Method and device for filtering body fluid

Claim 2

1 . A system for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel comprising: a delivery catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough, the delivery catheter sized to be accommodated within the lumen of the vessel; a guidewire sized to be accommodated within the lumen of the delivery catheter; a filter element carried by the guidewire, the filter element having a distal end, the filter element being expandable from a collapsed delivery configuration when the filter element is retained within the lumen of the delivery catheter to an expanded deployed configuration when the filter element is deployed distally of a distal end of the delivery catheter, the filter element being collapsible from the expanded deployed configuration to a retrieval configuration for removal from the vessel, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximally facing opening configured to filter emboli from blood when deployed in the vessel; and a retrieval catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough and having a distal portion, the retrieval catheter sized to be accommodated within the lumen of the vessel, the lumen of the retrieval catheter sized to accommodate the guidewire, the distal portion of the retrieval catheter being configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration during removal of the retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel.

Claim 3

2 . The system of claim 1 wherein the filter element is self-expandable.

Claim 4

3 . The system of claim 1 further comprising means for expanding the filter element from the collapsed delivery configuration to the expanded deployed configuration.

Claim 5

4 . The system of claim 3 wherein the means for expanding comprises the filter element being comprised of nitinol.

Claim 6

5 . The system of claim 1 wherein the filter element is attached to the guidewire at a distal region of the guidewire.

Claim 7

6 . The system of claim 1 wherein the delivery catheter comprises a balloon catheter.

Claim 8

7 . The system of claim 1 wherein the distal end of the filter element is connected to a distal band which encircles the guidewire.

Claim 9

8 . The system of claim 7 wherein the distal band is connected in a fixed position on the guidewire.

Claim 10

9 . The system of claim 7 wherein the filter element has a proximal end connected to a proximal band which encircles the guidewire.

Claim 11

10 . The system of claim 9 wherein the proximal band is slidably disposed about the guidewire.

Claim 12

11 . The system of claim 9 wherein when the filter element is in the collapsed delivery configuration the distal and proximal bands are spaced apart a first distance and when the filter element is in the expanded deployed configuration the proximal and distal bands are spaced apart a second distance, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

Claim 13

12 . The system of claim 1 wherein when the filter element is in the expanded deployed configuration a proximal portion of the filter element is of sufficient size and shape to engage the wall of the vessel.

Claim 14

13 . The system of claim 12 wherein the filter element has a shape in the expanded deployed configuration which decreases in size from the proximal portion to the distal end of the filter element.

Claim 15

14 . The system of claim 1 wherein the filter element comprises a metal mesh.

Claim 16

15 . The system of claim 14 wherein the filter element comprises nitinol.

Claim 17

16 . The system of claim 1 wherein the guidewire includes a flexible portion extending distally of the distal end of the filter element.

Claim 18

17 . The system of claim 1 wherein the guidewire extends to at least the distal end of the filter element.

Claim 19

18 . The system of claim 1 wherein the guidewire extends through the cavity to at least the distal end of the filter element.

Claim 20

19 . The system of claim 1 wherein when the filter element is in the expanded configuration the filter element defines a proximally facing lip and wherein when the filter element is in the retrieval configuration the proximally facing lip engages the distal tip of the retrieval catheter.

Claim 21

20 . The system of claim 1 wherein the lumen of the retrieval catheter has a diameter larger than a diameter of the lumen of the delivery catheter.

Claim 22

21 . The system of claim 1 wherein the retrieval catheter comprises a balloon catheter.

Claim 23

22 . The system of claim 1 wherein when the filter element is in the retrieval configuration the proximally facing opening is substantially closed.

Claim 24

23 . The system of claim 1 wherein the guidewire comprises a solid material.

Claim 25

24 . The system of claim 1 wherein the guidewire comprises metal.

Claim 26

25 . The system of claim 1 wherein the guidewire comprises a tapered portion.

Claim 27

26 . A system for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel comprising: a guidewire; a filter element carried by the guidewire, the filter element having a distal end, the filter element being expandable from a collapsed delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration when the filter element is deployed in the lumen of the vessel, the filter element being collapsible from the expanded deployed configuration to a retrieval configuration for removal from the vessel, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximally facing opening configured to filter emboli from blood when deployed in the vessel, the guidewire extending at least to the distal end of the filter element; and a combined delivery/retrieval catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough and having a distal portion, the delivery/retrieval catheter sized to be accommodated within the lumen of the vessel, the lumen of the delivery/retrieval catheter sized to accommodate the guidewire and the filter element in its delivery configuration, the distal portion of the delivery/retrieval catheter being configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration during removal of the retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel.

Claim 28

26 . A system for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel comprising: a guidewire; a filter element carried by the guidewire, the filter element having a distal end, the filter element being expandable from a collapsed delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration when the filter element is deployed in the lumen of the vessel, the filter element being collapsible from the expanded deployed configuration to a retrieval configuration for removal from the vessel, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximally facing opening configured to filter emboli from blood when deployed in the vessel, the guidewire extending at least to the distal end of the filter element; and a combined delivery/retrieval catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough and having a distal portion, the delivery/retrieval catheter sized to be accommodated within the lumen of the vessel, the lumen of the delivery/retrieval catheter sized to accommodate the guidewire and the filter element in its delivery configuration, the distal portion of the delivery/retrieval catheter being configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration during removal of the retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel.

Claim 29

27 . The system of claim 26 wherein the filter element is self-expandable.

Claim 30

28 . The system of claim 26 further comprising means for expanding the filter element from the collapsed delivery configuration to the expanded deployed configuration.

Claim 31

29 . The system of claim 28 wherein the means for expanding comprises the filter element being comprised of nitinol.

Claim 32

30 . The system of claim 26 wherein the filter element is attached to the guidewire at a distal region of the guidewire.

Claim 33

31 . The system of claim 26 wherein the delivery/retrieval catheter is a balloon catheter.

Claim 34

32 . The system of claim 26 wherein the distal end of the filter element is connected to a distal band which encircles the guidewire.

Claim 35

33 . The system of claim 32 wherein the distal band is connected in a fixed position on the guidewire.

Claim 36

34 . The system of claim 32 wherein the filter element has a proximal end connected to a proximal band which encircles the guidewire.

Claim 37

35 . The system of claim 34 wherein the proximal band is slidably disposed about the guidewire.

Claim 38

36 . The system of claim 34 wherein when the filter element is in the collapsed delivery configuration the distal and proximal bands are spaced apart a first distance and when the filter element is in the expanded deployed configuration the proximal and distal bands are spaced apart a second distance, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

Claim 39

37 . The system of claim 26 wherein when the filter element is in the expanded deployed configuration a proximal portion of the filter element is of sufficient size and shape to engage the wall of the vessel.

Claim 40

38 . The system of claim 37 wherein the filter element has a shape in the expanded deployed configuration which decreases in size from the proximal portion to the distal end of the filter element.

Claim 41

39 . The system of claim 26 wherein the filter element comprises a metal mesh.

Claim 42

40 . The system of claim 39 wherein the filter element comprises nitinol.

Claim 43

41 . The system of claim 26 wherein the guidewire includes a flexible portion extending distally of the distal end of the filter element.

Claim 44

42 . The system of claim 26 wherein the guidewire extends through the cavity to at least the distal end of the filter element.

Claim 45

43 . The system of claim 26 wherein when the filter element is in the expanded configuration the filter element defines a proximally facing lip and wherein when the filter element is in the retrieval configuration the proximally facing lip engages the distal tip of the delivery/retrieval catheter.

Claim 46

44 . The system of claim 26 wherein when the filter element is in the retrieval configuration the proximally facing opening is substantially closed.

Claim 47

45 . The system of claim 26 wherein the guidewire comprises a solid material.

Claim 48

46 . The system of claim 26 wherein the guidewire comprises metal.

Claim 49

47 . The system of claim 26 wherein the guidewire comprises a tapered portion.

Claim 50

48 . A system for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel comprising: a delivery catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough, the delivery catheter sized to be accommodated within the lumen of the vessel; a filter element having a distal end, the filter element being expandable from a collapsed delivery configuration when the filter element is retained within the lumen of the delivery catheter to an expanded deployed configuration when the filter element is deployed distally of a distal end of the delivery catheter, the filter element being collapsible from the expanded deployed configuration to a retrieval configuration for removal from the vessel, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximally facing opening configured to filter emboli from blood when deployed in the vessel; means for carrying the filter element; and a retrieval catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough and having a distal portion, the retrieval catheter sized to be accommodated within the lumen of the vessel, the lumen of the retrieval catheter sized to accommodate the carrying means, the distal portion of the retrieval catheter being configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration during removal of the retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel.

Claim 51

48 . A system for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel comprising: a delivery catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough, the delivery catheter sized to be accommodated within the lumen of the vessel; a filter element having a distal end, the filter element being expandable from a collapsed delivery configuration when the filter element is retained within the lumen of the delivery catheter to an expanded deployed configuration when the filter element is deployed distally of a distal end of the delivery catheter, the filter element being collapsible from the expanded deployed configuration to a retrieval configuration for removal from the vessel, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximally facing opening configured to filter emboli from blood when deployed in the vessel; means for carrying the filter element; and a retrieval catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough and having a distal portion, the retrieval catheter sized to be accommodated within the lumen of the vessel, the lumen of the retrieval catheter sized to accommodate the carrying means, the distal portion of the retrieval catheter being configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration during removal of the retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel.

Claim 52

49 . A system for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel comprising: a filter element having a distal end, the filter element being expandable from a collapsed delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration when the filter element is deployed in the lumen of the vessel, the filter element being collapsible from the expanded deployed configuration to a retrieval configuration for removal from the vessel, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximally facing opening configured to filter emboli from blood when deployed in the vessel; means for carrying the filter element, the carrying means extending to at least the distal end of the filter element; and a combined delivery/retrieval catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough and having a distal portion, the delivery/retrieval catheter sized to be accommodated within the lumen of the vessel, the lumen of the delivery/retrieval catheter sized to accommodate the carrying means and the filter element in its delivery configuration, the distal portion of the delivery/retrieval catheter being configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration during removal of the retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel.

Claim 53

49 . A system for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel comprising: a filter element having a distal end, the filter element being expandable from a collapsed delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration when the filter element is deployed in the lumen of the vessel, the filter element being collapsible from the expanded deployed configuration to a retrieval configuration for removal from the vessel, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximally facing opening configured to filter emboli from blood when deployed in the vessel; means for carrying the filter element, the carrying means extending to at least the distal end of the filter element; and a combined delivery/retrieval catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough and having a distal portion, the delivery/retrieval catheter sized to be accommodated within the lumen of the vessel, the lumen of the delivery/retrieval catheter sized to accommodate the carrying means and the filter element in its delivery configuration, the distal portion of the delivery/retrieval catheter being configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration during removal of the retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel.

Claim 54

50 . A method of protecting a patient from embolism during an intravascular procedure at a treatment site within a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel in a patient's vascular system comprising: providing a delivery catheter having a lumen extending therethrough; providing a filter device including a guidewire and a filter element mounted on the guidewire, the filter element having a distal end, the filter element being expandable from a collapsed delivery configuration when the filter element is retained within the lumen of the delivery catheter to an expanded deployed configuration when the filter element is deployed distally of a distal end of the delivery catheter, the filter element being collapsible from the expanded deployed configuration to a retrieval configuration for removal from the vessel, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximally facing opening configured to filter emboli from blood when deployed in the vessel; providing a retrieval catheter having a lumen extending therethrough and having a distal portion, the retrieval catheter sized to be accommodated within the vessel, the lumen of the retrieval catheter sized to accommodate the guidewire, the distal portion of the retrieval catheter being configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration during removal of the retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel; introducing the delivery catheter into the lumen of the vessel; advancing the guidewire through the lumen of the delivery catheter until the filter element is positioned at a desired location distal to the treatment site; deploying the filter element to its expanded configuration prior to performing the intravascular procedure; removing the delivery catheter from the vessel; performing an intravascular procedure at the treatment site; collapsing the filter element to its retrieval configuration after completion of the intravascular procedure; advancing the retrieval catheter through the vessel over the guidewire until the filter element is accommodated by the retrieval catheter in its retrieval configuration; and removing the retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel.

Claim 55

50 . A method of protecting a patient from embolism during an intravascular procedure at a treatment site within a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel in a patient's vascular system comprising: providing a delivery catheter having a lumen extending therethrough; providing a filter device including a guidewire and a filter element mounted on the guidewire, the filter element having a distal end, the filter element being expandable from a collapsed delivery configuration when the filter element is retained within the lumen of the delivery catheter to an expanded deployed configuration when the filter element is deployed distally of a distal end of the delivery catheter, the filter element being collapsible from the expanded deployed configuration to a retrieval configuration for removal from the vessel, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximally facing opening configured to filter emboli from blood when deployed in the vessel; providing a retrieval catheter having a lumen extending therethrough and having a distal portion, the retrieval catheter sized to be accommodated within the vessel, the lumen of the retrieval catheter sized to accommodate the guidewire, the distal portion of the retrieval catheter being configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration during removal of the retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel; introducing the delivery catheter into the lumen of the vessel; advancing the guidewire through the lumen of the delivery catheter until the filter element is positioned at a desired location distal to the treatment site; deploying the filter element to its expanded configuration prior to performing the intravascular procedure; removing the delivery catheter from the vessel; performing an intravascular procedure at the treatment site; collapsing the filter element to its retrieval configuration after completion of the intravascular procedure; advancing the retrieval catheter through the vessel over the guidewire until the filter element is accommodated by the retrieval catheter in its retrieval configuration; and removing the retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel.

Claim 56

51 . The method of claim 50 wherein the intravascular procedure comprises balloon angioplasty.

Claim 57

52 . The method of claim 50 wherein the intravascular procedure comprises an atherectomy.

Claim 58

53 . A method of protecting a patient from embolism during an intravascular procedure at a treatment site within a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel in a patient's vascular system comprising: providing a delivery catheter having a lumen extending therethrough; providing a filter device including a filter element and means for carrying the filter element, the filter element having a distal end, the filter element being expandable from a collapsed delivery configuration when the filter element is retained within the lumen of the delivery catheter to an expanded deployed configuration when the filter element is deployed distally of a distal end of the delivery catheter, the filter element being collapsible from the expanded deployed configuration to a retrieval configuration for removal from the vessel, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximally facing opening configured to filter emboli from blood when deployed in the vessel; providing a retrieval catheter having a lumen extending therethrough and having a distal portion, the retrieval catheter sized to be accommodated within the vessel, the lumen of the retrieval catheter sized to accommodate the carrying means, the distal portion of the retrieval catheter being configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration during removal of the retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel; introducing the delivery catheter into the lumen of the vessel; advancing the carrying means through the lumen of the delivery catheter until the filter element is positioned at a desired location distal to the treatment site; deploying the filter element to its expanded configuration prior to performing the intravascular procedure; removing the delivery catheter from the vessel; performing an intravascular procedure at the treatment site; collapsing the filter element to its retrieval configuration after completion of the intravascular procedure; advancing the retrieval catheter through the vessel over the carrying means until the filter element is accommodated by the retrieval catheter in its retrieval configuration; and removing the retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel.

Claim 59

53 . A method of protecting a patient from embolism during an intravascular procedure at a treatment site within a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel in a patient's vascular system comprising: providing a delivery catheter having a lumen extending therethrough; providing a filter device including a filter element and means for carrying the filter element, the filter element having a distal end, the filter element being expandable from a collapsed delivery configuration when the filter element is retained within the lumen of the delivery catheter to an expanded deployed configuration when the filter element is deployed distally of a distal end of the delivery catheter, the filter element being collapsible from the expanded deployed configuration to a retrieval configuration for removal from the vessel, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximally facing opening configured to filter emboli from blood when deployed in the vessel; providing a retrieval catheter having a lumen extending therethrough and having a distal portion, the retrieval catheter sized to be accommodated within the vessel, the lumen of the retrieval catheter sized to accommodate the carrying means, the distal portion of the retrieval catheter being configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration during removal of the retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel; introducing the delivery catheter into the lumen of the vessel; advancing the carrying means through the lumen of the delivery catheter until the filter element is positioned at a desired location distal to the treatment site; deploying the filter element to its expanded configuration prior to performing the intravascular procedure; removing the delivery catheter from the vessel; performing an intravascular procedure at the treatment site; collapsing the filter element to its retrieval configuration after completion of the intravascular procedure; advancing the retrieval catheter through the vessel over the carrying means until the filter element is accommodated by the retrieval catheter in its retrieval configuration; and removing the retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel.

Claim 60

54 . A method of protecting a patient from embolism during an intravascular procedure at a treatment site within a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel in a patient's vascular system comprising: providing a filter device including a guidewire and a filter element mounted on the guidewire, the filter element having a distal end, the filter element being expandable from a collapsed delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration when the filter element is deployed in the lumen of the vessel, the filter element being collapsible from the expanded deployed configuration to a retrieval configuration for removal from the vessel, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximally facing opening configured to filter emboli from blood when deployed in the vessel, the guidewire extending at least to the distal end of the filter element; providing a combined delivery/retrieval catheter having a lumen extending therethrough and having a distal portion, the delivery/retrieval catheter sized to be accommodated within the vessel, the lumen of the delivery/retrieval catheter sized to accommodate the guidewire and the filter element in its delivery configuration, the distal portion of the delivery/retrieval catheter being configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration during removal of the delivery/retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel; introducing the delivery/retrieval catheter into the lumen of the vessel; advancing the guidewire through the lumen of the delivery/retrieval catheter until the filter element is positioned at a desired location distal to the treatment site; deploying the filter element to its expanded configuration prior to performing the intravascular procedure; performing an intravascular procedure at the treatment site; collapsing the filter element to its retrieval configuration after completion of the intravascular procedure; accommodating the filter element in its retrieval configuration at the distal portion of the delivery/retrieval catheter; and removing the delivery/retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel.

Claim 61

54 . A method of protecting a patient from embolism during an intravascular procedure at a treatment site within a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel in a patient's vascular system comprising: providing a filter device including a guidewire and a filter element mounted on the guidewire, the filter element having a distal end, the filter element being expandable from a collapsed delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration when the filter element is deployed in the lumen of the vessel, the filter element being collapsible from the expanded deployed configuration to a retrieval configuration for removal from the vessel, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximally facing opening configured to filter emboli from blood when deployed in the vessel, the guidewire extending at least to the distal end of the filter element; providing a combined delivery/retrieval catheter having a lumen extending therethrough and having a distal portion, the delivery/retrieval catheter sized to be accommodated within the vessel, the lumen of the delivery/retrieval catheter sized to accommodate the guidewire and the filter element in its delivery configuration, the distal portion of the delivery/retrieval catheter being configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration during removal of the delivery/retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel; introducing the delivery/retrieval catheter into the lumen of the vessel; advancing the guidewire through the lumen of the delivery/retrieval catheter until the filter element is positioned at a desired location distal to the treatment site; deploying the filter element to its expanded configuration prior to performing the intravascular procedure; performing an intravascular procedure at the treatment site; collapsing the filter element to its retrieval configuration after completion of the intravascular procedure; accommodating the filter element in its retrieval configuration at the distal portion of the delivery/retrieval catheter; and removing the delivery/retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel.

Claim 62

55 . A method of protecting a patient from embolism during an intravascular procedure at a treatment site within a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel in a patient's vascular system comprising: providing a filter device including a filter element and means for carrying the filter element, the filter element having a distal end, the filter element being expandable from a collapsed delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration when the filter element is deployed in the lumen of the vessel, the filter element being collapsible from the expanded deployed configuration to a retrieval configuration for removal from the vessel, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximally facing opening configured to filter emboli from blood when deployed in the vessel, the carrying means extending at least to the distal end of the filter element; providing a combined delivery/retrieval catheter having a lumen extending therethrough and having a distal portion, the delivery/retrieval catheter sized to be accommodated within the vessel, the lumen of the delivery/retrieval catheter sized to accommodate the carrying means and the filter element in its delivery configuration, the distal portion of the delivery/retrieval catheter being configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration during removal of the delivery/retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel; introducing the delivery/retrieval catheter into the lumen of the vessel; advancing the carrying means through the lumen of the delivery/retrieval catheter until the filter element is positioned at a desired location distal to the treatment site; deploying the filter element to its expanded configuration prior to performing the intravascular procedure; performing an intravascular procedure at the treatment site; collapsing the filter element to its retrieval configuration after completion of the intravascular procedure; accommodating the filter element in its retrieval configuration at the distal portion of the delivery/retrieval catheter; and removing the delivery/retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel.

Claim 63

55 . A method of protecting a patient from embolism during an intravascular procedure at a treatment site within a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel in a patient's vascular system comprising: providing a filter device including a filter element and means for carrying the filter element, the filter element having a distal end, the filter element being expandable from a collapsed delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration when the filter element is deployed in the lumen of the vessel, the filter element being collapsible from the expanded deployed configuration to a retrieval configuration for removal from the vessel, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximally facing opening configured to filter emboli from blood when deployed in the vessel, the carrying means extending at least to the distal end of the filter element; providing a combined delivery/retrieval catheter having a lumen extending therethrough and having a distal portion, the delivery/retrieval catheter sized to be accommodated within the vessel, the lumen of the delivery/retrieval catheter sized to accommodate the carrying means and the filter element in its delivery configuration, the distal portion of the delivery/retrieval catheter being configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration during removal of the delivery/retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel; introducing the delivery/retrieval catheter into the lumen of the vessel; advancing the carrying means through the lumen of the delivery/retrieval catheter until the filter element is positioned at a desired location distal to the treatment site; deploying the filter element to its expanded configuration prior to performing the intravascular procedure; performing an intravascular procedure at the treatment site; collapsing the filter element to its retrieval configuration after completion of the intravascular procedure; accommodating the filter element in its retrieval configuration at the distal portion of the delivery/retrieval catheter; and removing the delivery/retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel.

Claim 64

56 . The method of claim 55 wherein the intravascular procedure comprises balloon angioplasty.

Claim 65

57 . A system for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel comprising: a delivery catheter having a lumen; a retrieval catheter having a lumen; a guidewire sized to be accommodated within the lumen of the delivery catheter and the lumen of the retrieval catheter; and a filter element carried by the guidewire, the shape of the filter element being transformable from a delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration to a collapsed retrieval configuration, the filter element being sized to be delivered through the lumen of the delivery catheter in its delivery configuration to a desired site within the vessel, to filter emboli within the vessel in its expanded deployed configuration and the retrieval catheter being sized and configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration when the filter element is removed from the vessel by the retrieval catheter.

Claim 66

57 . A system for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel comprising: a delivery catheter having a lumen; a retrieval catheter having a lumen; a guidewire sized to be accommodated within the lumen of the delivery catheter and the lumen of the retrieval catheter; and a filter element carried by the guidewire, the shape of the filter element being transformable from a delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration to a collapsed retrieval configuration, the filter element being sized to be delivered through the lumen of the delivery catheter in its delivery configuration to a desired site within the vessel, to filter emboli within the vessel in its expanded deployed configuration and the retrieval catheter being sized and configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration when the filter element is removed from the vessel by the retrieval catheter.

Claim 67

58 . A system for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel comprising: a delivery/retrieval catheter having a lumen; a guidewire sized to be accommodated within the lumen of the delivery/retrieval catheter; and a filter element carried by the guidewire, the guidewire extending at least to the distal end of the filter element, the shape of the filter element being transformable from a delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration to a collapsed retrieval configuration, the filter element being sized to be delivered through the lumen of the delivery/retrieval catheter in its delivery configuration to a desired site within the vessel, to filter emboli within the vessel in its expanded deployed configuration and to be removed in its retrieval configuration from the vessel by the delivery/retrieval catheter.

Claim 68

58 . A system for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel comprising: a delivery/retrieval catheter having a lumen; a guidewire sized to be accommodated within the lumen of the delivery/retrieval catheter; and a filter element carried by the guidewire, the guidewire extending at least to the distal end of the filter element, the shape of the filter element being transformable from a delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration to a collapsed retrieval configuration, the filter element being sized to be delivered through the lumen of the delivery/retrieval catheter in its delivery configuration to a desired site within the vessel, to filter emboli within the vessel in its expanded deployed configuration and to be removed in its retrieval configuration from the vessel by the delivery/retrieval catheter.

Claim 69

59 . The system of claim 58 wherein the delivery/retrieval catheter comprises a balloon catheter.

Claim 70

60 . A system for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel comprising: a delivery catheter having a lumen; a retrieval catheter having a lumen; a filter element, the shape of the filter element being transformable from a delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration to a collapsed retrieval configuration, the filter element being sized to be delivered through the lumen of the delivery catheter in its delivery configuration to a desired site within the vessel, to filter emboli within the vessel in its expanded deployed configuration and the retrieval catheter being sized and configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration when the filter element is removed from the vessel by the retrieval catheter; and means for carrying the filter element.

Claim 71

60 . A system for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel comprising: a delivery catheter having a lumen; a retrieval catheter having a lumen; a filter element, the shape of the filter element being transformable from a delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration to a collapsed retrieval configuration, the filter element being sized to be delivered through the lumen of the delivery catheter in its delivery configuration to a desired site within the vessel, to filter emboli within the vessel in its expanded deployed configuration and the retrieval catheter being sized and configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration when the filter element is removed from the vessel by the retrieval catheter; and means for carrying the filter element.

Claim 72

61 . A system for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel comprising: a delivery/retrieval catheter having a lumen; a filter device including a filter element and means for carrying the filter element, the carrying means extending at least to the distal end of the filter element, the shape of the filter element being transformable from a delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration to a collapsed retrieval configuration, the filter element being sized to be delivered through the lumen of the delivery/retrieval catheter in its delivery configuration to a desired site within the vessel, to filter emboli within the vessel in its expanded deployed configuration and to be removed in its retrieval configuration from the vessel by the delivery/retrieval catheter.

Claim 73

61 . A system for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel comprising: a delivery/retrieval catheter having a lumen; a filter device including a filter element and means for carrying the filter element, the carrying means extending at least to the distal end of the filter element, the shape of the filter element being transformable from a delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration to a collapsed retrieval configuration, the filter element being sized to be delivered through the lumen of the delivery/retrieval catheter in its delivery configuration to a desired site within the vessel, to filter emboli within the vessel in its expanded deployed configuration and to be removed in its retrieval configuration from the vessel by the delivery/retrieval catheter.

Claim 74

62 . A system for filtering emboli at a desired site from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel comprising: a guidewire; a filter carried by the guidewire, the filter being expandable from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration and being collapsible from the deployed configuration to a retrieval configuration; a first catheter comprising a delivery catheter configured for delivery of the filter carried by the guidewire in the delivery configuration to the desired site in the vessel; and a second catheter comprising a retrieval catheter configured for retrieval of the filter carried by the guidewire from the vessel in the retrieval configuration.

Claim 75

62 . A system for filtering emboli at a desired site from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel comprising: a guidewire; a filter carried by the guidewire, the filter being expandable from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration and being collapsible from the deployed configuration to a retrieval configuration; a first catheter comprising a delivery catheter configured for delivery of the filter carried by the guidewire in the delivery configuration to the desired site in the vessel; and a second catheter comprising a retrieval catheter configured for retrieval of the filter carried by the guidewire from the vessel in the retrieval configuration.

Claim 76

63 . The system of claim 62 wherein the second catheter is a balloon catheter.

Claim 77

64 . A system for filtering emboli at a desired site from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel comprising: a filter being expandable from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration and being collapsible from the deployed configuration to a retrieval configuration; means for carrying the filter a first catheter comprising a delivery catheter configured for delivery of the filter carried by the carrying means in the delivery configuration to the desired site in the vessel; and a second catheter comprising a retrieval catheter configured for retrieval of the filter carried by the carrying means from the vessel in the retrieval configuration.

Claim 78

64 . A system for filtering emboli at a desired site from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel comprising: a filter being expandable from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration and being collapsible from the deployed configuration to a retrieval configuration; means for carrying the filter a first catheter comprising a delivery catheter configured for delivery of the filter carried by the carrying means in the delivery configuration to the desired site in the vessel; and a second catheter comprising a retrieval catheter configured for retrieval of the filter carried by the carrying means from the vessel in the retrieval configuration.

Claim 79

65 . A method of filtering emboli at a desired site from blood flowing through the lumen of a patient's vessel using a filter system including an expandable filter, means for carrying the filter, a delivery catheter and a retrieval catheter, the method comprising: introducing the delivery catheter into the lumen of the vessel; advancing the carrying means through a lumen of the delivery catheter until the filter is positioned at the desired site; expanding the filter in the lumen of the vessel; removing the delivery catheter from the vessel; filtering emboli from blood flowing through the lumen of the vessel at the desired site with the filter; advancing the retrieval catheter through the lumen of the vessel over the carrying means; contracting the filter to a retrieval configuration; and removing the carrying means and filter in its retrieval configuration with the retrieval catheter.

Claim 80

65 . A method of filtering emboli at a desired site from blood flowing through the lumen of a patient's vessel using a filter system including an expandable filter, means for carrying the filter, a delivery catheter and a retrieval catheter, the method comprising: introducing the delivery catheter into the lumen of the vessel; advancing the carrying means through a lumen of the delivery catheter until the filter is positioned at the desired site; expanding the filter in the lumen of the vessel; removing the delivery catheter from the vessel; filtering emboli from blood flowing through the lumen of the vessel at the desired site with the filter; advancing the retrieval catheter through the lumen of the vessel over the carrying means; contracting the filter to a retrieval configuration; and removing the carrying means and filter in its retrieval configuration with the retrieval catheter.

Claim 81

66 . A method of filtering emboli at a desired site from blood flowing through the lumen of a patient's vessel using a filter system including a guidewire, an expandable filter carried by the guidewire, a delivery catheter and a retrieval catheter, the method comprising: introducing the delivery catheter into the lumen of the vessel; advancing the guidewire through a lumen of the delivery catheter until the filter is positioned at the desired site; expanding the filter in the lumen of the vessel; removing the delivery catheter from the vessel; filtering emboli from blood flowing through the lumen of the vessel at the desired site with the filter; advancing the retrieval catheter through the lumen of the vessel over the guidewire; contracting the filter to a retrieval configuration; and removing the guidewire and filter in its retrieval configuration with the retrieval catheter.

Claim 82

66 . A method of filtering emboli at a desired site from blood flowing through the lumen of a patient's vessel using a filter system including a guidewire, an expandable filter carried by the guidewire, a delivery catheter and a retrieval catheter, the method comprising: introducing the delivery catheter into the lumen of the vessel; advancing the guidewire through a lumen of the delivery catheter until the filter is positioned at the desired site; expanding the filter in the lumen of the vessel; removing the delivery catheter from the vessel; filtering emboli from blood flowing through the lumen of the vessel at the desired site with the filter; advancing the retrieval catheter through the lumen of the vessel over the guidewire; contracting the filter to a retrieval configuration; and removing the guidewire and filter in its retrieval configuration with the retrieval catheter.

Claim 83

67 . A system for performing a balloon angioplasty procedure at a treatment site in a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel and for filtering emboli dislodged during the procedure from blood flowing through the vessel comprising: a delivery catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough, the delivery catheter sized to be accommodated within the lumen of the vessel; a guidewire sized to be accommodated within the lumen of the delivery catheter; a filter element carried by the guidewire, the filter element having a distal end, the filter element being expandable from a collapsed delivery configuration when the filter element is retained within the lumen of the delivery catheter to an expanded deployed configuration when the filter element is deployed distally of a distal end of the delivery catheter, the filter element being collapsible to a retrieval configuration for removal from the vessel, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximally facing opening configured to filter emboli from blood when deployed in the vessel; a balloon catheter having a proximal and a distal end, a proximal and distal region, and a lumen which slidably receives the guidewire, the balloon catheter having an inflatable balloon associated with the distal region; and a retrieval catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough and having a distal portion, the retrieval catheter sized to be accommodated within the vessel, the lumen of the retrieval catheter sized to accommodate the guidewire, the distal portion of the retrieval catheter being configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration during removal of the retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel.

Claim 84

67 . A system for performing a balloon angioplasty procedure at a treatment site in a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel and for filtering emboli dislodged during the procedure from blood flowing through the vessel comprising: a delivery catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough, the delivery catheter sized to be accommodated within the lumen of the vessel; a guidewire sized to be accommodated within the lumen of the delivery catheter; a filter element carried by the guidewire, the filter element having a distal end, the filter element being expandable from a collapsed delivery configuration when the filter element is retained within the lumen of the delivery catheter to an expanded deployed configuration when the filter element is deployed distally of a distal end of the delivery catheter, the filter element being collapsible to a retrieval configuration for removal from the vessel, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximally facing opening configured to filter emboli from blood when deployed in the vessel; a balloon catheter having a proximal and a distal end, a proximal and distal region, and a lumen which slidably receives the guidewire, the balloon catheter having an inflatable balloon associated with the distal region; and a retrieval catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough and having a distal portion, the retrieval catheter sized to be accommodated within the vessel, the lumen of the retrieval catheter sized to accommodate the guidewire, the distal portion of the retrieval catheter being configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration during removal of the retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel.

Claim 85

68 . The system of claim 67 wherein the filter element is self-expandable.

Claim 86

69 . The system of claim 67 further comprising means for expanding the filter element from the collapsed delivery configuration to the expanded deployed configuration.

Claim 87

70 . The system of claim 69 wherein the means for expanding comprises the filter element being comprised of nitinol.

Claim 88

71 . The system of claim 67 wherein the filter element is attached to the guidewire at a distal region of the guidewire.

Claim 89

72 . The system of claim 67 wherein the distal end of the filter element is connected to a distal band which encircles the guidewire.

Claim 90

73 . The system of claim 72 wherein the distal band is connected in a fixed position on the guidewire.

Claim 91

74 . The system of claim 72 wherein the filter element has a proximal end connected to a proximal band which encircles the guidewire.

Claim 92

75 . The system of claim 74 wherein the proximal band is slidably disposed about the guidewire.

Claim 93

76 . The system of claim 74 wherein when the filter element is in the collapsed delivery configuration the distal and proximal bands are spaced apart a first distance and when the filter element is in the expanded deployed configuration the proximal and distal bands are spaced apart a second distance, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

Claim 94

77 . The system of claim 67 wherein when the filter element is in the expanded deployed configuration a proximal portion of the filter element is of sufficient size and shape to engage the wall of the vessel.

Claim 95

78 . The system of claim 77 wherein the filter element has a shape in the expanded deployed configuration which decreases in size from the proximal portion to the distal end of the filter element.

Claim 96

79 . The system of claim 67 wherein the filter element comprises a metal mesh.

Claim 97

80 . The system of claim 79 wherein the filter element comprises nitinol.

Claim 98

81 . The system of claim 67 wherein the guidewire includes a flexible portion extending distally of the distal end of the filter element.

Claim 99

82 . The system of claim 67 wherein the guidewire extends to at least the distal end of the filter element.

Claim 100

83 . The system of claim 67 wherein the guidewire extends through the cavity to at least the distal end of the filter element.

Claim 101

84 . The system of claim 67 wherein when the filter element is in the expanded configuration the filter element defines a proximally facing lip and wherein when the filter element is in the retrieval configuration the proximally facing lip engages the distal tip of the retrieval catheter.

Claim 102

85 . The system of claim 67 wherein the lumen of the retrieval catheter has a diameter larger than a diameter of the lumen of the delivery catheter.

Claim 103

86 . The system of claim 67 wherein when the filter element is in the retrieval configuration the proximally facing opening is substantially closed.

Claim 104

87 . The system of claim 67 wherein the guidewire comprises a solid material.

Claim 105

88 . The system of claim 67 wherein the guidewire comprises metal.

Claim 106

89 . The system of claim 67 wherein the guidewire comprises a tapered portion.

Claim 107

90 . The system of claim 67 wherein the balloon catheter comprises the delivery catheter.

Claim 108

91 . A system for performing a balloon angioplasty procedure at a treatment site in a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel and for filtering emboli dislodged during the procedure from blood flowing through the vessel comprising: a delivery catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough, the delivery catheter sized to be accommodated within the lumen of the vessel; a filter element having a distal end, the filter element being expandable from a collapsed delivery configuration when the filter element is retained within the lumen of the delivery catheter to an expanded deployed configuration when the filter element is deployed distally of a distal end of the delivery catheter, the filter element being collapsible to a retrieval configuration for removal from the vessel, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximally facing opening configured to filter emboli from blood when deployed in the vessel; means for carrying the filter element; a balloon catheter having a proximal and a distal end, a proximal and distal region, and a lumen which slidably receives the carrying means, the balloon catheter having an inflatable balloon associated with the distal region; and a retrieval catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough and having a distal portion, the retrieval catheter sized to be accommodated within the vessel, the lumen of the retrieval catheter sized to accommodate the carrying means, the distal portion of the retrieval catheter being configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration during removal of the retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel.

Claim 109

91 . A system for performing a balloon angioplasty procedure at a treatment site in a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel and for filtering emboli dislodged during the procedure from blood flowing through the vessel comprising: a delivery catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough, the delivery catheter sized to be accommodated within the lumen of the vessel; a filter element having a distal end, the filter element being expandable from a collapsed delivery configuration when the filter element is retained within the lumen of the delivery catheter to an expanded deployed configuration when the filter element is deployed distally of a distal end of the delivery catheter, the filter element being collapsible to a retrieval configuration for removal from the vessel, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximally facing opening configured to filter emboli from blood when deployed in the vessel; means for carrying the filter element; a balloon catheter having a proximal and a distal end, a proximal and distal region, and a lumen which slidably receives the carrying means, the balloon catheter having an inflatable balloon associated with the distal region; and a retrieval catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough and having a distal portion, the retrieval catheter sized to be accommodated within the vessel, the lumen of the retrieval catheter sized to accommodate the carrying means, the distal portion of the retrieval catheter being configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration during removal of the retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel.

Claim 110

92 . A method of protecting a patient from embolism during an intravascular procedure at a treatment site within a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel in a patient's vascular system comprising: providing a delivery catheter having a lumen extending therethrough; providing a filter device including a guidewire and a filter element mounted on the guidewire, the filter element having a distal end, the filter element being expandable from a collapsed delivery configuration when the filter element is retained within the lumen of the delivery catheter to an expanded deployed configuration when the filter element is deployed distally of a distal end of the delivery catheter, the filter element being collapsible to a retrieval configuration for removal from the vessel, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximally facing opening configured to filter emboli from blood when deployed in the vessel; providing a balloon catheter having a proximal and a distal end and a proximal and distal region and a lumen which slidably receives the guidewire, the balloon catheter having an inflatable balloon associated with the distal region, the balloon having a first diameter which permits intraluminal delivery of the balloon catheter into the vessel and a second expanded diameter adapted to substantially engage the wall of the vessel; providing a retrieval catheter having a lumen extending therethrough and having a distal portion, the retrieval catheter sized to be accommodated within the vessel, the lumen of the retrieval catheter sized to accommodate the guidewire, the distal portion of the retrieval catheter being configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration during removal of the retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel; introducing the delivery catheter into the lumen of the vessel; advancing the guidewire through the lumen of the delivery catheter until the filter element is positioned at a desired location distal to the treatment site; deploying the filter element to its expanded configuration prior to performing the intravascular procedure; removing the delivery catheter from the vessel; advancing the balloon catheter through the vessel over the guidewire until the balloon is positioned at the treatment site; inflating the balloon to perform the intravascular procedure; capturing emboli released from the treatment site during the procedure in the cavity of the filter element as the emboli flows with blood through the opening in the filter element; removing the balloon catheter from the vessel; collapsing the filter element to its retrieval configuration after completion of the intravascular procedure; advancing the retrieval catheter through the vessel over the guidewire until the filter element is accommodated by the retrieval catheter in its retrieval configuration; and removing the retrieval catheter, guidewire and filter element from the vessel.

Claim 111

92 . A method of protecting a patient from embolism during an intravascular procedure at a treatment site within a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel in a patient's vascular system comprising: providing a delivery catheter having a lumen extending therethrough; providing a filter device including a guidewire and a filter element mounted on the guidewire, the filter element having a distal end, the filter element being expandable from a collapsed delivery configuration when the filter element is retained within the lumen of the delivery catheter to an expanded deployed configuration when the filter element is deployed distally of a distal end of the delivery catheter, the filter element being collapsible to a retrieval configuration for removal from the vessel, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximally facing opening configured to filter emboli from blood when deployed in the vessel; providing a balloon catheter having a proximal and a distal end and a proximal and distal region and a lumen which slidably receives the guidewire, the balloon catheter having an inflatable balloon associated with the distal region, the balloon having a first diameter which permits intraluminal delivery of the balloon catheter into the vessel and a second expanded diameter adapted to substantially engage the wall of the vessel; providing a retrieval catheter having a lumen extending therethrough and having a distal portion, the retrieval catheter sized to be accommodated within the vessel, the lumen of the retrieval catheter sized to accommodate the guidewire, the distal portion of the retrieval catheter being configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration during removal of the retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel; introducing the delivery catheter into the lumen of the vessel; advancing the guidewire through the lumen of the delivery catheter until the filter element is positioned at a desired location distal to the treatment site; deploying the filter element to its expanded configuration prior to performing the intravascular procedure; removing the delivery catheter from the vessel; advancing the balloon catheter through the vessel over the guidewire until the balloon is positioned at the treatment site; inflating the balloon to perform the intravascular procedure; capturing emboli released from the treatment site during the procedure in the cavity of the filter element as the emboli flows with blood through the opening in the filter element; removing the balloon catheter from the vessel; collapsing the filter element to its retrieval configuration after completion of the intravascular procedure; advancing the retrieval catheter through the vessel over the guidewire until the filter element is accommodated by the retrieval catheter in its retrieval configuration; and removing the retrieval catheter, guidewire and filter element from the vessel.

Claim 112

93 . The method of claim 92 wherein in the step of providing a balloon catheter the balloon catheter comprises the delivery catheter.

Claim 113

94 . The method of claim 92 further comprising advancing the guidewire and the delivery catheter together through the lumen of the vessel.

Claim 114

95 . A method of protecting a patient from embolism during an intravascular procedure at a treatment site within a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel in a patient's vascular system comprising: providing a delivery catheter having a lumen extending therethrough; providing a filter device including a filter element and means for carrying the filter element, the filter element having a distal end, the filter element being expandable from a collapsed delivery configuration when the filter element is retained within the lumen of the delivery catheter to an expanded deployed configuration when the filter element is deployed distally of a distal end of the delivery catheter, the filter element being collapsible to a retrieval configuration for removal from the vessel, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximally facing opening configured to filter emboli from blood when deployed in the vessel; providing a balloon catheter having a proximal and a distal end and a proximal and distal region and a lumen which slidably receives the carrying means, the balloon catheter having an inflatable balloon associated with the distal region, the balloon having a first diameter which permits intraluminal delivery of the balloon catheter into the vessel and a second expanded diameter adapted to substantially engage the wall of the vessel; providing a retrieval catheter having a lumen extending therethrough and having a distal portion, the retrieval catheter sized to be accommodated within the vessel, the lumen of the retrieval catheter sized to accommodate the carrying means, the distal portion of the retrieval catheter being configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration during removal of the retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel; introducing the delivery catheter into the lumen of the vessel; advancing the carrying means through the lumen of the delivery catheter until the filter element is positioned at a desired location distal to the treatment site; deploying the filter element to its expanded configuration prior to performing the intravascular procedure; removing the delivery catheter from the vessel; advancing the balloon catheter through the vessel over the carrying means until the balloon is positioned at the treatment site; inflating the balloon to perform the intravascular procedure; capturing emboli released from the treatment site during the procedure in the cavity of the filter element as the emboli flows with blood through the opening in the filter element; removing the balloon catheter from the vessel; collapsing the filter element to its retrieval configuration after completion of the intravascular procedure; advancing the retrieval catheter through the vessel over the carrying means until the filter element is accommodated by the retrieval catheter in its retrieval configuration; and removing the retrieval catheter, carrying means and filter element from the vessel.

Claim 115

95 . A method of protecting a patient from embolism during an intravascular procedure at a treatment site within a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel in a patient's vascular system comprising: providing a delivery catheter having a lumen extending therethrough; providing a filter device including a filter element and means for carrying the filter element, the filter element having a distal end, the filter element being expandable from a collapsed delivery configuration when the filter element is retained within the lumen of the delivery catheter to an expanded deployed configuration when the filter element is deployed distally of a distal end of the delivery catheter, the filter element being collapsible to a retrieval configuration for removal from the vessel, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximally facing opening configured to filter emboli from blood when deployed in the vessel; providing a balloon catheter having a proximal and a distal end and a proximal and distal region and a lumen which slidably receives the carrying means, the balloon catheter having an inflatable balloon associated with the distal region, the balloon having a first diameter which permits intraluminal delivery of the balloon catheter into the vessel and a second expanded diameter adapted to substantially engage the wall of the vessel; providing a retrieval catheter having a lumen extending therethrough and having a distal portion, the retrieval catheter sized to be accommodated within the vessel, the lumen of the retrieval catheter sized to accommodate the carrying means, the distal portion of the retrieval catheter being configured to accommodate the filter element in its retrieval configuration during removal of the retrieval catheter and filter element from the vessel; introducing the delivery catheter into the lumen of the vessel; advancing the carrying means through the lumen of the delivery catheter until the filter element is positioned at a desired location distal to the treatment site; deploying the filter element to its expanded configuration prior to performing the intravascular procedure; removing the delivery catheter from the vessel; advancing the balloon catheter through the vessel over the carrying means until the balloon is positioned at the treatment site; inflating the balloon to perform the intravascular procedure; capturing emboli released from the treatment site during the procedure in the cavity of the filter element as the emboli flows with blood through the opening in the filter element; removing the balloon catheter from the vessel; collapsing the filter element to its retrieval configuration after completion of the intravascular procedure; advancing the retrieval catheter through the vessel over the carrying means until the filter element is accommodated by the retrieval catheter in its retrieval configuration; and removing the retrieval catheter, carrying means and filter element from the vessel.

Claim 116

96 . A system for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel during an intravascular procedure performed at a treatment site in the vessel comprising: a delivery catheter having a lumen; a balloon catheter having a lumen and having an inflatable balloon; a retrieval catheter having a lumen; a guidewire sized to be accommodated within the lumen of the delivery catheter, the lumen of the retrieval catheter and the lumen of the balloon catheter; and a filter element carried by the guidewire, the shape of the filter element being transformable from a delivery configuration when the filter element is retained within the lumen of the delivery catheter to an expanded deployed configuration when filtering emboli dislodged by inflation of the balloon during the intravascular procedure to a collapsed retrieval configuration, the filter element being sized to be delivered on the guidewire through the lumen of the delivery catheter in its delivery configuration to a desired site within the vessel, to filter emboli within the vessel in its expanded deployed configuration and to be removed in its retrieval configuration from the vessel by the retrieval catheter.

Claim 117

96 . A system for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel during an intravascular procedure performed at a treatment site in the vessel comprising: a delivery catheter having a lumen; a balloon catheter having a lumen and having an inflatable balloon; a retrieval catheter having a lumen; a guidewire sized to be accommodated within the lumen of the delivery catheter, the lumen of the retrieval catheter and the lumen of the balloon catheter; and a filter element carried by the guidewire, the shape of the filter element being transformable from a delivery configuration when the filter element is retained within the lumen of the delivery catheter to an expanded deployed configuration when filtering emboli dislodged by inflation of the balloon during the intravascular procedure to a collapsed retrieval configuration, the filter element being sized to be delivered on the guidewire through the lumen of the delivery catheter in its delivery configuration to a desired site within the vessel, to filter emboli within the vessel in its expanded deployed configuration and to be removed in its retrieval configuration from the vessel by the retrieval catheter.

Claim 118

97 . A system for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel during an intravascular procedure performed at a treatment site in the vessel comprising: a delivery catheter having a lumen; a balloon catheter having a lumen and having an inflatable balloon; a retrieval catheter having a lumen; a filter element, the shape of the filter element being transformable from a delivery configuration when the filter element is retained within the lumen of the delivery catheter to an expanded deployed configuration when filtering emboli dislodged by inflation of the balloon during the intravascular procedure to a collapsed retrieval configuration, the filter element being sized to be delivered through the lumen of the delivery catheter in its delivery configuration to a desired site within the vessel, to filter emboli within the vessel in its expanded deployed configuration and to be removed in its retrieval configuration from the vessel by the retrieval catheter; and means for carrying the filter element.

Claim 119

97 . A system for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel during an intravascular procedure performed at a treatment site in the vessel comprising: a delivery catheter having a lumen; a balloon catheter having a lumen and having an inflatable balloon; a retrieval catheter having a lumen; a filter element, the shape of the filter element being transformable from a delivery configuration when the filter element is retained within the lumen of the delivery catheter to an expanded deployed configuration when filtering emboli dislodged by inflation of the balloon during the intravascular procedure to a collapsed retrieval configuration, the filter element being sized to be delivered through the lumen of the delivery catheter in its delivery configuration to a desired site within the vessel, to filter emboli within the vessel in its expanded deployed configuration and to be removed in its retrieval configuration from the vessel by the retrieval catheter; and means for carrying the filter element.

Claim 120

98 . The system of claim 97 wherein the balloon catheter comprises the delivery catheter.

Claim 121

99 . A system for filtering emboli at a desired site from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel during an intravascular procedure comprising: a guidewire; a filter carried by the guidewire; a delivery catheter configured for delivery of the filter carried by the guidewire to the desired site in the vessel; a balloon catheter having a lumen which slidably receives the guidewire, the balloon catheter having an inflatable balloon for use during the intravascular procedure; and a retrieval catheter configured for retrieval of the filter carried by the guidewire from the vessel after the filter has collected emboli dislodged during the intravascular procedure.

Claim 122

99 . A system for filtering emboli at a desired site from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel during an intravascular procedure comprising: a guidewire; a filter carried by the guidewire; a delivery catheter configured for delivery of the filter carried by the guidewire to the desired site in the vessel; a balloon catheter having a lumen which slidably receives the guidewire, the balloon catheter having an inflatable balloon for use during the intravascular procedure; and a retrieval catheter configured for retrieval of the filter carried by the guidewire from the vessel after the filter has collected emboli dislodged during the intravascular procedure.

Claim 123

100 . The system of claim 99 wherein the balloon catheter comprises the delivery catheter.

Claim 124

101 . The system of claim 99 wherein the guidewire extends to a distal end of the filter element.

Claim 125

102 . A system for filtering emboli at a desired site from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel during an intravascular procedure comprising: a filter element; means for carrying the filter element; a delivery catheter configured for delivery of the filter carried by the carrying means to the desired site in the vessel; a balloon catheter having a lumen which slidably receives the carrying means, the balloon catheter having an inflatable balloon for use during the intravascular procedure; and a retrieval catheter configured for retrieval of the filter carried by the carrying means from the vessel after the filter has collected emboli dislodged during the intravascular procedure.

Claim 126

102 . A system for filtering emboli at a desired site from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the wall of a vessel during an intravascular procedure comprising: a filter element; means for carrying the filter element; a delivery catheter configured for delivery of the filter carried by the carrying means to the desired site in the vessel; a balloon catheter having a lumen which slidably receives the carrying means, the balloon catheter having an inflatable balloon for use during the intravascular procedure; and a retrieval catheter configured for retrieval of the filter carried by the carrying means from the vessel after the filter has collected emboli dislodged during the intravascular procedure.

Claim 127

103 . A method of filtering emboli from blood flowing through the lumen of a patient's vessel during an intravascular procedure at a treatment site using a system including a guidewire, an expandable filter carried by the guidewire, a delivery catheter, a balloon catheter having an inflatable balloon, and a retrieval catheter, the method comprising: introducing the delivery catheter into the lumen of the vessel; advancing the guidewire through a lumen of the delivery catheter until the filter is positioned at a location distal to the treatment site; expanding the filter in the lumen of the vessel; removing the delivery catheter from the vessel; advancing the balloon catheter over the guidewire until the balloon is at the treatment site; inflating the balloon to perform the intravascular procedure; filtering emboli from blood flowing through the lumen of the vessel with the filter during the intravascular procedure; removing the balloon catheter from the vessel; advancing the retrieval catheter through the lumen of the vessel over the guidewire; contracting the filter to a retrieval configuration; and removing the guidewire and filter in its retrieval configuration with the retrieval catheter.

Claim 128

103 . A method of filtering emboli from blood flowing through the lumen of a patient's vessel during an intravascular procedure at a treatment site using a system including a guidewire, an expandable filter carried by the guidewire, a delivery catheter, a balloon catheter having an inflatable balloon, and a retrieval catheter, the method comprising: introducing the delivery catheter into the lumen of the vessel; advancing the guidewire through a lumen of the delivery catheter until the filter is positioned at a location distal to the treatment site; expanding the filter in the lumen of the vessel; removing the delivery catheter from the vessel; advancing the balloon catheter over the guidewire until the balloon is at the treatment site; inflating the balloon to perform the intravascular procedure; filtering emboli from blood flowing through the lumen of the vessel with the filter during the intravascular procedure; removing the balloon catheter from the vessel; advancing the retrieval catheter through the lumen of the vessel over the guidewire; contracting the filter to a retrieval configuration; and removing the guidewire and filter in its retrieval configuration with the retrieval catheter.

Claim 129

104 . The method of claim 111 further comprising advancing the guidewire and the delivery catheter together through the lumen of the vessel.