Embolism filter with self-deployable guidewire stop

Abstract

An embolism filter adapted to selectively stop an embolism filter along a length of guidewire, including a filter adapted to encircle a guidewire and at least one self-deploying stop attached to the filter and which selectively stops movement of said filter.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An actuatable guidewire stop disposed on a guidewire, said guidewire stop adapted to selectively stop an intravascular device from longitudinally moving relative to a guidewire, comprising:
 a sleeve slideably disposed about the guidewire;   the actuatable guidewire stop secured within an interior space of the sleeve and comprising one or more radially expandable balloons; and   an inflation hose connected to the one or more radially expandable balloons for transfer of a fluid into the balloon or balloons, wherein the transfer of fluid urges the one or more radially expandable balloons against the guidewire to prevent longitudinal movement of the sleeve along the guidewire.   
     
     
         2 . The guidewire stop of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid is biologically inert. 
     
     
         3 . The guidewire stop of  claim 1 , wherein the inflation hose is connected to the one or more radially expandable balloons at one or more hose attachment ports which self-seal upon disconnection of the inflation hose from the one or more hose attachment ports. 
     
     
         4 . The guidewire stop of  claim 1 , wherein the inflation hose is connected to the one or more radially expandable balloons at one or more hose attachment ports and the balloon or balloons deflate upon disconnection of the inflation hose from the one or more hose attachment ports. 
     
     
         5 . The guidewire stop of  claim 3 , further comprising a sheath having a leading edge with one or more sharp projections, with the sheath advancing inside the sleeve toward the balloon or balloons, wherein the balloon or balloons deflate upon puncture by the one or more sharp projections. 
     
     
         6 . A method for selectively stopping an actuatable guidewire stop having one or more radially expandable balloons at a longitudinal position of a guidewire, comprising the steps of:
 advancing the actuatable guidewire stop along the guidewire; and   inflating the one or more balloons to urge the one or more radially expandable balloons against the guidewire to prevent longitudinal movement of the sleeve along the guidewire.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the one or more radially expandable balloons are surrounded by a sleeve. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the one or more radially expandable balloons are inflated by transfer of a fluid. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising the step of detaching the guidewire stop from the guidewire by deflating the one or more balloons. 
     
     
         10 . A method for selectively stopping an intravascular device from longitudinally moving relative to a guidewire, comprising the steps of:
 advancing an actuatable guidewire stop along the guidewire;   removing a restrainer disposed between the actuatable guidewire stop and the guidewire, thereby urging the actuatable stop against the guidewire to prevent longitudinal movement of the guidewire stop relative to the guidewire.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the restrainer is removed through displacement or dissolution of the restrainer.