Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli or removing thrombus from a vessel, wherein a vascular device comprises a vascular filter for capturing emboli and optionally, a thrombectomy element for excising or ablating thrombus. The vascular filter comprises a support hoop having one or more articulation regions connected near a distal end of a guide wire, and a blood permeable sac affixed to the support hoop so that the support hoop forms a mouth of the blood permeable sac. In a preferred embodiment, the thrombectomy element also comprises a vascular filter support hoop, and may include filter frame, locking feature or tensioning thread.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel, wherein a vascular filter disposed on a guidewire, the vascular filter comprising a support hoop disposed from a suspension strut so as to permit lateral eccentric displacement of the support hoop relative to a longitudinal axis of the guidewire. A blood permeable sac is affixed to the support hoop to form a mouth of the blood permeable sac. The support hoop is disposed obliquely relative to the guidewire and is capable of being properly used in a wide range of vessel diameters. The support hoop collapses the mouth of the blood permeable sac during removal of the vascular filter to prevent material from escaping from the sac. A delivery sheath and introducer sheath for use with the vascular filter of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel and performing thrombectomy and embolectomy, wherein a vascular device comprises one or more support hoops, each having an articulation region connected near a distal end of a guide wire, and a blood permeable sac affixed to the one or more support hoops so that the support hoops form a mouth of the blood permeable sac. Each articulation region comprises a reduced thickness region of the support hoop that prevents kinks from forming in the support hoop when the apparatus is contracted to its delivery state, and curved regions that close the mouth of the sac to prevent material escaping from the sac when the apparatus is collapsed for removal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel and performing thrombectomy and embolectomy, wherein a vascular device comprises one or more support hoops, each having an articulation region connected near a distal end of a guide wire, and a blood permeable sac affixed to the support hoop or hoops to form a mouth of the blood permeable sac. The mouth of the sac closes when the apparatus is collapsed for removal to prevent material from escaping from the sac.