abstract |
An embolic protection device for use in a blood vessel when an interventional procedure is being performed in a stenosed or occluded region to capture any embolic material which may be created and released into the bloodstream during the procedure. The device includes a filtering assembly having a self-expanding strut assembly and a filter element attached thereto. The filtering assembly is capable of allowing controlled backwards flow of blood through the filter assembly, or blocking the backwards flow entirely, during aspiration of embolic material trapped within the filter assembly. |