Intravascular blood filters and methods of use

Abstract

Multi-filter endolumenal methods and systems for filtering fluids within the body. In some embodiments a multi-filter blood filtering system captures and removes particulates dislodge or generated during a surgical procedure and circulating in a patient's vasculature. In some embodiments a dual filter system protects the cerebral vasculature during a cardiac valve repair or replacement procedure.

1 .- 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A method of protecting the cerebral vasculature, comprising:
 advancing a filter system comprising an expandable proximal filter and an expandable distal filter into a brachiocephalic trunk;   translating a proximal sheath proximally relative to the proximal filter to expand the proximal filter from a collapsed configuration within the proximal sheath to an expanded configuration within the brachiocephalic trunk;   articulating a distal articulatable sheath independently of the proximal sheath and of the proximal filter from a first configuration to a second configuration to position the distal sheath towards a left common carotid artery; and   advancing a guiding member carrying the expandable distal filter thereon distally from the distal articulatable sheath to expand the distal filter from a collapsed configuration within the distal sheath to an expanded configuration within the left common carotid artery.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the articulating step comprises bending the distal sheath from a first configuration to a second configuration. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the articulating step comprises positioning the distal end of the distal sheath within the left common carotid artery. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the articulating step comprises bending the distal sheath from a first configuration to a second configuration. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising positioning a portion of the distal sheath within the aortic arch. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15  wherein articulating the distal articulatable sheath independently of the proximal sheath comprises axially translating the distal sheath relative to the proximal filter and the proximal sheath. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 15  wherein articulating the distal articulatable sheath independently of the proximal sheath comprises rotating the distal sheath relative to the proximal sheath and the proximal filter. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the articulating step is performed after the proximal filter is expanded from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration in the brachiocephalic trunk. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22  wherein expanding the distal filter in the left common carotid artery is performed after the articulating step. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising seating the distal articulatable sheath snugly against the tissue between the opening of the brachiocephalic trunk and the opening of the left common carotid artery to minimize the amount of the distal sheath present in the aorta. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the articulating step comprises protecting the guiding member by positioning the distal sheath in the aorta such that the guiding member is not exposed in the aorta. 
     
     
         26 - 74 . (canceled) 
     
     
         75 . A method of protecting the cerebral vasculature, comprising:
 advancing a filter system comprising an expandable proximal filter and an expandable distal filter into a first vessel;   translating a proximal sheath proximally relative to the proximal filter to expand the proximal filter from a collapsed configuration within the proximal sheath to an expanded configuration within the first vessel;   articulating a distal articulatable sheath independently of the proximal sheath and of the proximal filter from a first configuration to a second configuration to position the distal sheath towards a second vessel; and   advancing a guiding member carrying the expandable distal filter thereon distally from the distal articulatable sheath to expand the distal filter from a collapsed configuration within the distal sheath to an expanded configuration within the second vessel.