Embolic protection device

Abstract

An embolic protection system 1 comprises a guidewire 99 for advancing through a vasculature, the guidewire 99 having a distal end and a proximal end; an embolic protection filter 1 having a filter body 41 with a distal end and a proximal end, the filter body 41 providing for a collapsed configuration and an expanded deployed configuration. The embolic protection filter body 41 has a guidewire path for slidably receiving the guidewire 99 to permit movement of the filter 1 relative to the guidewire 99 when the filter 1 is in the collapsed configuration and the expanded deployed configuration. A delivery catheter 2 is advanceable over the guidewire 99 for delivery of the embolic protection filter 1; the delivery catheter 2 having a proximal end and a distal end. The filter 1 is deployed from the distal end of the delivery catheter 2 into the expanded deployed configuration. A retrieval catheter 3 is also advanceable over the guidewire 99 for retrieval of the filter 1, the retrieval catheter 3 having a distal end and a proximal end; and engagement elements for engaging the embolic protection filter 1 with the guidewire 99 for retrieval of the filter 1 into the retrieval catheter 3 in the collapsed configuration.

1 . An embolic protection system comprising: 
 a guidewire for advancing through a vasculature, the guidewire having a distal end and a proximal end;    an embolic protection filter having a distal end, a proximal end, a retracted configuration and an expanded deployed configuration, the filter being movable along the guidewire; and    a delivery catheter advanceable over the guidewire for delivery of the embolic protection filter, the delivery catheter having a proximal end and a distal end,    the delivery catheter having a slot in a sidewall thereof defining a guidewire exit so that the guidewire is located in a lumen of the delivery catheter in only a distal portion thereof.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a deploying member for moving a retracted filter relative to the distal end of the delivery catheter.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the deploying member comprises a tube.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 3  wherein the tube has a side entry hole through which the guidewire extends.  
   
   
       5 . An embolic protection system comprising: 
 a guidewire for advancing through a vasculature, the guidewire having a distal end and a proximal end;    an embolic protection filter having a distal end, a proximal end, a retracted configuration and an expanded deployed configuration, the filter being movable along the guidewire; and    a retrieval catheter advanceable over the guidewire for retrieval of the filter,    the retrieval catheter having a slot in the sidewall thereof definining a guidewire exit so that the guidewire is located in a lumen of the retrieval catheter in only a distal portion thereof.