Emboli guarding device

Abstract

A device including a stent structure or frame to which a sheet is attached for use in minimizing or preventing emboli, particles, and/or air bubbles from migrating into certain areas of the anatomy. The device can be placed in the blood stream in an area of the heart, such as the aortic arch, to direct particles toward the descending aorta rather than toward the brain. The sheet of the device can be a thin film material, which may include multiple fenestrations that are smaller in size than the particles that are to be filtered.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A delivery system comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a self-expanding mesh portion adjacent to the distal end, and a moveable stability layer having an internal area within which the mesh portion is containable, wherein the stability layer is proximally moveable to release the mesh portion from the internal area of the stability layer, and wherein the mesh portion in its released condition comprises an outer diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the stability layer. 
     
     
         19 . The delivery system of  claim 18 , wherein the mesh portion comprises a filtration material. 
     
     
         20 . The delivery system of  claim 19 , wherein the filtration material comprises a thin film with fenestrations through its thickness.