A support frame for an embolic protection device

摘要

An embolic protection device 100 comprises a collapsible filter element 105 for delivery through a vascular system of a patient. The filter element 105 comprising a collapsible filter body 110 and a filter support frame 111 contacting the filter body 110 . The collapsible filter body 110 has an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of the filter body having one or more inlet openings 117 sized to allow blood and embolic material enter the filter body 110 , the outlet end of the filter body having a plurality of outlet openings 119 sized to allow through passage of blood but to retain undesired embolic material within the filter body 110 . The filter support frame 111 is movable between a collapsed position for movement through the vascular system and an extended outwardly projecting position to support the filter body 110 in the expanded position. The frame 111 has a plurality of engagement segments which are spaced-apart longitudinally and transversely when the filter body 110 is in the deployed expanded configuration to urge the filter body 110 into apposition with the vessel wall. The engagement segments define at least partially a substantially helical engagement track.