abstract |
The present invention is a radiopaque distal embolic protection device for use in a lumen of a patient's body, such as a blood vessel. The protection device has an expandable and retractable filter attached to a distal portion of a guidewire. At least a portion of the filter has a radiopaque coating for viewing under fluoroscopy during use. The radiopaque coating allows the operator to ensure that the periphery of the filter has fully engaged the wall of a blood vessel and to take appropriate measures in recovery of the protection device after capture of emboli and particulate matter. |