Multi-filter endolumenal methods and systems for filtering fluids within the body. In some embodiments a multi-filter blood filtering system captures and removes particulates dislodge or generated during a surgical procedure and circulating in a patient's vasculature. In some embodiments a dual filter system protects the cerebral vasculature during a cardiac valve repair or replacement procedure.

Disclosed is a novel filter and delivery means. The device described within will not interfere with standard practice and tools used during standard surgical procedures and tools such as cannulas, clamps or dissection instruments including valve replacement sizing gages or other surgical procedures where the patient must be put on a heart-lung machine cross-clamping the aorta.

The invention provides a filter assembly including a string or wire such that a lasso type cincture is effected, said filter being openable and closeable while in deployed within a bodily vessel. A string lengthen or shorting adjustment mechanism, such as a ratchet or reel allows more length of string into the device or alternatively to shorten the length of available string in the system. The described invention, when used to ameliorate venous clots and most arterio-venous dialysis grafts, a filter-tipped aspirator is used downstream from the clot to capture and remove dislocated emboli. A method of using same is disclosed.

Vascular filters and deflectors and methods for filtering bodily fluids. A blood filtering assembly can capture embolic material dislodged or generated during an endovascular procedure to inhibit or prevent the material from entering the cerebral vasculature. A blood deflecting assembly can deflect embolic material dislodged or generated during an endovascular procedure to inhibit or prevent the material from entering the cerebral vasculature.

A catheter device is disclosed comprising; an elongate sheath (503) with a lumen and a distal end for positioning at a heart valve (6), an embolic protection device (200) for temporarily positioning in the aortic arch for deflection of embolic debris from the ascending aorta to the descending aorta, said embolic protection device is connectable to a transluminal delivery unit (130) extending proximally from a connection point (131), and having: a frame with a periphery, a blood permeable unit within said periphery for preventing embolic particles from passing therethrough with a blood flow downstream an aortic valve into side vessels of said aortic arch to the brain of a patient, and at least one tissue apposition sustaining unit (300, 350) extending from said catheter, into said aortic arch, and being attached to said embolic protection device at a sustaining point (502), for application of a stabilization force offset to said connection point at said embolic protection device, such as at said periphery, and for providing said stabilization force towards an inner wall of said aortic arch, away from said heart, and in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of said periphery, when said catheter device is positioned in said aortic arch, such that tissue apposition of said periphery to an inner wall of said aortic arch is supported by said force for improving stability and peripheral sealing. In addition related methods are disclosed.

A method of preparing a filter for delivery into a body vessel. The filter includes a hub disposed along a longitudinal axis and a plurality of anchor members extending from the hub. Each anchor member includes either a cranial extension or a caudal extension at a distal end thereof. At least one anchor member distal end may be spaced from the hub at each of a first, second, and third distance along the longitudinal axis. The filter also includes a plurality of locator members extending from the hub, the locator members alternatingly interposed between the anchor members.

A method is disclosed for removing a vascular occlusion, such as a clot, from a blood vessel. A tubular sheath is inserted into the vessel and a self-expanding Nitinol mesh filter is deployed from a distal end of the tubular sheath at a location proximal to a clot. An inner catheter is advanced through the tubular sheath and through the mesh filter for contacting the clot. An expandable agitation element is provided along a distal end portion of the inner catheter for cutting or chopping the clot, thereby facilitating removal of the clot and improving blood flow through the vessel. Resulting clot particles are captured by the mesh filter. Negative pressure may be applied along a proximal end portion of the sheath for aspirating remaining particles. Certain embodiments of the method are well-suited for treating deep vein thrombosis and do not require the use of thrombolytic drugs.

A method for implanting a replacement heart valve within a diseased valve includes accessing a patient's heart by piercing a myocardium, advancing a guidewire into the patient's heart, and installing an access device in a wall of the heart. The access device preferably has at least one valve mechanism. A valve delivery device is advanced over the guidewire and through the access device. The valve delivery device has a replacement heart valve disposed along a distal end portion thereof. The replacement heart valve preferably includes an outer support structure and a leaflet valve disposed within the outer support structure. The replacement heart valve is radially expanded within the diseased valve. During implantation, the outer support structure conforms to a diameter of the diseased valve and the leaflet valve expands to a fixed size having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the diseased valve.

A catheter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a mesh member, a first hollow shaft, a front end tip, a guiding film, and a core wire. The mesh member has a tubular shape and is radially expandable and contractable. The guiding film is formed with a stretchable material and is disposed on the mesh member, the guiding film having a front end located between a base end of the front end tip and a front end of the first hollow shaft. A thickness of a base end of the guiding film is larger than a thickness of the front end of the guiding film.

Single filter and multi-filter endolumenal methods and systems for filtering fluids within the body. In some embodiments a blood filtering system captures and removes particulates dislodged or generated during a surgical procedure and circulating in a patient's vasculature. In some embodiments a filter system protects the cerebral vasculature during a cardiac valve repair or replacement procedure.