| abstract |
Apparatus (20) and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel such as the ascending aorta, wherein a vascular device comprises a support hoop having an articulation (26) region connectioned near a distal end (23) of an elongated member, a blood permeable sac (28) affixed to the support hoop (24) so that the support hoop (24) forms a mouth of the blood permeable sac (28), a guide wire, and a delivery sheath. The articulation region (26) comprises a reduced thickness region of the support hoop (24) that prevents kinks from forming in the support hoop (24) when the apparatus (20) is contracted to its delivery state, and curved regions that close the mouth of the sac (28) to prevent material escaping from the sac when the apparatus is collapsed for removal. |