Embolic protection system

Abstract

An embolic protection filter system comprises a collapsible embolic protection filter 62 having a collapsed configuration for delivery of the filter, and a deployed configuration and a temporary lumen defining member 60 . The lumen defining member 60 is used for loading a filter-containing delivery catheter 63 onto a guidewire 65 . After loading, the member 60 can be removed by pulling on a tab 61.

1 . An embolic protection filter having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end having one or more inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic material enter the filter, and the outlet end of the filter having a plurality of outlet openings sized to allow through passage of blood but to retain undesired embolic material within the filter; 
 the filter having a guidewire aperture for passing the filter over a guidewire; and    the filter comprising a seal to seal the guidewire aperture.    
   
   
       2 . A filter as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the seal is self-closing.  
   
   
       3 . A filter as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the seal is located at a proximal end of the filter, and/or at a distal end of the filter.  
   
   
       4 . A filter as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the filter has a tubular member extending from the guidewire aperture to define a guidewire lumen through the tubular member.  
   
   
       5 . A filter as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the tubular member extends through at least part of the filter.  
   
   
       6 . A filter as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the tubular member is radially offset from the longitudinal axis of the filter.  
   
   
       7 . A filter as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the seal is an annular member around the guidewire aperture, the annular member being closable down to seal the guidewire aperture.  
   
   
       8 . A filter as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the annular member is a tube  
   
   
       9 . A filter as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the annular member comprises a soft membrane.  
   
   
       10 . A filter as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the annular member comprises two or more circumferentially overlapping flaps.