Patent ID: 6551268
Filing Date: 2003-04-22
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M

Abstract:
A method for maintaining distal blood flow during carotid endarterectomy, comprising the steps of:providing a shunt comprising a tubular member having a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a lumen therebetween; inserting the distal opening of the shunt into a first region of a carotid artery and securing the shunt against the lumen of the carotid artery; deploying a blood filter device within the carotid artery and distal to the distal opening of the shunt, the blood filter device comprising an expandable filter having a proximal edge and a distal end, the proximal edge being operable to expand; expanding the proximal edge of the filter; clamping the carotid artery with the filter expanded; inserting the proximal opening into a second region of the carotid artery and securing the shunt against the lumen of the carotid artery; performing an endarterectomy procedure on a region of the carotid artery that lies between the proximal opening and the distal opening of the shunt; and unclamping the carotid artery with the filter expanded.