| abstract |
A filter device for capturing embolic material in a blood vessel, comprising: na substantially flexible sheath (32) having a distal end (36), a proximal end, a distal region, and a proximal region, and having a lumen (33) extending between the distal end (36) and the proximal end; na guidewire being slidably insertable into the lumen (33) of the sheath (32) and longitudinally movable relative to the sheath (32); and nan expandable filter assembly (50) mounted on the distal region of the guidewire (40), nwherein the expandable filter assembly (50) comprises a filter mesh (60) and a single strut (54), wherein said strut (54) is connected at its proximal end (56) to the distal end (42) of guidewire (40) and connected at its distal end (58) to filter mesh (60) of filter assembly (50). |