Methods, systems, and devices for deploying a filter from a filter device

Abstract

A filter device is adapted to function as a guidewire, an exchange guidewire, and provide embolic protection during a procedure. The filter device includes a filter assembly that is either integral with or coupled to a guide member. The filter assembly includes a plurality of struts that expand outwardly to deploy a filter that collects or captures material flowing along the blood vessel within which the filter device is deployed. The plurality of struts are constrained by a restraining member or mechanism that prevents the plurality of struts from expanding or extending outwardly to deploy the filter. Cooperating with the restraining member or mechanism is an actuating assembly that is adapted to release the restraining member or mechanism and enable the filter to be deployed from the guide member. A capture catheter that cooperates with the filter device and substantially surrounds the filter during removal of the filter device.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . An embolic filter deployment device comprising:
 a guide member having a proximal end and a distal end;   a strut assembly comprising a proximal tubular end and a plurality of distal struts having a first configuration in which the distal struts of the plurality of distal struts are parallel and define a lumen therethrough and a second configuration in which a distal portion of each distal strut extends radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the strut assembly,   wherein each distal strut of the plurality of distal struts further comprises a tubular member fixedly attached to the distal strut and lying within the lumen defined by the plurality of distal struts in the first configuration of the strut assembly,   wherein each tubular member defines a lumen,   further wherein the proximal tubular end of the strut assembly is attached to the distal end of the guide member;   an elongate securing member including a distal end region adapted to slidingly pass through the respective lumens of each of the tubular members when the strut assembly is in the first configuration;   and an embolic filter coupled to the plurality of distal struts.   
     
     
         3 . The embolic filter deployment device of  claim 2 , wherein the lumens of the tubular members fixedly attached to the plurality of distal struts of the strut assembly are axially aligned in the first configuration of the strut assembly. 
     
     
         4 . The embolic filter deployment device of  claim 3 , wherein the distal end region of the elongate securing member is straight and passes through the axially aligned lumens of the tubular members fixedly attached to the plurality of distal struts of the strut assembly in the first configuration of the strut assembly. 
     
     
         5 . The embolic filter deployment device of  claim 3 , wherein the distal end region of the elongate securing member does not pass through the axially aligned lumens of the tubular members fixedly attached to the plurality of distal struts of the strut assembly in the second configuration of the strut assembly. 
     
     
         6 . The embolic filter deployment device of  claim 2 , wherein the proximal tubular end of the strut assembly includes a lateral aperture. 
     
     
         7 . The embolic filter deployment device of  claim 6 , wherein the elongate securing member passes through the lateral aperture of the proximal tubular end of the strut assembly. 
     
     
         8 . The embolic filter deployment device of  claim 2 , wherein the guide member includes a lumen extending from the distal end to the distal end thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The embolic filter deployment device of  claim 8 , wherein the elongate securing member passes through the lumen of the guide member. 
     
     
         10 . The embolic filter deployment device of  claim 2 , wherein the elongate securing member has a length greater than a combined length of the guide member and the strut assembly. 
     
     
         11 . The embolic filter deployment device of  claim 2 , wherein the tubular member fixedly attached to the distal strut comprises an aperture through a portion of the distal strut. 
     
     
         12 . A method of deploying an embolic filter comprising:
 coupling an embolic filter to a plurality of distal struts of a strut assembly attached to a distal end of a guide member,   wherein each strut of the plurality of distal struts comprises a tubular member fixedly attached to the strut and lying within a lumen defined by the plurality of distal struts of the strut assembly in a first configuration of the strut assembly,   further wherein a distal end region of an elongate securing member is slidingly received within the tubular members fixedly attached to the distal struts of the plurality distal struts in a first configuration of the strut assembly and   removing the distal end region of the elongate securing member from within the tubular members fixedly attached to the distal struts of the plurality distal struts of the strut assembly,   thereby allowing the plurality of distal struts of the strut assembly to assume a second configuration of the strut assembly whereupon the embolic filter coupled to the plurality of struts of the strut assembly deploys.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the elongate securing member passes through a lateral aperture of a proximal tubular end of the strut assembly. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the elongate securing member passes through a lumen of the guide member. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the elongate securing member has a length greater than a combined length of the guide member and the strut assembly.