Support frame for an embolic protection device

Abstract

An embolic protection device comprises a collapsible filter element for delivery through a vascular system of a patient. The filter element comprises a collapsible filter body and a filter support frame contacting the filter body. The collapsible filter body has an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of the filter body having one or more inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic material to enter the filter body, the outlet end of the filter body having a plurality of outlet openings sized to allow through passage of blood but to retain undesired embolic material within the filter body. The filter support frame is movable between a collapsed position for movement through the vascular system and an extended outwardly projecting position to support the filter body in the expanded position. The frame has a plurality of engagement segments which are spaced apart longitudinally and transversely when the filter body is in the deployed expanded configuration to urge the filter body into opposition with the vessel wall. The engagement segments define at least partially a substantially helical engagement track.

1 - 40 . (canceled)  
   
   
       41 . An embolic protection device comprising: 
 a collapsible filter element for delivery through a vascular system of a patient;    the filter element comprising a collapsible filter body and a filter support frame contacting the filter body;    the filter body having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of the filter body having one or more inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic material to enter the filter body, the outlet end of the filter body having a plurality of outlet openings sized to allow through passage of blood but to retain undesired embolic material within the filter body;    the filter support frame being movable between a collapsed position for movement through the vascular system and an extended outwardly projecting position to support the filter body in an expanded position;    the filter support frame comprising one or more wire elements;    a distal end of the filter support frame terminating proximally of a distal end of the filter body; and    the filter element further comprising one or more tethers.    
   
   
       42 . The embolic protection device as claimed in  claim 41  wherein the tether extends from the filter support frame.  
   
   
       43 . The embolic protection device as claimed in  claim 42  wherein the tether extends distally from the filter support frame.  
   
   
       44 . The embolic protection device as claimed in  claim 41  wherein the filter support frame comprises at least two wire elements.  
   
   
       45 . The embolic protection device as claimed in  claim 44  wherein at least some of the wire elements are interconnected.  
   
   
       46 . The embolic protection device as claimed in  claim 41  wherein the tether extends radially inwardly of the filter support frame.  
   
   
       47 . The embolic protection device as claimed in  claim 41  wherein the filter element has a distal mounting for mounting the filter element on a filter carrier.  
   
   
       48 . The embolic protection device as claimed in  claim 47  wherein the distal mounting is substantially tubular.  
   
   
       49 . The embolic protection device as claimed in  claim 41  wherein the filter support frame has an intermediate section and a proximal section extending proximally from the intermediate section.  
   
   
       50 . The embolic protection device as claimed in  claim 49  wherein the proximal section of the filter support frame extends radially inwardly of the intermediate section.  
   
   
       51 . The embolic protection device as claimed in  claim 49  wherein the proximal section of the filter support frame is mounted on a filter carrier.  
   
   
       52 . The embolic protection device as claimed in  claim 41  wherein the filter support frame is of an elastic, superelastic and/or a shape memory material.  
   
   
       53 . The embolic protection device as claimed in  claim 41  wherein the filter support frame is of Nitinol.  
   
   
       54 . An embolic protection device comprising: 
 a collapsible filter element for delivery through a vascular system of a patient;    the filter element comprising a collapsible filter body and a filter support frame contacting the filter body;    the filter body having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of the filter body having one or more inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic material to enter the filter body, the outlet end of the filter body having a plurality of outlet openings sized to allow through passage of blood but to retain undesired embolic material within the filter body;    the filter support frame being movable between a collapsed position for movement through the vascular system and an extended outwardly projecting position to support the filter body in an expanded position;    the filter support frame comprising two or more wire elements;    at least some of the wire elements being interconnected.    
   
   
       55 . The embolic protection device as claimed in  claim 54 , wherein the two or more filter support frame elements form a partial helical structure.  
   
   
       56 . The embolic protection device as claimed in  claim 55 , wherein the two or more filter support frame elements form a partial helical structure along a periphery of the filter membrane.  
   
   
       57 . The embolic protection device as claimed in  claim 54 , wherein the filter support frame comprises two wire elements.