Patent ID: 6152947
Filing Date: 2000-11-28
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
A method of temporarily filtering embolic material from the blood in a blood vessel, said method comprising the steps of:providing an insertion device having a proximal end adapted to receive a modular filter apparatus and a distal end adapted to enter an artery;providing a modular filter apparatus which is slideably insertable into the insertion device, said filter apparatus having an adjustable filter frame, a frame sizing mechanism, a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a filter mesh therein, the adjustable filter frame capable of being enlarged and contracted;introducing the distal end of the insertion device into a blood vessel;inserting the modular filter apparatus into the insertion device;advancing the adjustable filter through the insertion device into the blood vessel;adjusting the frame sizing mechanism to conform the frame to the size of the vessel; andremoving the adjustable filter from the vessel,wherein embolic material is generated and filtered before the expandable filter is removed from the vessel.