Embolic protection system

Abstract

A retrieval catheter 1 comprises a distal tubular sheath 2 with a reception space 5 into which an embolic protection filter 10 may be retrieved. An elongate connector 10 extends proximally from the sheath 2 to allow a clinician to control movement of the sheath 12 . The sheath 2 is backloaded over a procedural catheter such as a balloon catheter 20 , for example for post dilatation of a stent 55 . The procedure is more efficient and procedure time is reduced because a catheter system is provided which allows a procedural step to be carried out and a filter 50 to be retrieved.

1 . An interventional catheter system comprising: 
 a procedural catheter for carrying out a procedure at a treatment site in the vasculature, the procedural catheter having a distal end and a proximal end; and    an embolic protection device retrieval catheter having a distal end defining a reception space for an embolic protection device and a proximal end, the proximal end of the retrieval catheter being adapted for loading over the procedural catheter.    
   
   
       2 . A catheter system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the retrieval catheter is adapted for loading over the distal end of the procedural catheter.  
   
   
       3 . A catheter system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the retrieval catheter comprises a distal tubular portion defining the reception space for a retrieved embolic protection device and a control element to control movement of the tubular portion.  
   
   
       4 . A catheter system as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the tubular portion is shorter than the length of the procedural catheter.  
   
   
       5 . A catheter system as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the distal tubular portion has a length of less than 35 cm.  
   
   
       6 . A catheter system as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the control element comprises an elongate connector extending proximally of the tubular portion.  
   
   
       7 . A catheter system as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the connector comprises a wire.  
   
   
       8 . A catheter system as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the connector is fixed to the tubular portion.  
   
   
       9 . A catheter system as claimed in  6 , wherein the connector is integral with the outer tubular body.  
   
   
       10 . A catheter system as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the tubular portion is expandable.  
   
   
       11 . A catheter system as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the tubular portion comprises a coiled sheath, the sheath being expandable by uncoiling.  
   
   
       12 . A catheter system as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the tubular portion comprises one or more reinforcement columns.  
   
   
       13 . A catheter system as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the column to the cross-sectional area of the tubular portion is substantially constant along the length of the tubular portion.  
   
   
       14 . A catheter system as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the column to the cross-sectional area of the tubular portion decreases distally along at least part of the length of the tubular portion.  
   
   
       15 . A catheter system as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the column comprises a spline.  
   
   
       16 . A catheter system as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the tubular portion comprises a radiopaque marker.  
   
   
       17 . A catheter system as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein the radiopaque marker comprises a band that extends at least partially around the tubular portion.  
   
   
       18 . A catheter system as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein the radiopaque marker is generally C-shaped.  
   
   
       19 . A catheter system as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein the connector forms an extension of the radiopaque marker.  
   
   
       20 . A catheter system as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the system comprises an engagement element for engaging with an embolic protection device for retrieval of the device into the retrieval catheter.  
   
   
       21 . A catheter system as claims in  claim 20 , wherein the engagement element comprises a snare.  
   
   
       22 . A catheter system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the procedural catheter is a balloon catheter.  
   
   
       23 . A catheter system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the procedural catheter is an angioplasty catheter.  
   
   
       24 . A catheter system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the procedural catheter is a post dilatation catheter.  
   
   
       25 . A catheter system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the procedural catheter is a stent deployment catheter.  
   
   
       26 . A catheter system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the procedural catheter is a balloon expandable stent deployment catheter.  
   
   
       27 . A catheter system as claimed in  claim 1 , comprising a delivery catheter.  
   
   
       28 . A catheter system as claimed in  claim 1 , comprising an embolic protection device.  
   
   
       29 . A catheter having a reception space for receiving a medical device, the catheter being expandable around the reception space for ease of movement of a medical device relative to the reception space.  
   
   
       30 . A catheter as claimed in  claim 29 , wherein the catheter comprises a coiled sheath around the reception space, the sheath being expandable by uncoiling.  
   
   
       31 . A transportation device comprising a reception portion having a reception space for receiving a medical device, and a control tether extending proximally of the reception portion to facilitate control of the position of the reception portion.  
   
   
       32 . A device as claimed in  claim 31 , wherein the reception portion comprises a tubular sheath.