Devices and methods for filtering embolic debris from a body lumen. The present invention includes a filter coupled to an elongate shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft may be tubular so as to be capable of allowing a guiding, therapeutic, or diagnostic device to pass therethrough.
1. An embolic protection device, comprising:
an elongate tubular shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending at least in part therethrough;
a filter coupled to the shaft proximate the distal end, the filter having a distal mouth region, the filter including an extension portion of non-filtering material extending at least in part distally beyond the distal mouth region; and
a plurality of pull cords coupled to the mouth portion, the pull cords forming a plurality of loop portions, and extending proximally along a longitudinal axis of the shaft such that altering the position of the pull cords shifts the filter between a first generally collapsed configuration and a second generally expanded configuration, wherein each of the loop portions includes a first end region disposed in a first cord lumen formed in a tube wall of the tubular shaft and a second end region disposed in a second cord lumen formed in the tube wall.
2. The embolic protection device of claim 1 , wherein the tubular shaft include a tube wall having a plurality of cord lumens formed therein and wherein the pull cords are disposed in the cord lumens.
3. The embolic protection device of claim 1 , wherein the pull cords extend through the lumens of the tubular shaft.
4. The embolic protection device of claim 1 , wherein the pull cords are threaded through a portion of the filter.
5. The embolic protection device of claim 1 , wherein at least one pull cord includes a metal.
6. The embolic protection device of claim 1 , wherein at least one pull cord includes a radiopaque material.
7. The embolic protection device of claim 1 , further comprising a delivery sheath disposed over the tubular shaft.
8. The embolic protection device of claim 1 , further comprising a medical device disposed within the lumen of the tubular shaft.
9. The embolic protection device of claim 8 , wherein the medical device includes a guidewire.
10. The embolic protection device of claim 1 , wherein the medical device includes a catheter disposed over the guidewire.
11. The embolic protection device of claim 10 , wherein the catheter includes an expandable balloon.