Patent ID: 7959646

Claim:
A system for enabling the capture of embolic material which may be released into a body vessel during a therapeutic interventional procedure, comprising: a guide wire; and a filter device associated with the guide wire, the filter device adapted to capture embolic material which may be released into the fluid in the body vessel during the interventional procedure and including an engaging element for enabling the filter device to be snap fitted so as to engage the guide wire; wherein the guide wire further includes engageable elements attached thereto to enable the engaging element of the filter device to be snap fitted thereto, the engageable elements being made from a radiopaque material for providing a reference for positioning the filter device in the patient's body vessel, the engageable elements including a proximal stop and a distal stop secured to the guide wire and forming a space between the proximal stop and the distal stop, the engaging element of the filter device including at least one tab adapted to be snap fitted in the space between the proximal stop and the distal stop, the portion of the tab being pivotable to allow the portion of the tab to fit within the space formed between the proximal stop and the distal stop.