Abstract: Methods and devices for providing temporary placement of a filter in a blood vessel are disclosed. A filter delivery system in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a catheter having an elongate shaft and a tubular member disposed within a shaft lumen defined by the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft also includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a wall defining the shaft lumen. The tubular member has a first end fixed to the wall of the elongate shaft, and a second end disposed within the shaft lumen. The tubular member defines a guidewire lumen that is in fluid communication with a distal guidewire port defined by the second end of the tubular member. The catheter also includes a proximal guidewire port extending through the wall of the elongate shaft. A filter may be disposed within a distal portion of the shaft lumen. A distal end of a guidewire is fixed to the filter.

Abstract: An evacuation sheath assembly and method of reducing or removing a blockage within a vessel without permitting embolization of particulate matter is provided. The evacuation sheath assembly includes a first elongate tubular member, having proximal and distal ends and a main lumen configured to be placed in fluid communication with a blood vessel. An expandable member is provided on a distal portion of the tubular member and is configured to form a seal with the blood vessel. The evacuation assembly further includes a second elongate tubular member having proximal and distal ends and an inflation lumen configured to be placed in fluid communication with the expandable member and a gas inflator. The gas inflator includes a high pressure gas source and a mechanism for regulating the pressure of the gas delivered by the gas inflator.