| abstract |
In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of filtering blood flow in a lumen by positioning an open loop filter support structure within a lumen; maintaining a position of the open loop filter support structure within the lumen using radial force generated by the open loop filter support structure; and filtering blood flow in the lumen using a filter supported by the open loop filter support structure. In one aspect, there is also applying radial force generated by the open loop filter support structure along the axial dimension of the lumen. In another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of providing a filter across a lumen flow path by providing a filter support structure having a first end, a crossover section, and a second end; and fixing the position of the filter support structure within the lumen by positioning the first end against a first portion of the lumen and positioning the second end against a second portion of the lumen; and using the filter support structure to provide a filter across the lumen flow path. In one aspect, the ends do not pierce the lumen surface. |