Embolic protection method

Abstract

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 is movable between a collapsed configuration for movement through a vasculature, and an outwardly extended configuration for deployment in a vasculature. The filter at least in the collapsed configuration was a guidewire lumen defined at least partially therethrough for passing the filter over a guidewire. The guidewire lumen is defined by a lumen-defining member which is spaced proximally of the distal end of the filter.

1 - 91 . (canceled) 
     
     
         92 . 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 having a collapsed configuration for delivery of the filter, and a deployed 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;   engaging the filter with the retrieval device independent of the guidewire; and   withdrawing the retrieval device and the filter from the vasculature,   wherein the deployed filter is retained independent of the guidewire against substantial longitudinal movement.   
     
     
         93 . A method as claimed in  claim 92  wherein after crossing a treatment location with the guidewire the embolic protection device is introduced over the guidewire. 
     
     
         94 . (canceled) 
     
     
         95 . A method as claimed in  claim 92  wherein on deployment, the filter applies a radial force to the vasculature to substantially prevent movement of the filter relative to the vasculature in the deployed configuration. 
     
     
         96 . A method as claimed in  claim 92  wherein the filter in the deployed configuration is anchored to the vasculature. 
     
     
         97 . A method as claimed in  claim 92  wherein the method comprises the step of releasing the filter from the vasculature before retrieving the filter. 
     
     
         98 . A method as claimed in  claim 92  wherein the filter is simultaneously released and retrieved by moving a retrieval catheter distally relative to the filter. 
     
     
         99 . A method as claimed in  claim 92  wherein the filter is released prior to retrieving the filter. 
     
     
         100 . A method as claimed in  claim 99  wherein the method further comprises the step of axially elongating the filter to release the filter. 
     
     
         101 . A method as claimed in  claim 92  wherein the method further comprises the steps of:
 withdrawing the guidewire from the filter and/or the desired treatment location; and 
 subsequently placing a guidewire in the filter. 
 
     
     
         102 . A method as claimed in  claim 101  wherein the same guidewire is placed in the filter. 
     
     
         103 . A method as claimed in  claim 101  wherein another guidewire is placed in the filter. 
     
     
         104 . A method as claimed in  claim 101  wherein the interventional device is introduced over the guidewire for carrying out the interventional procedure. 
     
     
         105 . A method as claimed in  claim 92  wherein the interventional procedure comprises a stenting of the treatment location. 
     
     
         106 . A method as claimed in  claim 92  wherein the interventional procedure comprises a balloon angioplasty procedure at the treatment location. 
     
     
         107 - 120 . (canceled) 
     
     
         121 . 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 having a collapsed configuration for delivery of the filter, and a deployed configuration;   advancing a guidewire through a vasculature;   crossing a desired treatment location with the guidewire;   deploying the filter distal to the treatment location;   withdrawing the guidewire from the filter and/or the desired treatment location; and   subsequently placing a guidewire in the filter;   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;   engaging the filter with the retrieval device; and   withdrawing the retrieval device and the filter from the vasculature.   
     
     
         122 . A method as claimed in  claim 121  wherein the same guidewire is placed in the filter. 
     
     
         123 . A method as claimed in  claim 121  wherein another guidewire is placed in the filter. 
     
     
         124 . A method as claimed in  claim 121  wherein the interventional device is introduced over the guidewire for carrying out the interventional procedure. 
     
     
         125 . A method as claimed in  claim 121  wherein the interventional procedure comprises a stenting of the treatment location. 
     
     
         126 . A method as claimed in  claim 121  wherein the interventional procedure comprises a balloon angioplasty procedure at the treatment location. 
     
     
         127 . A method as claimed in  claim 121  wherein the filter is engaged with the retrieval device independent of the guidewire. 
     
     
         128 . A method as claimed in claim  117  wherein after crossing a treatment location with the guidewire the embolic protection device is introduced over the guidewire. 
     
     
         129 . A method as claimed in claim  117  wherein the deployed filter is retained independent of the guidewire against substantial longitudinal movement. 
     
     
         130 . A method as claimed in  claim 129  wherein on deployment, the filter applies a radial force to the vasculature to substantially prevent movement of the filter relative to the vasculature in the deployed configuration. 
     
     
         131 . A method, as claimed in  claim 129  wherein the filter in the deployed configuration is anchored to the vasculature. 
     
     
         132 . A method as claimed in  claim 121  wherein the method comprises the step of releasing the filter from the vasculature before retrieving the filter. 
     
     
         133 . A method as claimed in  claim 121  wherein the filter is simultaneously released and retrieved by moving a retrieval catheter distally relative to the filter. 
     
     
         134 . A method as claimed in  claim 121  wherein the filter is released prior to retrieving the filter. 
     
     
         135 . A method as claimed in  claim 134  wherein the method further comprises the step of axially elongating the filter to release the filter. 
     
     
         136 - 146 . (canceled)