Patent ID: 7491215
Filing Date: 2009-02-17
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A collapsible filter element for a transcatheter embolic protection device, the filter element comprising: a collapsible filter body which is movable between a collapsed stored position for movement through a vascular system and an expanded position for extension across a blood vessel such that blood passing through the blood vessel is delivered through the filter element; a proximal inlet portion of the filter body having one or more inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic material to enter the filter body; a distal outlet portion of the filter body having a plurality of outlet openings sized to allow through-passage of blood, but to retain embolic material within the filter body; and a filter support frame for supporting the filter body in the expanded position extended across a blood vessel; the filter body having laminated regions comprising at least two layers extending along the length of at least two of the regions and wherein the regions comprise varying hardness or stiffness along the length between the two regions resulting from different thickness or materials of the laminated regions.