Patent ID: 7083633

Claim:
An embolic filter comprising a first, outer catheter tube ( 12 ) having a distal portion to which is attached a proximal end ( 18 ) of an embolic filter membrane ( 3 ) and to which tube ( 12 ) are also attached one or more tension struts ( 7 ); a second, middle catheter tube or wire ( 13 ), to which are attached one or more compression struts ( 6 ), and wherein each compression strut ( 6 ) is also attached to a corresponding tension strut ( 7 ); and a third, inner catheter tube or wire ( 14 ) to which are connected means connecting the tip region ( 4 ) of tube or wire ( 14 ) and an open, distal edge ( 10 ) of the embolic filter membrane ( 3 ), the means providing a way to open or close the open edge ( 10 ) of the filter membrane; wherein the embolic filter membrane ( 3 ) is deployed into an open position by the deformation of the compression struts ( 6 ) and the tension struts ( 7 ), when the outer tube ( 12 ) and the inner tube or wire ( 14 ) are both moved proximally with respect to the middle tube or wire ( 13 ).