Abstract: An embolic protection device provides a filter membrane for removing emboli from a fluid flowing in a vessel of a patient. The filter membrane is mounted on a filter frame having an integrated strain relief mechanism that provides strain relief and kink resistance in the transition between the relatively stiff filter and the flexible distal tip of the guidewire that is used to guide the filter into the treatment area. The strain relief mechanism is one or more cuts through the distal end of the filter frame. The cut pattern, pitch and variation of the pitch from one end to the other provides a way of fine-tuning the strain relief to a wide variety of filter frames, guidewires and flexible distal guidewire tips.