Method of making an embolic filter
View Patent ↗Embolic protection filters and methods of making and using such devices are disclosed. An illustrative method of making a device for filtering embolic debris from a body may include the steps of molding a filter assembly that includes a distal tip and a filter portion, forming a plurality of apertures within the filter portion, and coupling a support member to the filter assembly that is adapted to shift the filter portion between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.
1. A method of making a device for filtering embolic debris from a body lumen, the method comprising the steps of:
forming a filter assembly by an injection molding process, the filter assembly including a distal tip and a filter portion;
forming a plurality of apertures; and
by the injection molding process wherein the support member is,
coupling a support member to the filter assembly adapted to shift the filter portion between a first generally collapsed configuration and a second generally expanded configuration.
2. The method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the filter assembly is molded from a filter material comprised of silicon.
3. The method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the support member is comprised of nickel-titanium alloy.
4. The method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the support member further comprises a radiopaque coil disposed about at least a portion of the support member.
5. The method in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising the steps of providing an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and coupling the filter assembly to the shaft.
6. The method in accordance with claim 5 , wherein the shaft is generally tubular and includes plurality of aspiration holes.
7. The method in accordance with claim 5 , further comprising the step of slidably disposing an aspiration tube over the shaft.
8. The method in accordance with claim 5 , further comprising the step of disposing a distal stop located proximate the distal end of the shaft.
9. The method in accordance with claim 5 , further comprising the step of disposing a proximal stop on the shaft.
10. The method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the support member is coupled to the filter assembly by molding the filter assembly to the support member.
11. The method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the plurality of apertures are formed by laser drilling.
12. The method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the filter assembly includes one or more struts.
13. The method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the support member is biased to shift the filter portion into the second generally expanded configuration.
14. The method in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising the step of coupling a ring to the filter assembly.
15. The method in accordance with claim 14 , further comprising the step of providing a pull cord having a distal hook adapted for engaging the ring.