Methods and apparatus for emboli removal

Abstract

Improved methods and apparatus for capturing emboli and subsequently removing or immobilizing the captured emboli are described. Emboli can be captured within a blood vessel and can be withdrawn to a position exterior to the blood vessel. Some filters can remain within a blood vessel yet direct emboli to a position exterior to the blood vessel.

1 . An intravascular filter, comprising:
 an open end that is adapted to fit within a blood vessel;   a tapered end;   a valve positioned at the tapered end; and   a tube in fluid communication with the tapered end.   
   
   
       2 . The intravascular filter of  claim 1 , where in the valve is configured such that it can be intermittently opened. 
   
   
       3 . The intravascular filter of  claim 1 , wherein the tube has a length sufficient to extend to an exterior of a blood vessel in which the filter is deployed. 
   
   
       4 . The intravascular filter of  claim 3 , wherein the length of the tube is sufficient to extend through a patient's skin. 
   
   
       5 . The intravascular filter of  claim 3 , wherein the tube extends to a second valve positioned proximate a portion of a patient's skin. 
   
   
       6 . The intravascular filter of  claim 1 , wherein the filter is configured to remove captured emboli from a patient without removing the filter from the patient. 
   
   
       7 . The intravascular filter of  claim 1 , wherein the valve is a one-way valve. 
   
   
       8 . The intravascular filter of  claim 5 , wherein the second valve is configured such that it can be intermittently opened.