APPARATUS AND PROCEDURE FOR TRAPPING EMBOLIC DEBRIS

Abstract

A collapsible and deployable filter for blocking debris and passing blood in a blood vessel in a patient's body, the filter including; a framework of a flexible material, constructed to have a radially compressed state, in which the framework is radially compressed by radial deforming forces, and a radially expanded state to obdurate an artery; and a flexible filter material secured to said framework and having pores dimensioned to prevent the passage of debris therethrough while allowing the passage of blood. The filter has, in the radially expanded state of the framework, a generally conical or frustoconical form with a large diameter end, a small diameter end opposite to the large diameter end, and a side surface extending between the ends. The filter has an opening that is free of filter material at the small diameter end or in the side surface.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and procedure for aiding medical treatments in the blood circulation system of a patient, and in particular for preventing the circulation of embolic debris, or blood clots, resulting from such treatments. The invention is primarily, but not exclusively, concerned with providing protection in connection with procedures like those for implanting a prosthetic heart valve.

There are known procedures, known as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), in which a prosthetic heart valve is implanted at the site of a defective native valve, or of a previously implanted defective prosthetic valve. In these procedures, the new prosthetic valve and its guiding structure are introduced by a transcutaneous catheterization technique. For example, for implanting a prosthetic aortic heart valve, the valve and delivery components will be introduced through an incision in the groin or arm and along a blood vessel path to the desired location.

Such a procedure is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,585,321, which issued to Alan Cribier on Sep. 8, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Such valves and their associated guiding devices are marketed by Medtronic and by Edwards Lifesciences, one example of the Edwards valves being marketed under the trade name Sapien.

Although such prosthetic valves have been used successfully to provide a replacement for stenotic native heart valves or defective prosthetic valves, the implantation procedure can result in the creation of embolic debris, which will flow downstream through the circulatory system and will, in a certain percentage of cases, cause blockages in smaller blood vessels.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus and procedure to prevent the circulation of embolic debris resulting from procedures carried out in the blood circulatory system, one such procedure being, for example, the implantation of a prosthetic heart valve.

To this end, the invention provides a novel filter and a novel combination of such filter and a blocking device for trapping embolic debris produced during such a medical procedure. It also provides the filter with a central, or axial, orifice through which the valve implantation device, or system, can be directed, which facilitates this process and reduces the traumatic effects of the valve implantation device on the wall of the aorta. Since it is known that trauma to the aortic wall generates clots and calcium, the position of the orifice in the filter acts as a landmark and facilitates atraumatic entry of the valvular device.

The invention also provides, together with the filter and blocking device, a stent or stent graft that is preliminarily deployed against the inner wall of the blood vessel, e.g., the aorta, to prevent trauma during introduction of the filter.

In further accordance with the invention, the filter can be delivered in, deployed from and retracted into, a known radially expandable sheath provided particularly to facilitate retraction of the filter.

In further accordance with the invention, there is provided a filter system for preventing the flow of debris in the pulmonary artery during heart surgery, such as congenital heart surgery.

The components of embodiments of the invention may be conveyed to the treatment site along various blood vessel paths and may all be introduced via the same path or via respectively different paths. For example, if the components are to be positioned in, or pass through, the aorta, the, or each, component can be introduced through an incision in a groin and the associated femoral artery, or through an incision in an arm and the associated subclavian artery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a filter according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective and partly cross-sectional view of the filter shown in FIG. 1, together with related components and a heart valve delivery system.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are views similar to those FIGS. 1 and 2 of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view relating to a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a view, partly in cross section and partly perspective, showing the third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view relating to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a detail view of a component of the fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a pictorial view showing the fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a filter according to the invention.

FIG. 11 is a pictorial view, partly in perspective and partly in cross section, of a further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a pictorial view, partly in perspective and partly in cross section, of a further embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are pictorial views of an embodiment of the invention for blocking debris in the pulmonary artery.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a filter 2 according to the invention composed of a wire framework 4, made of a memory metal such as nitinol, and a filter fabric 6 of appropriate pore size, supported by a framework 4.

Filter 2 has a generally cylindrical structure with a small diameter end, at the top in FIG. 1, and a large diameter end, at the bottom in FIG. 1. In the expanded state of filter 2, the diameter of the small diameter end can be in the range of 18-26 mm and the maximum diameter of the large diameter end can be of the order of 35 mm.

According to a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the large diameter end of filter 2 is formed to have a generally oval shape with a major diameter of about 40 mm and a minor diameter of the order of 30 mm This allows the lower end of the filter to better conform to the somewhat oval shape of a normal aorta.

Of course, the dimensions of filter 2 can be varied to conform to aortas having different sizes, for example in children.

Filter 2 has a form defined by an outwardly bowed arcuate generatrix of rotation about the longitudinal axis of filter 2 such that the wall of the filter bows outwardly, as shown in FIG. 1.

The framework of the illustrated embodiment is composed of a single wire that includes a ring 4a at the small diameter end, a series of longitudinal struts, or ribs, 4b, and a control portio 4c that extends to a location outside of the patient's body to allow the position of filter 2 to be controlled by medical personnel. The framework further includes a circumferential band 4d at a location between the small diameter end and the large diameter end. The framework may also include a circular or oval nitinol ring extending around the large diameter end and bonded to the lower ends of ribs 4b.

Filters composed of a framework of memory metal, e.g. nitinol, wires can be constructed to present a radial expansion/compression ratio of 8:1, or more. Therefore, they will be held, in a compressed state in a sheath or tube having an inner diameter preferably equal to or greater than ⅛ the desired expanded diameter of the large diameter end of the filter.

While FIG. 1 shows the framework to be provided with four ribs 4b, a filter framework in accordance with the present invention can have many other configurations and can, for example, be provided with six or more ribs 4b. The framework can also be made of individual wires that are soldered or otherwise secured together. In addition, control portion 4c can be a single wire or can be composed of two, four, or more wires, each connected to ring 4a at a respective location such that the wires are distributed, preferably at uniform intervals, around ring 4a.

The structure shown in FIG. 1 further includes a guidewire 10 having a distal end soldered or otherwise secured to the interior surface of band 4d. The purpose of guidewire 10 will be explained below with reference to FIG. 2.

Filter fabrice 6 can be of any medically acceptable material having appropriate mechanical properties and pore size suitable for trapping debris while allowing the passage of blood therethrough. Examples of suitable materials for the framework and the filter fabric are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,214,237, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 2 illustrates all of the components of a system for implanting a prosthetic aortic heart valve while preventing the passage of embolic debris.

The components shown in FIG. 2 will be described in conjunction with a description of the manner in which they are used.

In FIG. 2, filter 2 is shown in position in the patient's aorta 20 with the base, or large diameter end, of filter 2 located downsteam of to the defective aortic valve 36.

The apparatus associated with filter 2 includes a guidewire 30 that is introduced transcutaneously and then along a blood vessel path into the aorta and through the center of the native or previously implanted heart valve. Guidewire 30 is then used to guide the introduction of a sheath, or tube, 32 along the same blood vessel path and into aorta 20 to bring the distal end of sheath 32 adjacent the existing valve. During introduction, filter 2 is collapsed within sheath 32. Then, when sheath 32 has been brought into the desired position in aorta 20, for example adjacent the interface between the aorta and the existing heart valve, guidewire 30 can be withdrawn and sheath 32 can be withdrawn, at least by a distance to not interfere with the valve implantation procedure, while filter 2 is held in place by acting on control portion 4c, or the plural control wires, from outside the patient's body so that filter 2 is freed from sheath 32. Filter 2 is thus automatically deployed, or expanded, and placed in the position and configuration shown in FIG. 2, where the large diameter end of filter 2 is preferably downstream of the coronary artery entrances to assure that blood flow to those arteries will not be impeded by debris accumulating on fabrice 6. However, filter 2 may alternatively be deployed at a location above the coronary arteries, close to the descending asorta.

Sheath 32 also contains a catheter 40 provided at its distal end with a low compliance, or noncompliant, blocking balloon 44. Catheter 40 also includes, in a conventional manner, a balloon inflation lumen in communication with balloon 44. Catheters provided with such lumens are well known in the art. One example being U.S. Pat. No. 7,169,171, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Catheter 40 may have a diameter as small as 4 Fr. (1.3 mm)

After filter 2 has been deployed, catheter 40 is advanced along guidewire 10 to bring balloon 44 to the location 44a shown in broken lines in FIG. 2. At this time, balloon 44 may be partially of fully deflated. After balloon 44 has been brought to position 44a, it may be partially inflated by introduction of a radioactive contrast, or radiopaque, fluid, the purpose of which will be described below.

At a time after filter 2 has been deployed, guidewire 30 and sheath 32 can be withdrawn from the patient's body.

Then, an assembly 60 for implanting the prosthetic heart valve is introduced into the aorta, preferably, but not necessarily, via a different blood vessel path, by first passing a guidewire 62 along that blood vessel path through the center of filter 2 and through the existing heart valve. Assembly 60 includes, in addition to guidewire 62, a sheath, or tube, 64 and a system 66 including the prosthetic heart valve and components for deploying it

After guidewire 62 is put in place, tube 64 is introduced into the aorta over guidewire 62 to a location adjacent filter 2, after which system 66 is extended out of tube 64 and through ring 4a of filter 2 and along the central orifice defined by filter 2, for implanting the prosthetic heart valve. System 66 and one suitable manner in which it is used to implant a prosthetic heart valve are all described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,585,321, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Valve assembly 60 can be inserted by puncturing an artery in the groin and advancing it upwards through the femoral artery and the aorta, followed by advancing system 66 through the existing valve.

The valve assembly could also be introduced through either the right or left subclavian artery, which normally supplies an upper extremity. Consequently, there is the option of introducing sheath 32 and filter 2 through either subclavian artery or through the femoral artery. In general, it is presently preferred to use one of these paths, the subclavian artery or femoral artery, for introducing sheath 32, and the other of these paths for valve assembly 60. Since sheath 32 can have a smaller diameter, it might be advantageous to advance it through the subclavian artery path.

It is presently believed by workers in the art to not be desirable to use the same route for introducing both the valve implantation assembly and the filter assembly due to the fact that every trial done so far has criticized the valve assembly alone as being relatively thick and traumatic in the process of puncturing the artery. The only acceptable single route, which is not favored by patients, is to puncture the heart. For all these reasons, the diameter of valve assembly 60 has been reduced in Europe to 18 mm, although this is not yet approved by the USFDA.

It is important to note that the valve assembly is a cylindrical, relatively rigid structure below which the valve hangs, crimped on an angioplasty balloon, and that expansion of the valve is produced by inflating the angioplasty balloon in the case of the Edwards device and by pulling on the valve using nitinol bands in the case of a Medtronic device.

Neither of these techniques interferes with the use of the filter assembly according to the present invention, which serves to isolate the carotids and other parts of the blood circulatory system from debris that is released during and after implantation of the prosthetic valve, regardless of which valve implantation technique is used.

During implantation of the heart valve, tube 64 can bear against the opening at the top of filter 2 to help prevent the passage of embolic debris and to stabilize the position of the filter. Filter 2, sheath 32 and wire 10 are oriented to cause wire 10 to extend into filter 2, adjacent ring 4a, at a location to not interfere with the positioning of tube 64.

Balloon 44 may be partially inflated with radioactive contrast fluid before withdrawal of the components 66 for implanting the heart valve and tube 64; and immediately after withdrawal of those components, balloon 44 is further inflated, if this was not previously done, and pulled back by acting on catheter 40 from outside the patient's body to cause balloon 44 to block the small diameter opening of filter 2. The presence of radioactive contrast fluid allows the position of balloon 44 to be monitored fluoroscopically.

Inflated balloon 44 acts to close the smaller diameter hole in filter 2 as soon as the prosthetic valve introduction system is retracted out of the filter, thus enabling debris to be trapped adjacent the smaller diameter end of the filter.

Then, after a suitable period of time has elapsed, during which debris can become trapped in filter 2, filter 2 and balloon 44 are drawn into sheath 32 by pulling on control portion 4c, or the plural control wires, if provided, and catheter 40 and tube 64, along with all of the associated components, are withdrawn from the patient's body.

More specifically, balloon 44 will remain inflated and lodged in the smaller diameter opening of filter 2 during an initial phase of withdrawal so that filter 2 and catheter 40 will be pulled toward sheath 32 as a unit. Then, when the smaller diameter end of filter 2 reaches sheath 32, balloon 44 will be deflated and catheter 40 may be partially or fully retracted so that balloon 44 moves out of contact with filter 2. Then, filter 2 can be retracted into sheath 32; and then sheath 32, containing catheter 40 and filter 2, can be fully withdrawn from the patient. During this withdrawal procedure, suction may be applied through sheath 32 to assist the removal of any embolic debris from filter 2.

As an alternative to using a wire 10 to introduce balloon catheter 40, it would be possible to simply use a small diameter catheter with a balloon at the end, surrounding the catheter wall and communicating with a balloon inflation lumen formed in the catheter, to close the opening, or orifice, at the top of filter 2 as soon as valve assembly 60 is pulled out of the filter, thereby preventing escape of emboli. This small diameter catheter may be introduced with the aid of a guidewire that extends though the catheter.

The fact that filter 2 is open at the top offers the advantage of preventing the filter from being blown out of position by the relatively forceful blood flow being produced by the heart as it pumps the blood.

The radiopaque fluid used to inflate balloon 44 will enable the balloon to be readily observed.

Inflated balloon 44 will also serve as a means for partially altering the configuration of the filter and making it parallel to and in line with sheath 32 to facilitate retraction of filter 2 into sheath 32 after completion of the procedure.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a filter 72 according to a second embodiment of the invention that can provide improved protection against the escape of embolic debris. Filter 72 has a generally cylindrical structure, at least when expanded, and is composed of a framework presenting two portions: a lower portion between a ring 74a at the lower end of the filter and a ring 74c at the upper end of the lower portion; and an upper portion extending between ring 74c and a ring 74f at the upper end of the filter.

The lower portion is also composed of a series of longitudinal struts, or ribs, 74b extending between rings 74a and 74c, and a circumferential band 74d at a location between rings 74a and 74c. Preferably, as in the case of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, ring 74a is shaped so that in its expanded, or deployed, state, it has an oval form with major and minor diameters of the order of 40 mm and 30 mm, respectively.

Struts 74b, like struts 4b of FIGS. 1 and 2, are preformed to curve in the manner illustrated when the filter is deployed, in which case the external surfaces of struts 74b are outwardly convex.

The upper portion of filter 72, between rings 74c and 74f, is provided with a plurality of longitudinal struts, or ribs, 74e. Preferably, struts 74e curve in the opposite direction from struts 74d so that struts 74e are outwardly concave when the filter is deployed. However, struts 74e can also be constructed to have a straight form when the filter is deployed.

The framework of filter 72 is completed by, preferably, four wires 74g constituting a control portion performing the same function as control portion 4c shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The provision of four wires 74g allows for the possibility of controlling the positioning of the filter in the aorta.

Like the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the filter shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 includes guidewire 10 whose distal may be soldered or otherwise secured to the inner surface of band 74d. The purpose of guidewire 10 is essentially the same of that of the guidewire 10 described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

Also like the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, a filter fabric is suitably secured to and supported by the framework composed of components 74a-74f. Also as in the case in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, there is no fabric in the planes enclosed by rings 74a and 74f.

Also shown in FIG. 3, in broken lines, is the distal end of tube 64. At least ring 74f is dimensioned to allow entry of tube 64 into the region enclosed by filter 72 and wires 74g. Ring 74f, in the deployed state of filter 72, could have a larger diameter than ring 74c if needed to accommodate tube 64.

Preferably, ring 74f is dimensioned to provide a close fit with tube 64. Optionally, the distal end of tube 64 can be slightly tapered to allow introduction of tube 64 into the upper portion of filter 72, while assuring the establishment of a tight fit with ring 74f, and possibly to provide a sealed connection between tube 64 and ring 74f, thereby preventing the escape of embolic debris from filter 72 during valve implantation.

The manner in which filter 72 is used will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4.

Filter 72 is employed together with system 60, sheath 32, catheter 40 and low compliance or noncompliant balloon 44, all of which are shown in FIG. 2, and the operation of which has been described above.

After filter 72 has been installed and positioned to surround the entire region through which the replacement valve will be deployed, catheter 40 carrying balloon 44 is advanced over guidewire 10 to the location shown in FIG. 4 and tube 64 is introduced over guidewire 62 so that the distal end of tube 64 penetrates at least the upper part of the upper portion of filter 72, and preferably forms a seal with ring 74f. Tube 64 and catheter 40 essentially block the upper end of the upper portion of filter 72. Since catheter 40 has a relatively small diameter, of the order of 1 mm, only a minimal gap will exist at the top of upper portion of filter 72 so that escape of debris from filter 72 will be minimal, if any.

Then, system 66 is operated to install the replacement heart valve.

At the completion of this operation, after system 66 has been withdrawn back into tube 64, balloon 44 is at least partially inflated and catheter 40 is withdrawn to bring balloon 44 into contact with ring 74c. Before or after balloon 44 has been brought to the proper position, it may be further inflated in order to form a tight seal at the location of ring 74c. Then assembly 60 can be fully withdrawn, after which filter 72, with balloon 44 still in place and inflated, begins to be withdrawn into sheath 32 by pulling on control wires 74g.

After the top portion of filter 72 has been introduced into sheath 32, balloon 44 is deflated while, preferably, suction is produced within sheath 32 in order to withdraw any debris being held within filter 72.

After deflation of balloon 44, filter 72 and catheter 40 are completely withdrawn into sheath 32, and sheath 32 can then be withdrawn from the patient's body.

The invention as described above offers a number of other advantages. For example, it will allow injection of clot lysing material into the filter and if catheter 40 is provided with an orifice above filter 2, it can be used to continuously monitor the arterial blood pressure.

The filter disclosed herein may also be used to trap embolic debris, or blood clots, in other procedures, such as in treating children or young adults with congenital heart disease who have pulmonary stenosis and on whom is performed a similar procedure that may generate blood clots.

In FIGS. 2 and 4, a catheter carrying a blocking balloon and a tube 64 for the valve delivery system both pass through the opening at the top of the filter. While it is obvious that there will be a gap present around the catheter, the size of the gap would be no more than approximately ½ of the diameter of tube 64. However, in the case of filter 72, balloon 44 will form a near-perfect seal with ring 74c. both before the withdrawal of system 66 carrying the valve and thereafter. The technique would be to inflate the balloon at the junction with the valve carrying device and track both these structures upwards during their withdrawal. At a time not later than the point in the procedure when the valve delivery sheath is about to exit the bottleneck, the balloon would be fully expanded to completely close the orifice through which it is retracted, thereby preventing escape of emboli both in the early and late phases of valve/sheath withdrawal. When this is accomplished, and the sheath of the valve is separated from the bottle neck carrying the balloon, the correct procedure would be to advance sheath 32 carrying the bottleneck from the side arising from the subclavian artery and collapse the balloon and catheter into sheath 32. The balloon would have appropriate consistency which allows it to be optimally in contact with the nitinol sheath; if it is underinflated or has a low pressure it may not prevent emboli from going upwards between the balloon and nitinol sheath. If it is excessively stiff and at a high pressure, it could stretch and damage the nitinol filter.

Balloon 44 should be one with a reasonably low compliance such that it does not rupture and does not expand the bottle neck, which is preferably made of nitinol but has a firm surface.

The components of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 can be introduced into the aorta over the same paths as described with reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

According to this embodiment, components 60 and 80, to be described below, can be introduced along the same path, for example along the femoral artery and into the aorta via an incision made in the groin, or through one subclavian artery, as described earlier herein.

The components shown in FIG. 5 include a guidewire 62 that is introduced first into the ascending aorta (20 in FIG. 2), to a point close to the valve that is to be replaced, or to a point above the coronary arteries. Then, guidewire 62 is used to introduce a first sheath 64, which may have a diameter of the order 7 mm, and the distal end of sheath 64 is also brought to a point in the ascending aorta, after which guidewire 62 may be withdrawn, and a second sheath 68, which may have a diameter of the order of 6 mm, is introduced into sheath 64.

Sheath 68 contains a filter 80 somewhat similar to filter 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the illustration provided in FIG. 5, filter 80 is held in a radially compressed state in sheath 68.

Filter 80, which will be described in greater details below with reference to FIG. 6, is provided with two control wires 82 that extend through sheath 68 to a location outside of the patient's body.

After sheath 64 has been brought to its desired position in the aorta, sheath 68 will be advanced to bring its lower, or distal, end to a location close to the defective heart valve, at least approximately where the lower end of filter 80 is to be deployed. Then, sheath 68 is retracted while filter 80 is held in place by a holding force, possibly manual, on control wires 82. As filter 80 thus exits the lower end of sheath 68, the filter expands while it is being deployed to bring it to the desired position to collect debris.

Then, sheath 68 may be withdrawn from the patient's body.

Referring now to FIG. 6, which shows filter 80 in its deployed state, it will be seen that filter 80 is compose essentially of a framework that includes an upper ring 84, a lower ring 86 and longitudinal struts 87, all preferably made of a type of a memory metal such as nitinol. The sides of filter 80 are covered with a suitable filter fabric having a pore size of, for example, 110 nm. Filter 80 is open at the top and the bottom and has a generally frustoconical shape when deployed.

Filters having a nitinol frame can generally expand radially by a maximum factor of 8 and filter 80 is dimensioned so that in the deployed, or expanded state, lower ring 86 has a diameter of the order of 32 mm and upper ring 84 has a diameter of the order of 7 mm Sheath 64 is brought to a position in which, as shown in FIG. 6, the lower end of the sheath 64 contacts ring 84.

After filter 80 has been thus deployed and sheath 64 has been brought into the position shown in FIG. 6, a system 66, described earlier herein, will be introduced through sheath 64 and then through filter 80, after which system 66 will be operated in a known manner to implant the prosthetic valve.

Typically, introduction of system 66 will be aided by a guidewire such as guidewire 62 shown in FIG. 2 of the application drawing, which will be introduced in order to guide system 66 past the defective heart valve.

During implantation of the heart valve, debris will be released and this debris will be confined by filter 80 and will be carried off with blood through sheath 64 to a suction device located outside of the patient's body. This blood and debris can pass through at a conventional device such as a Coulter counter, which detects and counts the debris particles. Suction will be continued until the output of the measuring device indicates that no further debris is present in the blood flow.

With the arrangement shown in FIG. 6, sheath 64 helps to stabilize the position of filter 80.

After such an indication has been produced, filter 80 can be withdrawn, by acting on the control wires 82, into sheath 64 and all components can then be withdrawn from the patient's body.

After filter 80 has been deployed at the desired location, a guidewire (not shown) is introduced , for example through the groin or the subclavian, and then passed though ring 88 into the region enclosed by filter 80.

Outside of the patient's body, debris in the blood exiting thought the top of filter 80 can be filtered out of the blood and the filtered blood can be returned to the patient's circulatory system, as will be described subsequently herein.

A further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9.

FIG. 7 shows a filter 90 having a generally conical form that is open at its large diameter lower end and closed at its upper end, and the sides of which are covered with filter material, or fabric, filter 90 thus being in the general form of a cone.

Filter 90 is provided with a control wire 92 at its apex, where it is closed. Filter 90 can be introduced through a subclavian artery, for example the left subclavian artery.

Filter 90 is provided with an entry cone 100 and a side opening 104 in which filter fabric is not present. Side opening 104 is closed by a series of flaps of a suitable material, constructed to normally be closed, together with a tube 108, which may be corrugated, and which is open at its inner end 112, as shown most clearly in FIG. 8. Entry cone 100 may be corrugated, as shown, and dimensioned to bring the distal, or lower, end of cone 100 to the plane of the open end of filter 80 and to the center of the lower end.

Referring to FIG. 9, filter 90 is introduced into position in ascending aorta 20 by means of a sheath 120 that performs essentially the same function as sheath 32 shown in FIG. 2, except, in this embodiment, components 40, 44 and 44a are not provided. After filter 90 has been deployed, essentially in the manner described earlier therein, assembly 60 is introduced, possibly through the femoral artery and the descending aorta, and is inserted into cone 100 through opening 104. Preferably, cone 100 is dimensioned so that at least the lower end thereof forms a seal with tube 64.

Then, in the manner described previously, for example with respect to FIG. 2, the guidewire associated with assembly 60 is introduced through the defective heart valve and assembly 60 is then operated to implant the new valve.

During implantation, sheath 120 may be placed in contact with filter 90 to stabilize the position of the filter.

After implantation, suction is maintained through tube 64 to extract debris mixed with blood and, as in the case of the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, the blood being suctioned is monitored to determine when all debris has been removed.

Then, assembly 60 is withdrawn from the patient's body, filter 90 is retracted into sheath 120, and sheath 120, with retracted filter 90, is withdrawn from the patient's body.

According to an alternative valve implantation procedure, the heart may be punctured at its apex and valve assembly 60 can be inserted through the puncture opening in the apex from a location below the existing valve. In this case, the filter structure shown in FIGS. 7-9 can be used for introducing valve assembly 60 and catheter 116. Sheath 120 can then be placed in contact with filter 90 to stabilize the position of the filter.

In further accordance with the invention, a wall stent or stent graft may be initially deployed to protect the aorta during valve implantation and an inflatable sheath may be employed in place of sheath 32 to facilitate retraction of filter 2, 72, 80, 90. In addition, the filter may be provided with additional structures to control blood flow from the heart in a manner to assure that the filter is not displaced by the force of the blood flow. These features will be described in detail below.

Two well known stent-grafts are: the Cook Zenith Flex graft and the Medtronics graft for the ascending aorta.

In each embodiment of the invention, the framework may be coated or impregnated with radiopaque material, or could be provided with individual radiopaque studs, or beads, lining the top and/or the bottom rings of the filter framework to facilitate guidance of the filter to its desired position and introduction of wire 62. i.e. guidance of system 66 through the hole at the top of the filter and into the existing valve.

Filters according to the present invention may be positioned to surround the entire circumference of the valve that is deployed, with the result of preventing blood clots from entering the coronary arteries.

In the case of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, sheath 120 may be introduced through one subclavian artery, assembly 60 may be introduced through a femoral artery and catheter 116 may be introduced through a radial artery or the other subclavian artery.

A further embodiment of the invention is composed of a debris filter 150, shown in FIG. 10.

The filter shown in FIG. 10 is somewhat similar to filter 80 shown in FIG. 6. Filter 150 is provided with control wires 152 corresponding in function to control wires 82 shown in FIG. 6. Filter 150 is composed of an upper ring 154, a lower ring 156 having, in a deployed state of the filter, a larger diameter than ring 154, and longitudinal struts 158, all of these parts preferably being made of a type of memory metal such as nitinol. Upper ring 154 is connected to wires 152. The sides of filter 150 are covered with a suitable filter fabric having a pore size of, for example, 100 μm, or more generally a pore size that will permit as free a flow of blood as possible, while retaining embolic debris within the filter.

The lower end of filter 150, enclosed by ring 156, is open to receive blood and debris from the region being treated, such as the heart valve region and the area of the aortic wall into which vein bypasses are customarily attached or implanted.

Filter 150 differs from filter 80 essentially only in that the upper end of filter 150, enclosed by ring 154, is covered with the same type of filter fabric as described earlier herein, with a pore size of, for example 100 μm. The upper end of filter 150 may be provided with a small diameter ring 170 secured to ring 154 by at least four radial spokes 174. The outer ends of spokes 174 are bonded to ring 154 in any suitable manner to secure ring 170 in place. Ring 170 and spokes 174 may be made of nitinol wires. Filter fabric is not present in the region enclosed by ring 170.

Ring 170 is dimensioned to receive a small diameter tube, or catheter, 176, which may have a diameter of the order of 5-6 Fr. and is preferably dimensioned to achieve a sufficiently close fit between ring 170 and tube 176 to prevent the escape of debris therebetween. Tube 176 may be of a type known as a “pigtail” catheter.

After filter 150 has been deployed at the desired location, a guidewire (not shown) is introduced, for example along the same path as filter 150, and then passed though ring 170 into the region enclosed by filter 150. Then tube 176 is passed over the guidewire and through ring 170, also into the region enclosed by filter 150.

Filter 150 is provided at its side with a plate 160 provided with a through opening 162 that is not covered with filter fabric.

Tube 176 is employed to inject a contrast fluid that facilitates visualization of the surgery site, such as the aorta and the aortic valve. It can also be utilized to work with a TAVI catheter assembly which is inserted through opening 162. Thus, the tube 176 and the TAVI catheter can be used simultaneously to permit observation of the natural valve and to cross it, respectively.

After the need to inject contrast fluid has ended, tube 176 can be pulled up so that its lower end is still within filter 150 and so that it continues to obturate the opening defined by ring 170. Tube 176 can be connected to a suction device outside the patient's body to suction debris, inevitable accompanied by blood, through tube 176. Outside of the patient's body, debris can be filtered out of the blood and the blood can be returned to the patient's circulatory system

The device shown in FIG. 10 is intended to be employed together with a valve implantation assembly, such as assembly 60 shown in FIG. 2 and described in detail earlier herein.

A procedure according to the invention, using the devices shown in FIG. 10, along with a valve implantation assembly is performed in the following manner.

A first guidewire is inserted along a blood vessel path to a point close to the heart valve that is to be replaced and then a sheath, such as sheath 32 shown in FIG. 2, is advanced over the guidewire. Then, the guidewire is withdrawn and a filter 150 is introduced through and out of the sheath to a location corresponding to that shown in FIG. 2. The delivery of filter 150 is controlled by control wires 152. Filter 150 may be installed initially in the distal end of sheath 32, prior to introduction of sheath 32 into the blood vessel. If ring 170 is provided, the first guidewire cam be inserted through the hole enclosed by ring 170 prior to introduction into the blood vessel. If ring 170 and its associated hole are not provided, the first guidewire can be initially threaded through side opening 162 and then through the blood vessel

Then, a second guidewire, such as guidewire 62 shown in FIG. 2, is introduced through a blood vessel path and directed through opening 162. Then, assembly 60 is introduced into the blood vessel path and tube 64 or system 66 is caused to pass through opening 162 and is operated to implant an artificial valve, as described above.

After the valve has been implanted, assembly 60 and guidewire 62 are removed from the patient's body.

All of the guidewires employed in the practice of all of the embodiments disclosed herein may be any commercially available guidewires intended for use in blood vessels, such as CharterTM Guidewires marketed by Navilyst Medical of Marlborough, Massachusetts.

The following table lists the blood vessel passages that can be used for introduction of each of the devices described above.

	FIGURE	DEVICE	ARTERY
	2	32	Subclavian
	2A	32	Subclavian
	5	62	Subclavian
	6 (2A)	32	Subclavian
	7	92	Subclavian or femoral
	9	60	Femoral
	10(2A)	150	Subclavian
	11	180	Femoral

If, in the procedure described with reference to FIG. 10, the TAVI assembly and the filter sheath are introduced through the groin, the pigtail catheter can be introduced through the apex of the filter similar to that shown in FIGS. 10-12, in which the hole is located at the top of the filter in the central area within the upper ring of the filter.

It is important to point out that the TAVI catheter and the pigtail catheter are in proximity to each other prior to and immediately after the valve is implanted. This is an essential part of the procedure which ensures appropriate positioning during the process of implanting the valve. It is also to be noted that in either event, namely, using the subclavian or the groin, due to the constraints of space, the TAVI catheter assembly 60 and the filter enter through the same artery, with the filter sheath being withdrawn from the artery before introduction of the valve implantation assembly 60, while, the pigtail catheter is introduced through a different artery. This ensures that the diameter of the blood vessel in either case is not stretched to the point of injury.

In the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, filter 150, in its introduction sheath, may be introduced through a femoral artery or a subclavian artery, and the TAVI catheter assembly (60 in FIG. 2) may be introduced through a femoral artery or subclavian artery different from that used for introducing filter 150. Tube 176 may be introduced through a radial artery.

A further embodiment of a device incorporating a filter according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 11.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 11 is intended to be employed in connection with invasive procedures, such as open heart surgery, using instruments not introduced through, for example, the aorta.

A purpose of this embodiment is to avoid the adverse, and potentially fatal, effects of bypass surgery caused by the migration of emboli into the brain, resulting in strokes and cognitive disorders.

This embodiment includes a filter 302 that will be deployed at a location downstream of the surgical site. Filter 302 is somewhat similar in form to filter 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, filter 302 having a large diameter end 304 and a small diameter end 306, and the filter being opened, i.e. not provided with filter fabric, at both ends 304 and 306. Small diameter end 306 is secured to a suction tube 308.

Large diameter end 304 may have a deployed diameter of 32-40 mm, while small diameter end 306 and tube 308 may have a diameter of the order of 4 mm

The proximal end of tube 308, i.e. the end that will be outside of the patient's body, is secured to a filter 312. The assembly composed of filter 302 and tube 308 may be introduced through a suitable sheath 320 into an artery to a point downstream of a location where debris will be produced by the surgical procedure and upstream of vessels that carry blood to the brain.

When filter 302 has been introduced to the desired location and deployed, and the surgical procedure is being performed, debris produced by the procedure will be conveyed, along with blood, into filter 302. A portion of the blood will then pass through the filter mesh, or fabric, that covers the circumference of filter 302 between ends 304 and 306 while the debris, along with some blood, will flow through small diameter end 306 and tube 308 to filter 312. In filter 312, debris will be separated from blood and the filtered blood may then be conducted into an artery or vein to be returned to the circulatory system. Filter 312 may be constructed according to principles already well known in the art.

The device shown in FIG. 11 may be introduced through any suitable artery. For example, in the case of open heart surgery, filter 302 may be introduced into the aorta along a path from an incision in the groin or through the subclavian artery.

Filter 302 could also be introduced on the right side of the heart in the pulmonary artery as a potential means of preventing blood clots from entering the lungs and for right heart surgery. The device could be introduced in this case through a peripheral vein.

In all cases, filter 302 would be deployed downstream from the locations where emboli would be produced during the surgical procedure.

FIG. 12 shows a modified version of the device of FIG. 11 and embodies a filter 402 with an open end 404 at the bottom and an upper end 406 provided with an opening, similar to that shown in FIG. 10, but without plate 160 and opening 162. The upper end 406 is closed by filter fabric material and has a central metal ring providing an orifice and spokes that connect the ring to the upper end of the filter. The orifice is not covered with filter fabric and allows the passage of a catheter 408 having a diameter of 5-7 Fr., and preferably 5-6 Fr., which can be introduced through a sheath 420 that was preliminarily passed through the radial artery with the aid of a guidewire, and then passed into the filter. This catheter 408, depending on what is needed, can either be a pigtail catheter or can be a fiberscope or an ultrasound device which can be used to view the aorta and the location of the valve and the walls of the aorta. Thus, this device can be used through its entrance sheath 420 in the arm to obtain pictorial representations of the condition of the aorta and the aortic valve, or other part being treated. This would be done prior to open heart surgery and could be replaced with a 5-7 F pigtail catheter, which is used to drain debris exiting from the apex of filter 402. The proximal end of catheter 408 will be attached, outside the patient's body, to a 3-way stop cock 410 through which contrast fluid can be introduced from a supply tube 412, or through which debris and blood could be passed to a filter 414, as described with reference to FIG. 11. This device will serve to minimize the spread of debris to the brain and body and enable blood flow to continue through 100 nm holes in the fabric. Filter 414 could be associated with a suction device to help suction debris out of filter 402.

The assembly shown in FIG. 12 differs from those used for TAVI, i.e, those involving introduction of a replacement heart valve through the arteries . Sheath 420 and tube 408 can be introduced through a subclavian artery, or a radial artery in the arm, or the groin. The exiting debris and blood is passed through an external filter and the blood is returned into the body as described in the case of the TAVI filter. This is different from the debris removal described in connection with TAVI procedures.

The assemblies shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 can be introduced via a femoral artery or a subclavian artery.

In all of the procedures employing filters according to the invention, any opposition to deployment and positioning of the filter can be minimized by temporarily halting or reducing the flow of blood from the aorta. This can be achieved, for example, by employing a pacemaker to produce a high pacing rate, for example of the order of 220 beats/minute.

The present invention provides the possibility of using at most two to three entry passages to completely implant and stabilize the filter, trap and withdraw debris and deploy an artificial valve. These entry points can be selected from one groin and the radial artery that leads into the subclavian to carry the pigtail catheter for introducing contrast fluid, or one groin, which carries the TAVI catheter and the sheath for implantation of the filter. In the event that the both groins are blocked and cannot be used, use can be made of one subclavian to deploy the filter and TAVI catheter and the other subclavian to introduce and advance the pigtail catheter. In either of these cases, the ability exists to perform two processes: To use the TAVI catheter and filter through a single groin or subclavian and the other to implant the pigtail catheter through the opposite groin or subclavian. In either case the ability to use the TAVI catheter with the filter depends on the ability to initially advance the filter with its sheath which encloses a guide wire, to deploy the filter and after this, to withdraw the sheath which surrounds the guidewire all the way to the origin of the point of insertion of the filter, thus, creating adequate space to advance the TAVI catheter with or without its own guide wire alongside this guidewire and to enter the orifice described in the filter.

However, the TAVI catheter can be inserted into the right groin and the filter can be inserted into the left groin or vice versa or under exceptional circumstances into the right or left subclavian. It would still be possible to use the radial artery on the right or left side to implant the pigtail catheter depending on the points of insertion of the filter and the TAVI catheter. These circumstances will depend on the recently developed 12 Fr. TAVI catheters and changes in the expansibility of the modified nitinol to create the filter. These are currently not in common use.

Filters according to the present invention can have a radial expansion ratio of 8:1. If the compressed diameter is, for example, 4.5 mm, the expanded filter can obturate the aorta with a lower ring such that it is inserted to apply pressure on the circumference of the aorta to stabilize it.

The catheter that may be a pigtail catheter can be used both for injecting contrast fluid for withdrawing debris from the filter in a safe and sterile way into an artery of the wrist, namely, the radial, which allows the observer to visually see the debris and subject it to quantitative and qualitative analysis and/or filtration. The debris can be analyzed by a cell counter such as a Coulter counter, which can enable a temporal estimation of debris production and clearance.

Relative to the use of a filter on the right side of the heart, it is possible to use a filter similar to the one described previously composed of nitinol and fabric and introduced through a sheath, which filter does not incorporate orifices, or openings, as previously described. This filter is introduced, enclosed by a sheath, through a vein which carries blood to the heart and which is located in an arm, the neck or the legs.

The sheath and filter can be introduced under fluoroscopic control into the right side of the heart, traversing one of the two main veins entering the heart and is manipulated under fluoroscopic control into the pulmonary artery which supplies the lungs. The filter is deployed in a similar manner by withdrawing the sheath and allowing it to stabilize in the pulmonary artery. Since the pulmonary artery divides into left and right branches, these arteries to the left and right lung are protected from emboli. This technique is particularly applicable in cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease to prevent blood clots from entering the lungs, which is a known complication of this type of surgery. The filter is deployed and removed using the same techniques explained above with the TAVI filter and the other described filters, namely, by pulling the filter into a sheath to close it or expressing the filter out of the sheath, to deploy it.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention for blocking the flow of debris through the pulmonary artery during a surgical procedure performed on the heart, such as congenital heart surgery.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, this embodiment includes a sheath 512 having a diameter selected to be compatible with the dimensions of the patient's blood vessels. Sheath 512 carries, near its distal end, a balloon 514 that is provided to assist guidance of the sheath to bring the distal end to a point in the pulmonary artery. As shown in FIG. 13, sheath 512 is constructed, similar to a Swan-Ganz sheath, or catheter, to be capable of being inserted through a vein in the arm or neck and to then be guided through the superior vena cava, the right atrium, the tricuspid valve, the right ventricle, and the pulmonary valve of the patient's heart.

The embodiment further includes a wire 516 that will be guided through sheath 512 and that carries, at its distal end, as shown in FIG. 14, a filter composed of a framework 518 and a filter mesh material 522 constructed as in the case of the embodiments previously described, to allow the passage of blood, while blocking the flow of debris. The filter further includes a plurality of wire struts 530 secured, preferably in a sliding manner, as shown by opening 534, to wire 516.

Struts 518 and 530 are preferably made of nitinol.

The filter is constructed, similar to the filters described earlier herein, to have a radially compressed state and a radially expanded state and to automatically assume the radially expanded state when unconstrained.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the filter will be housed in sheath 512 until the distal end of sheath 512 reaches a desired location in the pulmonary artery. Then, wire 516 will be advanced while sheath 512 is held stationary, to cause the filter to emerge from the distal end of sheath 512 and assume its radially expanded state, as shown in FIG. 14. The filter is dimensioned to extend entirely across the pulmonary artery in order to trap any debris released during heart surgery and thus prevent debris from entering the patient's lungs.

After the medical procedure has been completed and the flow of debris has subsided, the appliance may be removed in one of the following ways:

Wire 516 will be pulled back while sheath 512 is held stationary to withdraw the filter into sheath 512, while the filter is brought to its radially compressed state with the aid of struts 530, or sheath 512 will be advanced over the filter to place the filter in its radially compressed state within sheath 512. Then, sheath 512, with the filter held therein, is withdrawn from the patient's body in the reverse direction along the insertion path; or

A slit is made in the pulmonary artery to access the filter, the filter is radially compressed and wire 515 is cut by suitable instruments, after which the filter is withdrawn through the slit in the artery. Then, sheath 512 and the remainder of wire 516 are withdrawn in the reverse direction along the insertion path.

Sheath 512 may, for example, have a diameter of 10 Fr. The proximal end of sheath 512 may be connected to a suction device 550 that helps to suction debris collected in the filter.

Suction device 550 may, in turn, be connected to an arrangement such as components 410, 412 and 414, as shown in FIG. 12. Debris leaving filter 414 may pass through a Coulter counter to monitor the presence of debris.

With respect to all embodiments of the invention, if a filter having a larger compression ratio, e.g. 16:1, is used, the filter sheath may have a correspondingly smaller diameter.

The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A collapsible and deployable filter for blocking debris and passing blood in a blood vessel in a patient's body, said filter comprising;

a framework of a flexible material, said framework being constructed to have a radially compressed state, in which said framework is radially compressed by radial deforming forces, and a radially expanded state; and

a flexible filter material secured to said framework and having pores dimensioned to prevent the passage of debris therethrough while allowing the passage of blood, wherein:

said filter has, in the radially expanded state of said framework, a generally conical or frustoconical form with a large diameter end, a small diameter end opposite to said large diameter end, and a side surface extending between said large diameter end and said small diameter end;

said flexible filter material covers at least a major part of said side surface;

said large diameter end is open to receive blood and debris and is dimensioned to prevent flow of blood between said large diameter end and the blood vessel wall when said framework is in the radially expanded state; and

said filter has an opening that is free of filter material at said small diameter end or in said side surface.

2. A device for removing debris from a blood vessel, comprising:

the filter according to claim 1; and

a sheath having an internal diameter selected to house said filter in the radially compressed state, said sheath having a length sufficient to extend out of a patient's body when said filter is at a desired location in a blood vessel.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein said opening is at said small diameter end of said filter, and said device further comprises:

a tube having a distal end communicating with said opening for removal of debris collected in said filter, said tube having a proximal end and having a length sufficient to enable said proximal end to extend out of a patient's body when said filter is at a desired location in the blood vessel.

4. The device of claim 3, further comprising:

a second filter connected to said proximal end of said tube for separating debris conveyed through said tube from blood conveyed through said tube.

5. The device of claim 4, further comprising:

a source of contrast fluid connectable to said tube.

6. The device of claim 5, further comprising a valve member installed in said tube in proximity to said proximal end of said tube, said valve member having a first operating state for placing said source of contrast fluid in fluid flow communication, through said tube, with the region enclosed by said filter and blocking flow to said second filter, and a second operating state placing the region enclosed by said filter in fluid flow communication, through said tube, with said second filter and blocking flow to and from said source of contrast fluid.

7. A procedure for removing debris from a blood vessel in a patient's body and allowing blood to pass through the blood vessel, comprising, in the order recited:

providing the device according to claim 6;

introducing said filter into the blood vessel;

placing said valve member in the first operating state and passing contrast fluid from said source of contrast fluid through said tube; and

placing said valve member in the first operating state and causing debris to flow through said tube from the region enclosed by said filter to said second filter.

8. The procedure of claim 7, further comprising passing blood that has been separated from the debris in said second filter to a second blood vessel.

9. Apparatus for removing debris from blood flowing through a blood vessel, comprising:

the device according to claim 2; and

a debris removal device operative to extend into the space enclosed by said filter and to conduct debris from the space enclosed by said filter to a location outside the patient's body

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising an assembly for implanting a prosthetic aortic valve in the patient's heart.

11. A procedure for implanting a prosthetic aortic valve in the patient's heart while blocking flow of debris through the aorta, comprising:

providing the apparatus of claim 10,

inserting said filter, in its radially compressed state in said sheath, along a blood vessel path into the aorta;

withdrawing said sheath to cause said filter to assume the radially expanded state at a desired location on the aorta;

inserting said assembly for implanting a prosthetic aortic valve in the patient's heart into the aorta through said opening of said filter, and through said large diameter end of said filter and passed an existing heart valve;

operating said assembly to implant the prosthetic aortic valve;

withdrawing said assembly from the patient's body;

conveying debris resulting from said inserting and operating steps, with debris removal device, from the region enclosed by said filter to a location outside the patient's body; and

withdrawing said assembly from the patient's body.

12. The procedure of claim 11, further comprising supplying contrast medium to the location where the valve is implanted.

13. The procedure of claim 12, wherein the contrast medium is supplied through the debris removal device.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said opening is at said small diameter end of said filter, and said debris removal device comprises a tube having a distal end communicating with the region enclosed by said filter through said opening and dimensioned to have a proximal that extends out of the patients body when said filter is in the desired location in a blood vessel.

15. The filter of claim 1 wherein said opening is at said small diameter end of said filter.

16. The filter of claim 15, further comprising at least one control wire having a distal end connected to said framework at the small diameter end of said filter.

17. A device for removing debris from a blood vessel, comprising;

the filter according to claim 16; and

a sheath having an internal diameter selected to house said filter in the radially compressed state, said sheath having a length sufficient to extend out of a patient's body when said filter is at a desired location in a blood vessel.

18. The filter of claim 1 wherein said opening is in said side surface of said filter.

19. A filter for blocking debris and passing blood in a blood vessel in a patient's body, said filter having a generally conical form and comprising: a large diameter end; a small diameter end and a side surface, said filter being open at said large diameter end and being provided with an opening in small diameter end or on said side surface.

20. A device for trapping debris produced during a surgical procedure performed on a patient, said device comprising:

a collapsible and deployable filter for blocking debris and passing blood in a blood vessel in a patient's body, a guidewire connected to said filter, and a sheath in which said filter is housed,

said filter comprising; a framework of a flexible material, said framework being constructed to have a radially compressed state, in which said framework is radially compressed by radial deforming forces, and a radially expanded state; and a flexible filter material secured to said framework and having pores dimensioned to prevent the passage of debris therethrough while allowing the passage of blood, wherein: said filter has, in the radially expanded state of said framework, a generally conical form with a large diameter end, a closed end opposite to said large diameter end, and a side surface extending between said large diameter end and end; said flexible filter material covers the entirety of said side surface from said large diameter end to said closed end; and said large diameter end is open to receive blood and debris and is dimensioned to prevent flow of blood between said large diameter end and the blood vessel wall when said framework is in the radially expanded state;

said sheath having a distal end and having a length and flexibility sufficient to extend through the patient's blood vessels and heart from a point outside the patient's body to the patient's pulmonary artery;

said guidewire extending through said sheath and having a distal end connected to said closed end of said filter with said filter being oriented,

wherein said filter is extendable from said distal end of said sheath and is movable, with the aid of said guidewire, between said radially compressed state within said sheath and said radially expanded state when said filter is extended from said distal end of said sheath, and said filter is oriented such that said large diameter end faces said distal end of said sheath when said filter is extended from said distal end of said sheath.

21. A method for blocking debris in a pulmonary artery of a patient undergoing a surgical procedure on the heart, using said device as defined in claim 20, said method comprising:

advancing said sheath with said filter in the radially compressed state within said sheath, through a vein and the heart of the patient to bring said distal end of said sheath into the pulmonary artery of the patient;

bringing said filter to a location in the pulmonary artery of the patient outside of said distal end of said sheath to move said filter to the radially expanded state;

performing the surgical procedure; and

after the surgical procedure, withdrawing said device from the patient's body.