Embolic protection device

Abstract

An embolic protection device has a collapsible filter element ( 105 ) mounted on a carrier such as a guidewire ( 101 ). The filter element ( 105 ) collapses into the outer end of a catheter ( 118 ) for deployment and retrieval through a vascular system of a patient. The filter element ( 105 ) has a collapsible filter body with a proximal inlet end and a distal outlet end. The proximal inlet end has inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic material enter the filter body. The outlet end has outlet openings which allow through passage of blood but retain embolic material within the filter body. After use, the catheter ( 118 ) is movable along the guidewire ( 101 ) to engage the proximal end of the filter element and close the inlet openings before sliding over the filter element from the proximal end to the distal end to progressively collapse the filter body on the guidewire ( 101 ) for retrieval. The filter element ( 105 ) may conveniently be mounted on a tubular sleeve ( 104 ) which is slidable and rotatable on the guidewire ( 101 ) between spaced-apart stops ( 106, 120 ) on the guidewire ( 101 ) which allows some manipulation of the guidewire independently of the filter when the filter is in use.

1 . A method for providing embolic protection, comprising:
 advancing a support element through a vascular system of a patient, wherein a filter element is associated with the support element, the filter element being movable between a collapsed stored position for movement through the vascular system and an expanded position for occluding a blood vessel such that blood passing through the blood vessel is delivered through the filter element but embolic material is retained in the filter element, the filter element comprising a mesh member defined by a plurality of slots, the slots configured to allow the mesh member to move between the stored collapsed position and the expanded position; and   engaging the filter element with at least a portion of a wall of the blood vessel.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising removing a sheath from about a portion of the filter element, thereby allowing the filter element to move from the collapsed stored position to the expanded position. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising using at least a proximal section of the filter element as a platform for a balloon catheter or a stent. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein an outside diameter dimension of the proximal section is sized to allow free movement of the balloon catheter or stent over the proximal section. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the outside dimension of the proximal section is 0.35 inches or less. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the outside dimension of the proximal section is 0.18 inches or less. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the outside dimension of the proximal section is 0.14 inches or less.