Abstract: An embolic protection filter having a plurality of filter membranes for collecting embolic debris within a body lumen is disclosed. An embolic protection filter in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a first filter membrane coupled to an elongated member, a second filter membrane coupled to the elongated member distal the first filter membrane, and an actuator mechanism for actuating the embolic protection filter within a vessel.

Abstract: Anchoring mechanisms for releasably securing an intravascular device along an elongated member such as a guidewire or catheter. The anchoring mechanism may include an object that can be actuated between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, the anchoring mechanism is slidably and rotationally disposed about the elongated member. In the locked position, the anchoring mechanism is releasably secured to the elongated member, preventing movement thereon. A placement mechanism such as a tubular member can be utilized to actuate the anchoring mechanism between the unlocked and locked positions.

Abstract: A distal protection device comprising a filter cartridge having a frame and filter material and a proximal region having a ridge adapted for interface with a retrieval device, wherein the retrieval device includes a distally located expandable cuff. The distal protection device is able to be deployed remotely in a body vessel lumen optionally using a guidewire and sheath and later retrieved using the retrieval device.

Abstract: An embolic protection filter having an improved filter frame and method of making the same. In at least some embodiments, the present invention includes an embolic protection filter coupled to an elongate shaft. The filter may include a filter frame assembly having one or more frame members. The frame members may include a filter mouth defining portion.

Abstract: Devices and methods for centering an intravascular filter within a blood vessel are disclosed. A filter system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include an intravascular filter, a filter sheath adapted to contain the intravascular filter, and a centering member adapted to assume a preset shape when deployed within a blood vessel. The centering member may comprise an elongated wire having a hoop section adapted to radially expand against the inner wall of the blood vessel when deployed. In some embodiments, multiple centering members can be employed to facilitate centering of both the intravascular filter and the filter sheath within the blood vessel, if desired.

Abstract: An intravascular device, which may be a filter, that may include a plurality of elongate members, each or several of the elongate members may have one or more inwardly facing edges disposed at and near the part of the intravascular device configured to contact the vessel wall for cutting through the intima or other encapsulating tissue, each of the elongate member may also include an anchoring member or other desired components.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transporting intravascular devices through a body lumen are disclosed. A filter system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a guide tip having a guidewire lumen adapted to receive a guidewire, an elongated wire operatively coupled to an embolic protection filter, and a filter delivery device including an elongated tubular member extending distally to a distal sheath, the elongated tubular member may include a first lumen adapted to receive the elongated wire, and a second lumen adapted to receive the guidewire.

Abstract: An embolic protection filter having a plurality of filter membranes for collecting embolic debris within a body lumen is disclosed. An embolic protection filter in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a first filter membrane coupled to an elongated member, a second filter membrane coupled to the elongated member distal the first filter membrane, and an actuator mechanism for actuating the embolic protection filter within a vessel.