Embolic protection devices

摘要

An embolic protection device includes a filtering assembly having a self-expanding strut assembly and a filter element. The filtering assembly can be attached to a guidewire and deployed within the patient's vasculature into an area of treatment. A restraining sheath maintains the filtering assembly in its collapsed position until it is ready to be deployed by the physician. Interventional devices can be delivered over the guidewire and any embolic debris created and released into the blood stream will enter the filtering assembly. The filtering assembly can be rotatably mounted on the guide wire and may include a dampening element which helps to prevent some shock force that may be transmitted along the guide to the deployed filtering assembly.