Abstract: A method for filtering particulate matter from a blood vessel in a patient, including inserting a device into the blood vessel, the device including at least an outer structure capable of insertion into the blood vessel; and an inner filter anchored to the outer structure, the inner filter having a one-way valve though which a medical instrument may be passed.

Abstract: The invention features intravascular devices, in particular devices for deflecting emboli (100), and elements for connecting such devices to wires. Such connecting elements are configured to limit within a range the relative rotation between device and wire.

Abstract: In general, the invention features an intra-vascular device for filtering or deflecting emboli or other large objects from entering a protected secondary vessel or vessels. The device of the invention may include a filter, an central member, additional supporting members, and a delivery cable and may serve to filter or deflect emboli or other large objects from entering protected secondary vessels. The device may be capable of collapse along its longitudinal axis for ease of delivery to the treatment site. The device may further be compatible with common delivery methods used in interventional cardiology (e.g., TAVI procedures). The device may be integrated into the delivery systems. In other embodiments the device may be detachable from the delivery system. Upon deployment, the device may be positioned so as to contact the orifice of one or more secondary blood vessels. Upon retrieval the device may be retracted in an orientation substantially similar to the original deployment orientation.

Abstract: An intra-vascular device (100) may include a skeleton (102) to hold a blood filter (104), an upper member (110) to fit into a branch artery of an aorta, and a pair of lower members (106, 108) whose distal ends are not connected to each other, such lower members to press against a wall of an ascending artery and to provide lift to the device so that a middle portion of the device is above a lateral plane of the device. The device may be positioned in a middle area of an aortic arch near but not covering an opening of the branch arteries of the aorta, and may filter or deflect emboli or other large objects from entering into the branch arteries.