Abstract: A treatment instrument is that a maximum dimension of the loop portion in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis in a state where half of a total length of the loop portion in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the loop portion is pulled into the sheath is 40% to 60% of a maximum dimension of the loop portion in the orthogonal direction in a state where the whole loop portion protrudes from a distal end of the sheath.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to devices and methods for providing filtration of debris within a body lumen. More particularly, embodiments of the invention related to devices and methods for providing distal protection to a medical procedure by filtration of debris generated by the medical procedure using filters having a frame with a slidable crossover point.

Abstract: A ureteral stent includes an elongated member, which has a tubular shape, and a distal retention structure. The elongated member includes a sidewall that defines a lumen and has a spiral-shaped opening with at least two rotations. The sidewall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The sidewall between the inner surface and the outer surface is devoid of another lumen. The elongated member is configured to move between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration along a longitudinal axis of the lumen. The distal retention structure is disposed at a distal end of the elongated member for retention in a kidney. The distal retention structure defines a lumen in fluid communication with the lumen defined by the sidewall of the elongated member.

Abstract: A retrieval snare for entrapping and retaining a foreign object located in a body and a method for manufacturing of the snare are provided. The snare comprises a structure having a proximal portion and a distal portion and includes a plurality of filaments. The filaments extend from an end of the proximal portion towards the distal portion and return to the end of the proximal portion to form a plurality of loops. The loops are not interconnected at the distal portion, but each side of each loop are connected to a side of an adjacent loop in the proximal portion at more than one point, thereby providing structural rigidity and dilatation ability to the snare.

Abstract: A blood filter delivery system for delivering a blood filter into a vein includes a push rod for pushing the blood filter through and out of a catheter, the push rod having a filter positioning assembly on one end. The filter positioning assembly includes positioner members, which retain anchor members of the filter. The filter positioning assembly can position the end of the delivery catheter near the blood vessel centerline before releasing the filter's anchor members, thereby helping to align the blood filter along the centerline of the blood vessel.

Abstract: A device for fracturing calcifications in heart valves characterized by a stabilizer assembly and an impactor assembly assembled on and deployed by a delivery system, wherein said delivery system is operable to cause relative motion between said impactor assembly and said stabilizer assembly with sufficient energy so as to fracture a calcification located in tissue which is sandwiched between said stabilizer assembly and said impactor assembly, wherein said impactor assembly and said stabilizer assembly have shaped impact delivery portions of which the footprint on the valve leaflets is shaped in accordance with a shape of desired fracture sites.

Abstract: A method of controlling an endoscopic device includes a first field-of-view-moving process of causing an imaging unit to move with respect to a distal end rigid section to a first side with respect to an axis of an insertion unit, an insertion-unit-moving process of bending a bending section to cause the distal end rigid section to move to the first side with respect to the axis of the insertion unit, and a second field-of-view-moving process of causing the imaging unit to move with respect to the distal end rigid section to a second side in an opposite direction of the first side with respect to the axis of the insertion unit.

Abstract: A clot retrieval system comprises a clot retrieval device, a catheter 51, and a tubular shield element 61. The clot retrieval device comprises an elongate member 53 having a proximal end and a distal end, and a clot engaging element 54 at the distal end of the elongate member 53 the clot engaging element 54 having a collapsed delivery configuration and an expanded deployed configuration. The catheter is adapted for placement at a location at which a distal end of the catheter is proximal of the clot engaging element and the tubular shield element 61 extends over the elongate member 53 and is adapted for location between the distal end of the catheter and the proximal end of the clot engaging element 54. The tubular shield element 61 is movable relative to the elongate member 54 when the clot engaging element is in the expanded configuration in that the force that is applied on retraction of the elongate member is spread over the outer surface of the tubular shield element.

Abstract: A medical device system is provided herein which has an elongated, flexible hollow member with an expandable infusion segment attached at the most distal end of the device. The device has a plurality of fluid infusion ports on the expandable infusion segment for delivering an intended fluid to a target site in a body lumen. Additionally, a method is provided herein for infusing an intended fluid to a target site within a body lumen.

Abstract: Funnel-trap type devices are described that are made of shape-set (e.g., heatset) braid for delivery and/or retrieval of Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters or other medical devices. Delivery and/or retrieval devices, kits in which they are included, methods of use and methods of manufacture are all contemplated. Additional forming tooling, methods and device embodiment shapes are described herein.

Abstract: A retrieval device includes an elongate element having a collapsible retriever at its distal end, wherein the collapsible retriever can be axially delivered over or through an introducer to the site of an object to be retrieved, e.g., a failed endoluminal device. When the retrieval device reaches the failed endoluminal device, the endoluminal device and the retrieval device are withdrawn together through the introducer. The introducer is configured to force the retrieval device down over the endoluminal device reducing the French size of the spent endoluminal device upon extraction. The collapsible retriever can be configured to side-mount a delivery element, or it can be integrated into a delivery system.

Abstract: A clot removal device has a segment that has two main struts that serve as a frame for holding a plurality of secondary struts. Each of the two main struts has a proximal end that is connected at a proximal point of the segment and extends along a generally circumferential path, with each main strut terminating at a separate connecting point that is distal from the proximal point. The connecting points are connected to each other to form a generally tubular structure defining an inner lumen. The plurality of secondary struts forms a lattice of cells, with each cell surrounded by four secondary struts. Two generally straight distal struts are connected to the lattice of cells at a distal end of the segment, and are connected to each other to form a distal point. A distal opening is defined by the cells adjacent the distal struts, the distal opening communicating with the lumen and terminating at the proximal point.

Abstract: A hemodialysis catheter with a plurality of umbrella-like wire members covered with a film which works as a thrombus blocker and can easily and effectively remove the thrombus is disclosed. The hemodialysis catheter has a proximal lumen, the arterial lumen, and a distal lumen, the venous lumen. An elongate member is longitudinally put in either the proximal lumen or the distal lumen, or two elongate members in both lumens. A plurality of umbrella-like wire members are connected to the end of the elongate member. When the hemodialysis catheter is put in the vessel but not in use, the end of the lumen is capped off by the plurality of umbrella-like wire members covered with a film. When it is ready to use, the doctor can pull the elongate member which connects to the plurality of umbrella-like wire members out off the lumen inverting the plurality of umbrella-like wire members and clearing away any thrombus that has formed.

Abstract: A tissue retrieval system can contain and withdraw excised tissue specimens from within a body cavity. The tissue retrieval system can include a tissue retrieval bag, a foldable actuator, and an introducer. The foldable actuator can be foldable between an insertion configuration for placement through an access device without the aid of a grasper or applicator, and a deployed configuration for supporting the tissue retrieval bag in an open state. The actuator can have a foldable handle to facilitate withdrawal from the body cavity. After insertion of the tissue specimens into the retrieval bag, the retrieval bag is then cinched closed to prevent spillage of its contents and to prevent contamination of the body cavity and body cavity wall during withdrawal of the retrieval bag from within the body cavity.

Abstract: The devices and methods described herein relate to improved structures for removing obstructions from body lumens. Such devices have applicability in through-out the body, including clearing of blockages within the vasculature, by addressing the frictional resistance on the obstruction prior to attempting to translate and/or mobilize the obstruction within the body lumen.

Abstract: Ureteral stents include a tubular body defining a lumen and have (i) a distal kidney section to be placed in or near a patient's kidney, (ii) a proximal bladder section to be placed within or near the patient's bladder, and (iii) a ureter section between the distal and proximal sections to be placed within the patient's ureter. A first anti-migration feature may be provided at the proximal bladder section and may include one or more projections extending outward from the tubular body. The first anti-migration feature may extend less than a total length of the proximal bladder section, and may be configured to not enter the patient's bladder. Furthermore, a second anti-migration feature may be provided at the distal kidney section, the proximal bladder section, or both.

Abstract: The devices and methods described herein relate to clearing of blockages within body lumens, such as the vasculature, by addressing the frictional resistance on the obstruction prior to attempting to translate and/or mobilize the obstruction within the body lumen.

Abstract: A device may be used for capturing and retrieving vascular debris. The device may include: at least two segments radially expandable from a collapsed state to an expanded state, each of the at least two segments having (a) a waist including a radially largest region of the segment and (b) two longitudinal ends; at least one intermediate portion, each of the at least one intermediate portion including a pivot that connects adjacent segments, each pivot having a diameter less than a diameter of the waist; wherein each of the at least two segments includes at least two struts that extend longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end of the segment, the at least two struts tapering from the waist radially inward toward a longitudinal axis of the device as the at least two struts approach an adjacent intermediate portion.

Abstract: A distal tip for use with a medical catheter. The tip includes a member having a wall which defines a lumen therewithin. The wall has a portion at a distal end thereof, the portion curving inwardly toward an axis of the lumen. The lumen is provided with a diameter adaptable to accommodate a device to be recovered therewithin.

Abstract: A medical suturing instrument in which the movement of an operation part is transmitted with a time lag to a loop forming part and a suture thread by means of a loop feed/return mechanism and a suture thread feed mechanism, and once a loop has been fed out from the tip end of a loop introduction needle, the suture thread is fed out from the tip end of a suture thread introduction needle.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removing material within a body lumen that includes a catheter including a proximal end, a distal end for introduction into a body lumen, and an aspiration lumen extending therebetween; a guide member extending from the distal end and terminating in a distal tip, the guide member comprising a track adjacent a track lumen extending from the distal tip into the aspiration lumen; and an obstruction clearing device deployable from the guide member and retractable along the track. In addition or alternatively, the apparatus includes a cutting head reciprocable within the aspiration lumen adjacent the distal end for macerating material being aspirated into the aspiration lumen.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a hollow flexible shaft having a central longitudinal axis and an imaging window therein. An optical fiber extends within the hollow flexible shaft substantially along the central axis. A distal tip of the optical fiber is attached to the hollow flexible shaft and aligned with the imaging window so as to transfer an optical coherence tomography signal through the imaging window. A handle is attached to the hollow flexible shaft configured rotate the hollow flexible shaft at speeds of greater than 1,000 rpm.

Abstract: A selectively bendable remote access gripping tool, includes a jaw portion having a pair of jaws or nets movable relative to each other between clamped and opened positions thereof, a handle portion spaced apart from the jaw portion by a bendable central portion that has a hollow, corrugated member that is bendable, and a cord extending through the hollow bendable member that connects the jaw portion and the handle portion.

Abstract: There is described a method, a system, and a device for the anchoring of and into a corpus disposed distally in a conduit by engaging a stranded tube with the corpus and unwinding the wound threads of the stranded tube into unwound threads. Engagement includes the use of handling and manipulation shaft to dispose the stranded tube proximally, distally, or in the interior to the corpus. Unwinding, of the stranded tube is achieved by rotating a tube tool against the stranded tube. Unwinding liberates the helically coiled unwound strands in “corkscrew” rotation into the corpus. Proximal retrieval of a corpus is achieved by proximal retrieval of the stranded tube anchoring the corpus. An unwound stranded tube is operable as a fastener, as an electrical lead, and as a support for a device.

Abstract: An anti-retropulsion device comprising: an expandable segment; a distal collar positioned distally of the expandable segment; and a proximal collar positioned proximally of the expandable segment; wherein the expandable segment has a corresponding plurality of expandable members, and wherein each of the expandable members is configured to expand or contract radially and circumferentially in correspondence with a change in spacing between the distal collar and the proximal collar.

Abstract: An implantable and removable filter that may be implanted in and/or removed from a body lumen, such as the Vena Cava. The filter including tissue anchors on expandable anchoring legs, which can be selectively moved between a non-anchoring or pre-deployed configuration into an anchoring or deployed configuration by obturators that are movable inside the anchoring legs.

Abstract: A clot retrieval device (9501) for removing clot from a blood vessel comprises an inner elongate body (9503) and an outer elongate body (9504) at least partially overlying the inner elongate body (9503). The device also comprises an elongate member or shaft (9502) having a proximal end which extends exterior of a patient so that a user can retrieve the stent-basket device and captured clot by retracting the shaft (9502). The outer elongate body (9504) and the inner elongate body (9503) are connected to the distal end of the shaft (9502) and are expandable relative to the shaft (9502) from a collapsed delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration. The outer elongate body (9504) is expandable relative to the inner elongate body (9503) to a radial extent which is greater than the radial extent of the inner body (9503) in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: The present application discloses endoscopy systems and devices for use therewith, wherein such systems and devices are designed for use in foreign body retrieval procedures. Moreover, the present application discloses methods of retrieving foreign bodies using the provided systems and devices. In one exemplary embodiment, a foreign body retrieval device capable for use with an endoscope is provided. The retrieval device comprises a housing and a capture tool disposed within and movable relative to the housing. The housing has a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one cavity. The proximal end of the housing is configured for attachment to the distal end of an endoscope and the distal end comprises an opening for at least partially receiving a foreign body in the at least one cavity. The capture tool defines an at least partially closeable aperture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical instrument for guiding a drill into bone, the surgical instrument comprising; an elongate body comprising a shaft having a handle towards its proximal end and a head towards its distal end, wherein the head comprises a mouth and jaw assembly, and the shaft comprises a lumen aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft and extending from the proximal end of the surgical instrument to the mouth of the shaft, wherein the lumen is suitable for receipt and passage of a drill, and the jaw assembly comprises a pair of opposed reciprocating arms.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes an outer conduit having an outer surface, and an inner conduit having an outer surface. The inner conduit is suitable for passage over a guide wire, and the inner conduit is movably disposed within the lumen of the outer conduit. There is also a balloon having a proximal margin and a distal margin, such that the proximal margin of the balloon is attached to the outer surface of the distal tip of the outer conduit and the distal margin of the balloon is attached to the outer surface of the portion of the inner conduit that extends beyond the distal tip of the outer conduit. And there is a fluid port for introducing an expansion fluid into the annular space formed between the inner surface of the outer conduit and the outer surface of the inner conduit and into the lumen of the balloon, and for the removal of the expansion fluid.

Abstract: A system and method for gaining access to an internal bodily structure, such as the ampullae. The system includes an elongate catheter having a lumen extending there through. An elongate wire including a distal coil is movably extendable from the distal end of the catheter and is configured to engage the inner surface of the bodily structure. Proximal movement of the elongate wire flattens the inner surface of the bodily structure and aligns the passageway thereof with the longitudinal axis of the catheter.

Abstract: Ureteral stents include a tubular body defining a lumen and have (i) a distal kidney section to be placed in or near a patient's kidney, (ii) a proximal bladder section to be placed within or near the patient's bladder, and (iii) a ureter section between the distal and proximal sections to be placed within the patient's ureter. A first anti-migration feature may be provided at the proximal bladder section and may include one or more projections extending outward from the tubular body. The first anti-migration feature may extend less than a total length of the proximal bladder section, and may be configured to not enter the patient's bladder. Furthermore, a second anti-migration feature may be provided at the distal kidney section, the proximal bladder section, or both.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke that provide immediate blood flow restoration to a vessel occluded by a clot and, after reestablishing blood flow, address the clot itself. Immediate blood flow restoration advantageously can facilitate natural lysis of the clot and also can reduce or obviate the concern for distal embolization due to fragmentation of the clot. Several embodiments of the invention provide for progressive, or modular, treatment based upon the nature of the clot. For example, the progressive treatment can comprise a three-step progressive treatment process that includes immediate restoration of blood flow, in-situ clot management, and/or clot removal depending on the particular circumstances of the treatment. The in-situ clot management can include, for example, lysis and maceration. The progressive, or modular, treatment can be provided by a system or kit of one or more treatment devices.

Abstract: A device for intravascular intervention can comprise an intervention element, an elongate manipulation member, and a joining element. The elongate member can comprise a hooked portion extending about a proximal portion of the intervention element. The joining element can substantially permanently attach the hooked portion to the intervention element.

Abstract: A filter and methods of use to provide distal protection during a vascular procedure is provided. The filter includes a first spiral shaped support member joined to a second spiral support member to form a crossover and to form a first generally planar support frame and a second generally planar support frame. A tether is on one of the first end or the second end and a capture structure is attached to the first support frame or the second support frame. The capture structure extends in a non-planar fashion relative to the generally planar first or second support frame to which the capture structure is attached. After use to capture debris, the filter is recovered in a manner to close while maintaining captured debris within the filter.

Abstract: A manually actuated function hose instrument has a hose-shaped function part and a wire-shaped function part extending in the latter, wherein the two function parts are axially movable relative to each other in order to exert a useful function at a distal section remote from a proximal end section. An associated operating device, which has two operating parts, is arranged at the proximal end section of the function parts. A fixing part is provided which serves for the external fixing of the operating device and with which the second operating part is coupled in an axially relatively movable manner, and/or the second operating part is connected non-releasably to the proximal end section of the hose-shaped function part and contains an operating ring with a circumferential finger recess as operating area.

Abstract: A device may be used for capturing and retrieving vascular debris. The device may comprise: at least two segments radially expandable from a collapsed state to an expanded state, each of the at least two segments having (a) a waist comprising a radially largest region of the segment and (b) two longitudinal ends; at least one intermediate portion, each of the at least one intermediate portion comprising a pivot that connects adjacent segments, each pivot having a diameter less than a diameter of the waist; a tether attached to a proximalmost of the at least two segments and configured to position the at least two segments; wherein each of the at least two segments comprises at least two struts that extend longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end of the segment, the at least two struts tapering from the waist radially inward toward a longitudinal axis of the device as the at least two struts approach an adjacent intermediate portion.

Abstract: A specimen retrieval apparatus includes an elongated tubular member defining a lumen therethrough and having an end effector disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector includes a shaft defining a longitudinal axis, the shaft including a lumen extending therethrough. The lumen of the shaft communicates with the lumen of the elongated tubular member. A suction member is disposed at a distal end of the shaft in communication with the lumen of the shaft. The suction member is configured to retain a tissue specimen thereon. A sleeve is disposed about the shaft and is movable with respect to the shaft from a proximal to a distal position. A specimen retrieval bag is coupled to the sleeve. The bag is deployable from an undeployed position wherein the bag is disposed about the sleeve to an extended position wherein the bag is deployed over the tissue specimen.

Abstract: A change-out handle system is provided for releasably coupling two elongated, axially relatively displaceable functional parts to a medical instrument unit. The change-out handle system includes a first and a second handle part disposed axially relatively displaceably, a first coupler for releasably axially rigidly immovably coupling a first of the two functional parts to the first handle part and a second coupler for releasably, axially rigidly immovably coupling the second of the two functional parts to the second handle part. The second handle part has a pass-through opening for passing at least the first of the two functional parts. The change-out handle system can be used, for example, for medical solids trapping instruments.

Abstract: An introducer sheath has a tubular structure that is expandable and contractible to a desired diameter. In a first configuration, the tubular structure has a first diameter and a first axial length. In a second configuration, the tubular structure has a larger second diameter and a shorter second axial length. An actuator includes an inner member and an outer member. In response to relative movement between the members and the tubular structure in a first or second direction, the actuator allows the tubular structure to move to the respective between the first or second configurations. The tubular structure can be a braided structure. The members can form an everted tubular sleeve. A proximal end of the outer sleeve is movable relative a proximal end of the inner sleeve. A locking system can fix the introducer sheath at a desired diameter.

Abstract: A system for removing a kidney stone from a ureter may include: an elongate, flexible, outer shaft having a distal end configured to be advanced into the ureter and a proximal end; an elongate, flexible, inner shaft extending through at least part of the outer shaft; an expandable stone retention member extending through at least part of the inner shaft and moveable along the longitudinal axis relative to the inner shaft; an elongate, flexible camera positioned coaxially within the retention member shaft, such that a distal end of the camera is located at or near a distal end of the inner shaft; and a handle coupled with the proximal end of the outer shaft, a proximal end of the inner shaft, and a proximal end of the retention member shaft.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a medical device for recanalizing a vessel having a blockage and restoring blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel includes an expandable member coupled to a core wire and a hypotube that are movable relative to each other to manipulate the expandable member between various configurations. The expandable member having a capture structure in an expanded configuration. The expandable member can include multiple interstices formed by woven mesh filaments or braided strands through which the material blocking the vessel can pass. The capture structure can include a shape on its external surface that facilitates dislodgement and capture of the material within capture spaces created by the expandable member. Some embodiments include a capture sack or cap for capturing material and preventing material from migrating down stream of the blockage. Superoxygenated blood can be infused distal to the blockage to minimize loss of function during an ischemic event.

Abstract: An acute stroke recanalization system and processes include catheter-based improved reconstrainable or tethered neurological devices which are deliverable through highly constricted and tortuous vessels, crossing the zone associated with subject thrombi/emboli, where deployment impacts, addresses or bridges the embolus, compacting the same into luminal walls which enables perfusion and lysis of the embolus, while the improved neurological medical device itself remains contiguous with the delivery system acting as a filter, basket or stand alone stenting mechanism, depending on the status of the embolus and other therapeutic aspects of the treatment being offered for consideration.

Abstract: An endoscope treatment tool includes a flexible sheath, a manipulation wire, and a basket portion constituted by a locking portion and a plurality of elastic wires. A maximum outside diameter portion of the basket portion is at a position closer to the locking portion than an intermediate position between a proximal end of the basket portion and the locking portion. The plurality of elastic wires is formed in a shape of a helix, and a winding pitch of the plurality of elastic wires becomes gradually smaller in a direction from a proximal side to the distal side of the manipulation wire. When a proximal side of the basket portion is reduced, an outside diameter of the maximum outside diameter portion is maintained at substantially a same size as the outside diameter before the proximal side of the basket portion is reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are presented comprising a stone retrieval device insertable through a proximal end of a working channel of an endoscope to retrieve a stone at a distal end of an endoscope shaft, and a lithotripsy shaft with a distal tip including one or more guide features to accommodate passage there through of the stone retrieval device and insertable through the proximal end of the working channel of the endoscope, wherein the stone retrieval device extends from the distal end of the endoscope shaft through the lithotripsy shaft.

Abstract: A treatment instrument has a longitudinal-axis member having a longitudinal axis, a curved portion formed on a distal end side of the longitudinal-axis member, a lumen formed along the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal-axis member, and a through hole that communicates with the lumen, and opens toward the inner side of a curve of the curved portion when the curved portion is curved.

Abstract: The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a catheter for removal of an organized embolic thrombus, preferably in conjunction with a distal occlusion balloon guidewire. The present invention consists of three main components including a capture/delivery sheath, a capture sleeve of mesh attached to a tube and a grasping mechanism attached to another tube which is central to the other components. Operative structures in the form of manifolds are connected to such components in order to manipulate and control the relative positions of the capture/delivery sheath, the capture sleeve and the grasping mechanism. An embolic thrombus is engaged by the deployable automatically expanding serrated fingers of a grasping mechanism in combination with a deployable automatically expanding mesh capture sleeve. The capture/delivery sheath is maneuvered to cause compression of the serrated fingers and of the mesh capture sleeve for subsequent removal of the embolic thrombus.

Abstract: A surgical forceps includes: an insertion portion including, an internal space formed along a longitudinal axis, a distal end portion, and a proximal end portion; a grasping portion provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion; an operation rod having one end and the other end and arranged in the internal space of the insertion portion, the one end being connected to the grasping portion; an operation portion provided at the proximal end portion of the insertion portion and connected to the other end of the operation rod, the operation portion being configured to operate a movement of the grasping portion; and a portion to be operated provided in the vicinity of the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and connected to the operation rod such that the operation rod is movable according to an operation by an external force.

Abstract: An expandable and retrievable device for treatment of a stenotic lesion in a body vessel is disclosed. The device comprises a tubular portion including a proximal end and a distal end extending from the proximal end. The tubular portion has a lumen formed therethrough between the proximal and distal ends. The device further comprises an expandable member formed helically about the tubular portion. The expandable member is configured to helically close, defining a collapsed state for delivery of the device. The expandable member is configured to helically open, defining an expanded state for treatment of the stenotic lesion in the body vessel. The expandable member has at least one filter portion that helically extends from the tubular portion at a predetermined angle. This defines a proximally faced opening when the expandable member is in the expanded state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-evertable blood filter that divides the transverse cross sectional area of a venous vessel into three annular regions or zones. The inner zone, the region immediately surrounding the longitudinal axis of the vessel, is maintained in a relatively open state with only minimal interference from the members making up the filter device so that blood flow can be maintained at a relatively normal rate. Concentrically surrounding the inner zone is the intermediate zone, to which captured emboli are directed out of the bloodstream passing primarily through the inner zone. Finally, concentrically surrounding the intermediate zone is the outer zone adjacent to the vessel wall.