Patent ID: 6840950
Filing Date: 2005-01-11
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M,B29C

Abstract:
1. A low profile emboli capture device for use in angioplasty and other intravascular procedures comprising: a guidewire having distal and proximal ends; said guidewire having a mounting region near said distal end, said mounting region having a cross-sectional area less than said guidewire; a self-expanding stent carried on said guidewire at said mounting region, said self-expanding stent being movable between a retracted position and an expanded position; a filter connected to said self-expanding stent, said filter being movable between a retracted position and an expanded position, said filter being adapted to capture emboli in its expanded position; said self expanding stent and said filter in their retracted positions on said mounting region have a cross-sectional profile approximately the same as the cross-sectional profile of said guidewire; a sleeve having a first position for holding said self-expanding stent and said filter against said mounting region of said guidewire, said sleeve being movable to a second position wherein said self-expanding stent and said filter are free to expand; wherein said filter is a multi-layered mesh formed of spun, liquid polymer; and wherein said multi-layered mesh comprises fiber slumped filaments each having a width that is greater than its height.