| abstract |
The invention provides a medical device having a catheter, an expandable occluding member and a constricting member. The catheter has a lumen communicating with a port at its distal end. The lumen and port are adapted for introduction of therapeutic or diagnostic devices, including an angioplasty/stent catheter, an atherectomy catheter, and a blood filter, into the carotid artery. The occluder is mounted proximal to the port of the catheter, and the constrictor is mounted distal to the port. Manometers may be mounted distal to the occluder and/or the constrictor for measuring pressure proximal and distal to the constrictor. A pump, operably associated with a shunt mounted through a second occluder, may be used instead of the constrictor to facilitate passage of blood through the second occluder. Methods of using the devices for preventing distal embolization during carotid procedures by reversing blood flow in the internal carotid artery toward the external carotid artery are disclosed. |