Inventors:
Judith T. Carpenter - Moorestown NJ, US
Jeffrey P. Carpenter - Moorestown NJ, US
Carol A. Burns - Wayne PA, US
David A. Rezac - Westborough MA, US
Jefrrey C. Cerier - Franklin MA, US
Richard C. Fortier - Concord MA, US
Timothy W. Robinson - Sandown NH, US
International Classification:
A61F 2/01
Abstract:
There is disclosed a porous emboli deflector for preventing cerebral emboli while maintaining cerebral blood flow during an endovascular or open surgical procedure. The device prevents the entrance of emboli of a size able to cause stroke (such as greater than 100 microns) from entering either the right or left common carotid arteries, and/or the right or left vertebral arteries by deflecting emboli downstream of these vessels. The device can be placed prior to any manipulation of the heart or aorta allowing maximal protection of the brain during the index procedure. The deflector has a low profile within the aorta which allows sheaths, catheters, or wires used in the index procedure to pass. The deflector shaft could have a first portion and a second portion, the second portion being more flexible than the first portion. The deflector frame can include one, two, or more movable structures, such as hinges. Also disclosed are methods for insertion and removal of the deflector.