| abstract |
The present invention is related to cerebral embolic protection assemblies (CEPA) to be used during a medical procedure to help redirect or catch emboli before it is pumped into the cerebral circulation. A variety of CEPA's are disclosed including a perfusion filter catheters and fluid flow dividers for capturing and redirecting potential emboli within the aorta during heart surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass. The catheter devices may further include one or more additional or auxiliary flow control members. Furthermore, oxygenated blood is perfused through a perfusion lumen in the catheter. The present invention describes devices that are capable of capturing and/or redirected emboli away from the cerebral circulation. The devices are configured for percutaneous, intercostal, lateral or central insertion with attendant administration of cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest with protection from undesirable embolic events. |