Abstract: An embolic filtering system includes a guide wire, a filter device disposed on the guide wire, a sheath adapted to maintain the filter device in an unexpanded position and a torque device having a lumen for receiving the guide wire and a locking mechanism for locking the torque device to the guide wire. The torque device may include a side port adapted to receive the proximal end of the sheath to allow a portion of the guide wire to shear the sheath from the guide wire through retraction of the sheath through the side port. The torque device may include an extension arm having a distal opening adapted to receive both the guide wire and the sheath. A second lumen may be used to allow a portion of the guide wire to shear the sheath away from the guide wire through retraction of the sheath through the second lumen.

Abstract: An expandable frame for an embolic filtering device used to capture embolic debris in a body vessel includes a first half frame having a first control arm connected to a second control arm by a partial loop and a second half frame having a first control arm connected to a second control arm by a partial loop. The partial loops cooperatively form a composite loop for attachment of a filtering element which will expand in the body vessel to capture embolic debris entrained in the fluid of the vessel. The expandable frame and filtering element can be mounted on a filter support structure, such as a coiled wire, and mounted on a guide wire. The expandable frames include an articulation region which helps to distribute the strain which can be developed when the frame moves between an expanded and deployed position. The expandable frame may include further strain distributing bends which help distribute strain and increase the bendability of the frame.