Importance

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Abstract

A system used in a blood vessel when an interventional procedure is being performed in a stenosed or occluded region to capture any embolic material which may be created and released into the bloodstream during the procedure. The system includes an emboli-capturing filter which is capable of occluding a blood vessel distal to an interventional procedure site, passing the blood to enable blood to flow past the occlusion, and filtering the blood to capture and retain embolic material which may be released into the blood during a therapeutic interventional procedure. The emboli-capturing filter includes an expandable member which is capable of projecting from a guiding catheter so as to be deployed distal to the interventional procedure site to filter the blood. The expandable member is also capable of being retracted into the guiding catheter to capture and retain any released embolic material. The expandable member is further capable of being expanded distal to the area of treatment at the interventional procedure site for occluding the blood vessel. The expandable member may also include a plurality of openings for enabling blood to pass therethrough while preventing emboli from passing therethrough.

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First Claim