Abstract: An embolic protection filter for collecting particulate debris in a body lumen and method of making same. The embolic filter includes a spirally cut outer tubular member disposed about a spirally cut inner tubular member, the spiral cuts having opposite chirality. The embolic filter is transformable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration wherein filter openings are defined by intersections of the spiral cuts. The spiral cuts may have a variable pitch for sizing the filter openings to be larger in a proximal portion of the filter for receiving embolic debris, and smaller in a distal portion of the filter for retaining embolic debris within the filter. In an embodiment of the invention, the length of the expanded configuration is substantially equal to the length of the collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A guidewire for use with a catheter has varying radiopacity as well as at least one radiopaque marker in its distal end. In one embodiment, the guidewire includes a shaft that supports a distal radiopaque coil and a proximal radiopaque coil. The proximal and distal coils are spaced apart from one another. The non-radiopaque area between the two coils has at least one radiopaque marker band attached to the shaft. The marker bands provide several radiographically visible reference Lengths. A polymer sleeve encases the marker bands and the shaft between the first and second coils providing a uniform outer diameter to the distal region of the guidewire. In another embodiment, the proximal coil may be omitted. In a further embodiment, a radiopaque coil having varying pitch along its length is supported by and attached to a distal region of the core wire.