Abstract: A removable vascular filter system for capture and retrieval of emboli while allowing continuous perfusion of blood during a cardiopulmonary bypass procedure, comprising a porous filter membrane with variable diameter holes, and a filter membrane support structure. The system may minimize the incidence of stroke, myocardial infarction or other clinical complications that may be associated with cardiopulmonary bypass procedures.

Abstract: A removable vascular filter system for capture and retrieval of emboli while allowing continuous perfusion of blood during a carotid endarterectomy procedure, comprising a porous filter membrane with variable diameter holes, and a filter membrane support structure. The system may minimize the incidence of stroke, or other clinical complications that may be associated with carotid endarterectomy procedures.

Abstract: A removable vascular filter device for blocking micro-and macro-emboli while allowing continued perfusion of blood, comprises a guidewire having distal and proximal portions, wherein there is a recess in the distal portion and a filter comprising a flexible filter membrane and a filter membrane support structure. The filter membrane has a fixed inner portion and a free outer portion, wherein the filter membrane fixed inner portion is movably attached toward the distal end of the guidewire recess and wherein the filter membrane free outer portion is positioned in the recess when the filter membrane is in a collapsed state. A deploying means causes the filter membrane proximal end portion to assume a position substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the guidewire.

Abstract: A removable vascular filter system for blocking micro- and macro-emboli while allowing the continued perfusion of blood comprises a filter membrane positioned on a guidewire, wherein a free end of the membrane sits tightly against the guidewire when the filter membrane is in a collapsed state and wherein the filter has a means for deploying the filter membrane to assume a position substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the guidewire. The filter membrane is comprised of a fine mesh material which has a pore size capable of blocking emboli while allowing continued blood flow, a preferred embodiment of which comprises regularly spaced, laser-formed holes.