EMBOLIC FILTERING DEVICES WITH ENHANCED FLEXIBILITY

摘要

A self-expanding basket (24) for use in conjunction with an embolic filtering device has a proximal set of struts (42) which are connected to a distal set of struts (46) by a bending region (50) which provides enhanced bending characteristics to the basket. The bending region can be formed by intermediate links which are extremely flexible and bendable to allow the basket to be delivered through tortuous anatomy. The intermediate links are extremely flexible and create a mechanical hinge-like connection between the proximal and distal strut assembles. The basket thus is capable of substantial bending when being delivered through the patient's vasculature and will bend and conform to the patient's anatomy once positioned for filtering purposes. The intermediate links an also lengthen, when needed, when positioned in a curved vessel in the patient's vasculature, when needed. As a result, the basket will easily conform to a curved body vessel to maintain proper wall apposition of the filtering element with the wall of the body vessel.