Intravascular Filter With Debris Entrapment Mechanism

Abstract

Apparatus for filtering and entrapping debris in the vascular system of a patient, the apparatus including a filter to allow blood to flow therethrough and to restrict passage of debris, wherein the filter captures debris carried in a first direction of blood flow. The apparatus further includes an entrapment mechanism which allows passage of debris and blood therethrough, in the first direction of blood flow and prevents debris passage in a second direction. The entrapment mechanism and filter allow blood and debris therethrough in the first direction of blood flow. The entrapment mechanism prevents debris flow in the second direction of blood flow. A method for filtering and entrapping debris generated during a percutaneous heart procedure includes deploying a filter mechanism orthogonal to the axis of an artery and performing a percutaneous heart procedure. in the vascular accumulated debris from the vascular system.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method for filtering and entrapping debris generated during a percutaneous heart procedure comprising:
 deploying a filter mechanism substantially orthogonal to an axis of an artery, the filter mechanism mounted to an elongate cannula; and   performing a percutaneous heart procedure comprising a stent-based device;   wherein the elongate cannula extends proximally and distally from the filter mechanism in proximal and distal directions.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein performing a percutaneous heart procedure includes balloon dilation of a heart valve. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein performing a percutaneous heart procedure includes deployment of a stent. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the filter mechanism is deployed at a location different than the location of the percutaneous heart procedure. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the stent-based device is mounted to the elongate cannula. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the filter mechanism further comprises a filter device having a proximal side and a distal side, the filter mechanism adapted to allow blood flow and prevent passage of debris in a first direction from the proximal side to the distal side of the filter device. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the filter mechanism further comprises an entrapment device having a proximal side and a distal side;
 wherein the entrapment device comprises a selective opening to allow passage of blood and debris therethrough in a first direction from a proximal side to a distal side of the entrapment device.   
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the entrapment device further comprises a blocking element;
 wherein the blocking element is adapted to allow the passage of debris and blood in the first direction through the selective opening and prevent the passage of debris and blood in a second direction through the selective opening by blocking the selective opening.   
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the filtering device forms a first given perimeter and the entrapment device forms a second given perimeter;
 wherein the first given perimeter and the second given perimeter form a chamber between the distal side of the entrapment device and the proximal side of the filtering device; and   wherein the chamber entraps the filtered debris.   
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the first and second directions are different from each other. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the filter mechanism is deployed substantially orthogonal to an axis of the elongate cannula.