Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel and/or performing thrombectomy and embolectomy, wherein a vascular device comprises one or more support hoops connected near a distal end of a guide wire, each support hoop having an articulation region, 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.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel and/or performing thrombectomy and embolectomy, wherein a vascular device comprises one or more support hoops connected near a distal end of a guide wire, each support hoop having an articulation region, 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.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel and/or performing thrombectomy and embolectomy, wherein a vascular device disposed on a guidewire comprises a support hoop disposed from a suspension strut. Alternately, a support hoop having an articulation region may be directly connected to a region proximate the distal end 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 longitudinal axis of the guidewire and is capable of being properly used in a wide range of vessel diameters. The vascular device collapses during removal to prevent material from escaping from the sac. A delivery sheath and introducer sheath for use with the vascular device of the present invention are also provided.

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 removing thrombus from a vessel, wherein a vascular device comprises an thrombectomy element for excising or ablating thrombus and a vascular filter for capturing emboli generated during removal of the thrombus. The vascular filter comprises a support hoop having an articulation region 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 comprises a second support hoop and blood permeable sac attached to the guide wire proximal of the vascular filter support hoop.