Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty Device With Integral Embolic Filter

摘要

A percutaneous transluminal angioplasty device having an embolic filter mounted to the catheter shaft at a location distal to the angioplasty balloon and downstream from the blockage to capture embolic particles that may be set loose into the blood stream as the angioplasty procedure is performed. The embolic filter is normally collapsed against the catheter shaft to facilitate introduction and withdrawal of the device to and from the operative site. Once the angioplasty balloon is properly positioned, however, means operatively associated with the embolic filter are actuated to erect the filter to operatively position a filter mesh across the lumen of the vessel.