method of making and using the same. The present invention comprises a filtering device including an elongate shaft and a filter that may be releasably attachable to the shaft. The filter may include a coupling member that may be used to secure the filter to the shaft.

1 . An embolic protection device comprising: 
 a filter having an open end and an closed end; and    an inflatable coupling member disposed at the closed end.    
   
   
       2 . The embolic protection device of  claim 1 , wherein the inflatable coupling member is configured to secure the filter to an elongate member when the inflatable coupling member is inflated.  
   
   
       3 . The embolic protection device of  claim 1 , wherein the inflatable coupling member is configured to permit the filter to move relative to an elongate member when the inflatable coupling member is deflated.  
   
   
       4 . The embolic protection device of  claim 1 , wherein the coupling member includes an inflation port.  
   
   
       5 . The embolic protection device of  claim 4 , further comprising an inflation tube coupled to the coupling member adjacent the inflation port.  
   
   
       6 . The embolic protection device of  claim 1 , further comprising an expansion member.  
   
   
       7 . The embolic protection device of  claim 6 , wherein the expansion member comprises one or more inflation tubes.  
   
   
       8 . The embolic protection device of  claim 1 , wherein the filter includes one or more inflatable longitudinal ribs.  
   
   
       9 . An embolic protection assembly comprising: 
 an elongate shaft; and    the embolic protection device of  claim 1  disposed on the elongate shaft.    
   
   
       10 . The embolic protection assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the elongate shaft comprises a guidewire.  
   
   
       11 . A medical device, comprising: 
 an elongate shaft;    a filter coupled to the shaft;    a coupling member coupled to the filter, the coupling member including one or more gripping arms;    wherein the gripping arms are pivotable about a pivot point between a first position where the filter is slidable along the shaft and a second position where the arms secure the position of the filter relative to the shaft;    an expansion member coupled to the filter and to the coupling member; and    wherein radial expansion of the expansion member pivots the coupling member into the second position.    
   
   
       12 . A method for coupling a filter to a guidewire, comprising the steps of; 
 providing a guidewire;    providing a filtering assembly, the filtering assembly including a filter having an inflatable coupling member attached thereto;    advancing the filter assembly along the guidewire to a desirable position; and    inflating the coupling member so as to secure the filtering assembly to the guidewire.    
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the step of inflating the coupling member so as to secure the filtering assembly to the guidewire includes releasably attaching an inflation tube to the coupling member and infusing inflation media through the inflation tube and into the coupling member.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the coupling member includes an inflation tube, and wherein the step of inflating the coupling member so as to secure the filtering assembly to the guidewire includes infusing inflation media through the inflation tube and into the coupling member.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the step of inflating the coupling member so as to secure the filtering assembly to the guidewire precedes the step of advancing the guidewire to a desirable position within a body lumen.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the step of inflating the coupling member so as to secure the filtering assembly to the guidewire follows the step of advancing the guidewire to a desirable position within a body lumen.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the filter includes an inflatable expansion member, and wherein the step of expanding the filter includes inflating the expansion member.