Intravascular blood filters and methods of use

Abstract

Multi-filter endolumenal methods and systems for filtering fluids within the body. In some embodiments a multi-filter blood filtering system captures and removes particulates dislodge or generated during a surgical procedure and circulating in a patient's vasculature. In some embodiments a dual filter system protects the cerebral vasculature during a cardiac valve repair or replacement procedure.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An intravascular blood filter system, comprising:
 an expandable proximal filter adapted to be collapsed within a proximal sheath;   a distal articulatable sheath disposed distal to the proximal sheath;   an expandable distal filter adapted to be collapsed within the distal articulatable sheath,   
       wherein the distal articulatable sheath is adapted to be independently articulated relative to the 
       proximal sheath and the proximal filter; and
 at least one expandable anchor disposed adjacent the distal filter. 
 
     
     
         2 . The intravascular blood filter system of  claim 1 , further comprising a guiding member extending through the proximal sheath and the distal articulatable sheath. 
     
     
         3 . The intravascular blood filter system of  claim 2 , wherein the distal filter is attached to the guiding member. 
     
     
         4 . The intravascular blood filter system of  claim 3 ,wherein the guiding member is adapted to be moved distally relative to the distal articulatable sheath to expand the distal filter from a collapsed configuration within the distal articulatable sheath to an expanded configuration outside of the distal articulatable sheath. 
     
     
         5 . The intravascular blood filter system of  claim 2 , further comprising expandable supports securing the expandable anchor to the guiding member. 
     
     
         6 . The intravascular blood filter system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one expandable anchor includes a stent. 
     
     
         7 . The intravascular blood filter system of  claim 6 , wherein the stent is self-expandable. 
     
     
         8 . The intravascular blood filter system of  claim 1 , wherein the expandable anchor is disposed proximal to the distal filter. 
     
     
         9 . The intravascular blood filter system of  claim 1 , wherein the expandable anchor is disposed distal to the distal filter. 
     
     
         10 . The intravascular blood filter system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one expandable anchor includes a first expandable anchor disposed proximal to the distal filter and a second expandable anchor disposed distal to the distal filter. 
     
     
         11 . The intravascular blood filter system of  claim 1 , wherein the distal articulatable sheath is adapted to bend relative to the proximal sheath and the proximal filter. 
     
     
         12 . The intravascular blood filter system of  claim 11 , wherein the distal articulatable sheath has a preset bent configuration. 
     
     
         13 . The intravascular blood filter system of  claim 1 , wherein the distal articulatable sheath is adapted to be bent, to be axially translated, and to be rotated, relative to the proximal sheath and the proximal filter. 
     
     
         14 . The intravascular blood filter system of  claim 1 , further comprising a guiding member carrying the distal filter,. 
     
     
         15 . The intravascular blood filter system of  claim 14 , wherein the expandable anchor is attached to the guiding member. 
     
     
         16 . An intravascular blood filter system, comprising:
 an expandable proximal filter adapted to be collapsed within a proximal sheath;   a distal articulatable sheath disposed distal to the proximal sheath;   a guiding member extending through the proximal sheath and the distal articulatable sheath;   an expandable distal filter coupled to the guiding member and adapted to be collapsed within the distal articulatable sheath, wherein the distal articulatable sheath is adapted to be independently articulated relative to the proximal sheath and the proximal filter; and   at least one expandable anchor coupled to the guiding member.   
     
     
         17 . The intravascular blood filter system of  claim 16 , further comprising expandable supports securing the expandable anchor to the guiding member. 
     
     
         18 . The intravascular blood filter system of  claim 16 , wherein the at least one expandable anchor includes a stent. 
     
     
         19 . The intravascular blood filter system of  claim 16 , wherein the at least one expandable anchor is disposed adjacent the distal filter. 
     
     
         20 . The intravascular blood filter system of  claim 16 , wherein the distal articulatable sheath is adapted to be bent, to be axially translated, and to be rotated, relative to the proximal sheath and the proximal filter.