Embolic filtering devices for bifurcated vessels

Abstract

An embolic filtering device for use in a bifurcated vessel includes delivery device having a first guide wire and a second guide wire. The second guide wire diverges from the distal-end region of the first guide wire. The filter device also includes a filter support having a first deployment member and a second deployment member. These deployment members can be formed as a first loop and a second loop. A bifurcated filter element is coupled to the filter support. The distal-end region of the first guide wire extends through a first leg of the filter element and the second guide wire extends through a second leg of the filter element. During use, the first leg of the filter element is deployed within a first branch of the bifurcated vessel and the second leg of the filter element is deployed within a second branch of the bifurcated vessel.

1 - 57 . (canceled) 
   
   
       58 . A dual guide wire system, comprising:
 a first guide wire having a proximal end and a distal end; and   a second guide wire having a proximal end and a distal end, the second guide wire being coupled to the first guide wire and projecting distally from a distal-end region of the first guide wire.   
   
   
       59 . The dual guide wire system of  claim 58 , wherein the second guide wire is made from a nickel-titanium alloy. 
   
   
       60 . The dual guide wire system of  claim 58 , wherein the second guide wire is made from a nickel-titanium alloy. 
   
   
       61 . The dual guide wire system of  claim 58 , wherein the second guide wire is made from a nickel-titanium alloy. 
   
   
       62 . A dual guide wire system, comprising:
 a first guide wire made from a hollow tubular member having a lumen throughout its length and an aperture within a wall of the tubular member positioned within the distal-end region; and   a second guide wire having a proximal end and a distal end, the second guide wire being slidable within the lumen of the first guide wire, the distal end of the second guide wire extending through the aperture in the first guide wire.   
   
   
       63 . The dual guide wire system of  claim 62 , wherein the aperture in the first guide wire is a slot. 
   
   
       64 . The dual guide wire system of  claim 62 , wherein the aperture in the first guide wire directs the distal end of the second guide wire in a particular direction relative to the position of the distal end portion of the first guide wire. 
   
   
       65 . The dual guide wire system of  claim 62 , wherein the second guide wire is made from a nickel-titanium alloy. 
   
   
       66 . The dual guide wire system of  claim 62 , wherein the first guide wire includes a structure for holding a filter device. 
   
   
       67 . The dual guide wire system of  claim 66 , wherein the structure is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. 
   
   
       68 . The dual guide wire system of  claim 62 , wherein the distal portion of the second guide wire is biased to move away from the first guide wire.