Abstract: An embolic protection filter for deployment in a vasculature, the filter having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end having one or more inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic material enter the filter, and the outlet end of the filter having a plurality of outlet openings sized to allow through passage of blood but to retain undesired embolic material within the filter. The filter is movable between a collapsed configuration for movement through a vasculature, and an outwardly extended configuration for deployment in a vasculature. The filter at least in the collapsed configuration was a guidewire lumen defined at least partially therethrough for passing the filter over a guidewire. The guidewire lumen is defined by a lumen-defining member which is spaced proximally of the distal end of the filter.

Abstract: A device for loading an embolic protection filter into a catheter including a loading member for collapsing an embolic protection filter, wherein an outlet of the loading member is configured to be aligned with an inlet of a catheter extending along at least part of an exterior surface of the catheter for loading of the collapsed embolic protection filter into the catheter. The loading member may have a passageway extending therethrough, through which an embolic protection filter may be passed to collapse the embolic protection filter. The outlet of the loading member may include an outlet of the passageway that is at least partially funnel-shaped. The loading member may include a tubular part extendable along part of an exterior surface of a catheter, the outlet of the loading member being provided at an end of the tubular part.

Abstract: The method comprises the steps of advancing a guidewire from a first intermediate location to a further intermediate location which is proximal of the treatment location and, subsequently, advancing a medical device over the guidewire toward the further intermediate location. The method may comprise repeating these steps for additional intermediate locations. In one case the treatment location is in the carotid artery. The treatment location may be at or adjacent to the carotid bifurcation. An intermediate location may be at or adjacent to the aortic arch. An intermediate location may be at or adjacent to the carotid take-off. The medical device may be delivered over the guidewire using a delivery catheter. The delivery catheter and the medical device may be advanced through the vasculature without the use of a guide catheter.

Abstract: A guidewire for use with an embolic protection filter and a method of deploying an embolic protection filter are provided. The guidewire includes a core wire; a core wire tip disposed at a distal end of the core wire; and a hypo shaft, coaxially disposed around the core wire, wherein the hypo shaft is moveable proximally and distally along the core wire with the core wire tip limiting a distal movement of the hypo shaft.

Abstract: A transvascular embolic protection system for safely capturing and retaining embolic material released during an interventional procedure comprises an embolic protection device (1) and a delivery catheter (2) for delivery of the embolic protection device (1) to a desired location in the vascular system. A pack (4) is provided to safely store and prepare the embolic protection system for use. The pack (4) comprises a tray (5) with a channel (6) extending in a looped configuration around the tray (5) for receiving the delivery catheter (2). A loading device (7) is mounted in the tray (5) adjacent to the delivery catheter (2). The embolic protection device (1) is mounted in an expanded configuration in a well (90) in the tray (5). A pushing device (8) for loading the collapsible embolic protection device (1) into the delivery catheter (2) is mounted in the tray (5) adjacent to the embolic protection device (1).

Abstract: An embolic protection device comprises a collapsible filter element for delivery through a vascular system of a patient The filter element comprises a collapsible filter body 2 and a filter support 3 for the filter body. The filter body has an inlet end 4 and an outlet end 5, the inlet end 4 of the filter body has one or more inlet openings 6 sized to allow blood and embolic material enter the filter body 2 and the outlet end 5 of the filter body has a plurality of outlet openings 107 sized to allow through passage of blood but to retain undesired embolic material within the filter body 2. The filter support 3 is movable between a collapsed position for movement through the vascular system, and an extended outwardly projecting position to support the filter body in an expanded position The filter support 3 comprises a generally tubular support frame defined by at least one wire 16.

Abstract: A delivery catheter 200 for rapid exchange delivery of an embolic protection filter 301 over a guidewire 22, and rapid exchange deployment of the filter 301 at a desired site in a vasculature. The delivery catheter 200 comprises a catheter body 2, a restraining sheath 10 and an elongate pull wire 9. The catheter body 2 comprises a proximal hypotube portion 5 and a radially offset distal spring pusher 6. The restraining sheath 10 is movable in a sliding manner relative to the catheter body 2 upon retraction of the wire 9, and the distal end of the pusher 6 is engageable with the filter 301 in a reception space 11 upon retraction of the sheath 10 to deploy the filter 301 out of the reception space 11. The pusher 6 has a guidewire lumen 16 and a proximal guidewire opening 17 for passage of the guidewire 22 through the lumen 16 and out through the proximal guidewire opening 17 in a rapid exchange manner.

Abstract: A transvascular embolic protection system for safely capturing and retaining embolic material released during an interventional procedure comprises an embolic protection device (1) and a delivery catheter (2) for delivery of the embolic protection device (1) to a desired location in the vascular system. A pack (4) is provided to safely store and prepare the embolic protection system for use. The pack (4) comprises a tray (5) with a channel (6) extending in a looped configuration around the tray (5) for receiving the delivery catheter (2). A loading device (7) is mounted in the tray (5) adjacent to the delivery catheter (2). The embolic protection device (1) is mounted in an expanded configuration in a well (90) in the tray (5). A pushing device (8) for loading the collapsible embolic protection device (1) into the delivery catheter (2) is mounted in the tray (5) adjacent to the embolic protection device (1).

Abstract: A medical guidewire (1) suitable for advancement through a vasculature comprises a core element (2) extending along the length of the guidewire (1), a first coil (6), and a distal end cap (7). The core element (2) comprises a proximal portion (3), an intermediate portion (4), and a distal portion (5). The distal portion (5) is plastically deformable to facilitate steering of the guidewire (1). The first coil (6) is located radially outwardly of the core element (2). The first coil (6) extends along the distal portion (5) and part of the intermediate portion (4).

Abstract: A medical guidewire (1) suitable for advancement through a vasculature comprises a core element (2), a collar element (3), a distal outer element (4), a proximal outer element (5), and a distal end cap (6). The collar element (3) is fixedly attached to the core element (2) proximally of the distal end of the guidewire (1), and extends radially outwardly from the core element (2). The collar element (3) acts as a stop to limit distal movement of a medical device over the guidewire (1).

Abstract: A guidewire for use with an embolic protection filter and a method of deploying an embolic protection filter are provided. The guidewire includes a core wire; a core wire tip disposed at a distal end of the core wire; and a hypo shaft, coaxially disposed around the core wire, wherein the hypo shaft is moveable proximally and distally along the core wire with the core wire tip limiting a distal movement of the hypo shaft.

Abstract: In a method for filtering embolic material, a guide catheter (5) is advanced through a vasculature. A delivery catheter (4), a guidewire (2) and a collapsed filter are advanced together through the guide catheter (5) to a point distally of the distal end of the guide catheter (5). The guidewire (2) is then advanced across the lesion. During this advancement of the guidewire (2), the delivery catheter (4) and the collapsed filter remain substantially stationary. When the guidewire (2) has crossed the lesion, the delivery catheter (4) and the collapsed filter are then advanced across the lesion until the collapsed filter is distal of the lesion. The delivery catheter (4) is then withdrawn to facilitate deployment of the filter at the location distal of the lesion to ensure that any embolic material released during performance of an interventional procedure at the lesion will be captured and safely retained within the filter.

Abstract: An embolic protection filter system comprises a collapsible embolic protection filter 62 having a collapsed configuration for delivery of the filter, and a deployed configuration and a temporary lumen defining member 60. The lumen defining member 60 is used for loading a filter-containing delivery catheter 63 onto a guidewire 65. After loading, the member 60 can be removed by pulling on a tab 61.

Abstract: A support 103 for an embolic protection device comprises round wires 116 which may form one or more support hoops for a filter body. The circumferential hoop formed by the wires 116 ensures that in the expanded position, the filter body 102 will be supported by the support frame 103 in circumferential apposition with the interior wall of the vasculature. The wires 116 may have a strain distributing linkage element in the form of a loop 120. The loop 120 acts as a diameter or circumference adjuster allowing an embolic protection device to adapt to different Bessel contours and sizes whilst maintaining apposition with the vessel wall. The strain relieving geometry of the loops enhances the compliance of the bend points without creating a weakened hinge point, thus ensuring that there is no discontinuity in the circumferential seal against the vessel wall.

Abstract: A support 103 for an embolic protection device comprises round wires 116 which may form one or more support hoops for a filter body. The circumferential hoop formed by the wires 116 ensures that in the expanded position, the filter body 102 will be supported by the support frame 103 in circumferential apposition with the interior wall of the vasculature. The wires 116 may have a strain distributing linkage element in the form of a loop 120. The loop 120 acts as a diameter or circumference adjuster allowing an embolic protection device to adapt to different Bessel contours and sizes whilst maintaining apposition with the vessel wall. The strain relieving geometry of the loops enhances the compliance of the bend points without creating a weakened hinge point, thus ensuring that there is no discontinuity in the circumferential seal against the vessel wall.

Abstract: A support 103 for an embolic protection device comprises round wires 116 which may form one or more support hoops for a filter body. The circumferential hoop formed by the wires 116 ensures that in the expanded position, the filter body 102 will be supported by the support frame 103 in circumferential apposition with the interior wall of the vasculature. The wires 116 may have a strain distributing linkage element in the form of a loop 120. The loop 120 acts as a diameter or circumference adjuster allowing an embolic protection device to adapt to different Bessel contours and sizes whilst maintaining apposition with the vessel wall. The strain relieving geometry of the loops enhances the compliance of the bend points without creating a weakened hinge point, thus ensuring that there is no discontinuity in the circumferential seal against the vessel wall.

Abstract: An embolic protection filter for deployment in a vasculature, the filter having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end having one or more inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic material enter the filter, and the outlet end of the filter having a plurality of outlet openings sized to allow through passage of blood but to retain undesired embolic material within the filter. The filter is movable between a collapsed configuration for movement through a vasculature, and an outwardly extended configuration for deployment in a vasculature. The filter at least in the collapsed configuration was a guidewire lumen defined at least partially therethrough for passing the filter over a guidewire. The guidewire lumen is defined by a lumen-defining member which is spaced proximally of the distal end of the filter.

Abstract: A retrieval catheter for retrieving a medical device deployed in a vasculature. The catheter comprises an outer catheter body and an inner coupling member having means for coupling to a medical device deployed in a vasculature. The catheter body is movable distally relative to the coupling member to retrieve a coupled medical device into the catheter body.

Abstract: An embolic protection filter system comprises a collapsible embolic protection filter 62 having a collapsed configuration for delivery of the filter, and a deployed configuration and a temporary lumen defining member 60. The lumen defining member 60 is used for loading a filter-containing delivery catheter 63 onto a guidewire 65. After loading, the member 60 can be removed by pulling on a tab 61.

Abstract: A delivery catheter, for delivering an embolic protection filter through a vasculature over a guidewire, comprises a distal pod (1) which acts as a restraining sheath to restrain the embolic protection filter in a collapsed configuration during delivery. The pod (1) has a proximal portion (2), a distal portion (3) and a flared portion (4) intermediate the proximal portion (2) and the distal portion (3). The pod (1) comprises a layer (39) of an intractable material, such as polyamide, and a low coefficient of friction material layer (40), such as of polytetrafluoroethylene. Each layer (39, 40) is integrally formed and extends from the proximal portion (2) to the distal portion (3). A marker band (5) is mounted to the exterior surface of the proximal portion (2) to aid in visualisation of the pod (1).