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 for deployment in a vasculature, the 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 being movable between a collapsed configuration for movement through a vasculature, and an outwardly extended configuration for deployment in a vasculature;    the filter including a retrieval mechanism whereby the filter can be urged to the collapsed configuration from the outwardly extended configuration.    
   
   
       2 . The embolic protection filter as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the retrieval mechanism is a drawstring retrieval mechanism  
   
   
       3 . The embolic protection filter as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the drawstring retrieval mechanism has a mesh configuration.  
   
   
       4 . The embolic protection filter as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the drawstring retrieval mechanism is near the inlet end of the filter.  
   
   
       5 . A method for the capture and removal of embolic material from a vasculature during an interventional procedure comprising the steps of: 
 providing a collapsible embolic protection filter including a drawstring removal mechanism having a collapsed configuration for delivery of the filter, and a deployed outwardly extending configuration;    advancing a guidewire through a vasculature;    crossing a desired treatment location with the guidewire;    deploying the filter distal to the treatment location;    carrying out an interventional procedure at the treatment location, embolic material generated during the treatment procedure being captured by the deployed filter;    advancing a retrieval device comprising a centering catheter and a retrieval catheter;    engaging the drawstring removal mechanism with the centering catheter;    collapsing the filter;    drawing the filter into retrieval catheter; and    withdrawing the retrieval device and the filter from the vasculature.    
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 4 , further including the step of withdrawing the guidewire prior to collapsing the filter.  
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein the filter further includes a guiding member associated with a proximal portion of the embolic protection filter, the guiding member being configured to receive and guide a guidewire through at least a portion of the filter.  
   
   
       8 . A method for the capture and removal of embolic material from a vasculature, comprising the steps of: 
 advancing a first guidewire through the vasculature to a position distal an area to be treated;    advancing an embolic protection filter disposed about said guidewire to a position distal the area to be treated;    causing the embolic protection filter to expand from a contracted position to an expanded position generally in apposition with the vasculature; and    withdrawing the guidewire proximally through the embolic protection filter.    
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 7 , further including the steps of performing a medical procedure and advancing a filter retrieval catheter, the filter retrieval catheter configured to engage a portion of the filter and cause the filter to be moved from the expanded position to the contracted position.  
   
   
       10 . The method according to  claim 7 , further comprising the step of exchanging the first guidewire with a second guidewire, the second guidewire having mechanical properties different than that of the first guidewire.  
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein the filter is provided with either recesses or protrusions and the retrieval catheter is configured with the complementary coupling member.  
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 7 , further including the step of advancing a second guidewire in conjunction with advancing the first guidewire, wherein the second guidewire is not coupled to the filter.  
   
   
       13 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the first guidewire is configured to be moved independently of the filter.  
   
   
       14 . The method according to  claim 7 , further including the steps of performing a medical procedure, 
 advancing the guidewire through the filter, and    advancing a filter retrieval catheter over the guidewire, the filter retrieval catheter configured to engage a portion of the filter and cause the filter to be moved from the expanded position to the contracted position.