Abstract: Endovascular filter (10) including a plurality of struts (14) with distal ends (18) adapted to anchor the filter to the vessel wall after deployment, such as by having barbs (20), the filter being adapted to be retrieved if desired. Strut distal ends (18) are coated with an antiproliferative agent (40) that inhibits the ingrowth of tissue around the filter, thereby permitting the filter to be retrieved and removed atraumatically after a prolonged period of time, thus extending the useful life of the retrievable filter. Optionally, the proximal end (22) of the filter may also be so coated, or the entire filter.

Abstract: A balloon catheter for performing angioplasty procedures includes a catheter shaft, a balloon attached to the catheter shaft near the distal end and a channel either attached to or integrally formed on the distal end of the catheter shaft distally of the balloons. The relatively short channel is threaded over a wire guide for advancing the balloon catheter into the vascular system of the patient over the wire guide. The relatively short channel allows the balloon catheter to be advanced along the wire guide with less friction interaction between the balloon catheter and wire guide than in conventional balloon catheters in which the wire guide lumen extends the full length of the catheter.

Abstract: A plurality of resilient wires interconnected at their respective ends form a collapsible filter basket adapted to be introduced into a blood vessel of a patient. The basket in its expanded and relaxed state forms an apertured, elongate solid of revolution with pointed ends and has a base as measured between the pointed ends at least equal to the maximum diameter thereof. The design of the filter basket of the present invention facilitates insertion and adjustment of position or orientation once inserted and allows large masses of emboli to build up without seriously restricting the free area available for blood flow through the filter.