U.S. patent application number 16/596201 was filed with the patent office on 2020-02-13 for vascular filters, deflectors, and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.. Invention is credited to DANIEL WAYNE FIFER, CAMERON PAUL PURCELL.
Application Number | 20200046485 16/596201 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57147158 |
Filed Date | 2020-02-13 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200046485 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PURCELL; CAMERON PAUL ; et
al. |
February 13, 2020 |
VASCULAR FILTERS, DEFLECTORS, AND METHODS
Abstract
Vascular filters and deflectors and methods for filtering bodily
fluids. A blood filtering assembly can capture embolic material
dislodged or generated during an endovascular procedure to inhibit
or prevent the material from entering the cerebral vasculature. A
blood deflecting assembly can deflect embolic material dislodged or
generated during an endovascular procedure to inhibit or prevent
the material from entering the cerebral vasculature.
Inventors: |
PURCELL; CAMERON PAUL;
(SANTA ROSA, CA) ; FIFER; DANIEL WAYNE; (WINDSOR,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC. |
MAPLE GROVE |
MN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED,
INC.
MAPLE GROVE
MN
|
Family ID: |
57147158 |
Appl. No.: |
16/596201 |
Filed: |
October 8, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15399470 |
Jan 5, 2017 |
10449028 |
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16596201 |
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14693763 |
Apr 22, 2015 |
9566144 |
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15399470 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2230/0006 20130101;
A61F 2230/0015 20130101; A61F 2230/0019 20130101; A61F 2002/016
20130101; A61F 2250/006 20130101; A61F 2/2427 20130101; A61F
2230/0067 20130101; A61B 2018/00351 20130101; A61F 2/013
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/01 20060101
A61F002/01; A61F 2/24 20060101 A61F002/24 |
Claims
1. An embolic material protection device configured to inhibit
embolic material from entering cerebral vasculature through a left
vertebral artery, the device comprising: an outer sheath; an inner
member radially inward of the outer sheath, the inner member
comprising a guidewire lumen, the inner member trackable over a
guidewire; and a self-expanding filter assembly radially between
the outer sheath and the inner member, the self-expanding filter
assembly being deployable out of the outer sheath by at least one
of proximally retracting the outer sheath and distally advancing
the self-expanding filter assembly, the self-expanding filter
assembly comprising: a frame; and a filter element coupled to the
frame, the inner member longitudinally movable independent of the
self-expanding filter assembly and the outer sheath.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/399,470, filed Jan. 5, 2017, which is a
divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/693,763, filed on
Apr. 22, 2015, Now U.S. Pat. No. 9,566,144, issued Feb. 14, 2017,
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all
purposes.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] The disclosure relates to devices and methods for filtering
body fluids such as blood and/or selectively deflecting potentially
embolic particles from the body fluid. The devices can be
catheter-based for insertion into a vascular system of a
subject.
Description of Related Art
[0003] Thromboembolic disorders, such as stroke, pulmonary
embolism, peripheral thrombosis, atherosclerosis, and the like
affect many people. These disorders are a major cause of morbidity
and mortality in the United States and throughout the world.
Thromboembolic events are characterized by an occlusion of a blood
vessel. The occlusion can be caused by a clot which is viscoelastic
(jelly-like) and comprises platelets, fibrinogen, and other
clotting proteins.
[0004] Percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures have become
popular, but stroke rates related to this procedure are between
four and twenty percent. During catheter delivery and valve
implantation, plaque or other material may be dislodged from the
vasculature and may travel through the carotid circulation and into
the brain. When an artery is occluded by a clot or other embolic
material, tissue ischemia (lack of oxygen and nutrients) develops.
The ischemia progresses to tissue infarction (cell death) if the
occlusion persists. Infarction does not develop or is greatly
limited if the flow of blood is reestablished rapidly. Failure to
reestablish blood-flow can lead to the loss of limb, angina
pectoris, myocardial infarction, stroke, or even death.
[0005] Reestablishing blood flow and removal of the thrombus is
highly desirable. Surgical techniques and medicaments to remove or
dissolve obstructing material have been developed, but exposing a
subject to surgery may be traumatic and is best avoided when
possible. Additionally, the use of certain devices carry risks such
as the risk of dislodging foreign bodies, damaging the interior
lining of the vessel as the catheter is being manipulated, blood
thinning, etc.
SUMMARY
[0006] Vascular filters and deflectors and methods for filtering
bodily fluids are disclosed herein. A blood filtering assembly can
capture embolic material dislodged or generated during an
endovascular procedure to inhibit or prevent the material from
entering the cerebral vasculature. A blood deflecting assembly can
deflect embolic material dislodged or generated during an
endovascular procedure to inhibit or prevent the material from
entering the cerebral vasculature.
[0007] In some embodiments, a method of inhibiting embolic material
from entering cerebral vasculature comprises positioning a
guidewire in a left subclavian artery upstream of a left vertebral
artery and tracking a distal portion of a protection device over
the guidewire. The distal portion of the protection device
comprises an outer sheath, an inner member radially inward of the
outer sheath, and a self-expanding filter assembly radially between
the outer sheath and the inner member. The inner member comprises a
guidewire lumen. The method further comprises at least one of
proximally retracting the outer sheath and distally advancing the
self-expanding filter assembly to deploy the self-expanding filter
assembly from the outer sheath in the left subclavian artery
upstream of the left vertebral artery. The method may further
comprise performing an endovascular procedure. The endovascular
procedure may comprise mitral or atrial valve implantation or
replacement. The deployed self-expanding filter assembly may
inhibit embolic material from entering cerebral vasculature through
the left vertebral artery during the endovascular procedure. The
method may further comprise, after performing the endovascular
procedure, withdrawing the self-expanding filter assembly from the
left subclavian artery.
[0008] After deploying the self-expanding filter assembly, the
inner member may prolapse into an aortic arch. The method may
further comprise proximally retracting the inner member out of the
aortic arch while the deployed self-expanding filter assembly
remains in the left subclavian artery upstream of the left
vertebral artery. The method may further comprise monitoring
arterial pressure using the outer sheath. The method may further
comprise providing fluid through the outer sheath. The method may
further comprise positioning a filtering device in an innominate
artery and a left common carotid artery. The filtering device may
inhibit embolic material from entering cerebral vasculature through
a right vertebral artery, a right common carotid artery, and the
left common carotid artery during the endovascular procedure.
[0009] In some embodiments, a method of inhibiting embolic material
from entering cerebral vasculature comprises positioning a distal
portion of a protection device at a location. The location is in
the left subclavian artery and/or the left vertebral artery. The
distal portion of the protection device comprises an outer sheath
and at least one of a self-expanding filter assembly and a
self-expanding deflector assembly radially inward of the outer
sheath. The method further comprises deploying the at least one of
a self-expanding filter assembly and a self-expanding deflector
assembly from the outer sheath at the location. The deployed
self-expanding filter assembly and/or self-expanding deflector
assembly inhibits embolic material from entering cerebral
vasculature during an endovascular procedure.
[0010] The distal portion of the protection device may further
comprise an inner member radially inward of the outer sheath. The
inner member may comprise a guidewire lumen. Positioning the distal
portion of the protection device at the location may comprise
tracking the distal portion of the protection device over a
guidewire. The method may further comprise monitoring arterial
pressure using at least one of the inner member and the outer
sheath. The distal portion of the protection device may comprise
the self-expanding filter assembly. The distal portion of the
protection device may comprise the self-expanding deflector
assembly. The endovascular procedure may comprise atrial valve or
mitral valve implantation or replacement. Deploying the at least
one of a self-expanding filter assembly and a self-expanding
deflector assembly may comprise proximally retracting the outer
sheath. After deploying the at least one of a self-expanding filter
assembly and a self-expanding deflector assembly, the inner member
may prolapse into an aortic arch, and the method may further
comprise proximally retracting the inner member out of the aortic
arch while the deployed at least one of a self-expanding filter
assembly and a self-expanding deflector assembly remains in the
location. The method may further comprise positioning a filtering
device in an innominate artery and a left common carotid artery.
The filtering device may inhibit embolic material from entering
cerebral vasculature through a right vertebral artery, a right
common carotid artery, and the left common carotid artery during
the endovascular procedure.
[0011] In some embodiments, an embolic material protection device
configured to inhibit embolic material from entering cerebral
vasculature through a left vertebral artery comprises an outer
sheath, an inner member radially inward of the outer sheath, and a
self-expanding filter assembly radially between the outer sheath
and the inner member. The inner member comprises a lumen. The
self-expanding filter assembly is deployable out of the outer
sheath by at least one of proximally retracting the outer sheath
and distally advancing the self-expanding filter assembly. The
inner member may be longitudinally movable independent of the
self-expanding filter assembly and the outer sheath.
[0012] The self-expanding filter assembly may have a diameter
between 7 mm and 12 mm. The self-expanding filter assembly may have
a diameter between 2 mm and 4.5 mm. The device may further comprise
an arterial pressure monitoring device in fluid communication with
the lumen of the outer sheath. A kit may comprising the device of
and a filtering device configured to be positioned in an innominate
artery and a left common carotid artery.
[0013] In some embodiments, an embolic material protection device
configured to inhibit embolic material from entering cerebral
vasculature through a left vertebral artery comprises an outer
sheath and a deflector assembly. The deflector assembly may be
deployable out of the outer sheath by at least one of proximally
retracting the outer sheath and distally advancing the deflector
assembly. The device may further comprise an inner member. The
inner member may comprise a lumen. The deflector assembly may
comprise a surface configured to be placed across an ostium of an
artery. The deflector assembly may be coupled to a distal end of
the outer sheath and a distal end of the inner member, and may
comprise a frustoconical shape upon manipulation of at least one of
the outer sheath and the inner member. The deflector assembly may
comprise an at least partially arcuate surface configured to be
placed across an ostium of the left vertebral artery.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an aortic
arch.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates an example protection device.
[0016] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the protection device
of FIG. 2 taken along the line 2A-2A in FIG. 2.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an example proximal
portion of a protection device.
[0018] FIG. 4A illustrates an example distal portion of a
protection device in a delivery state.
[0019] FIG. 4B illustrates the example distal portion of FIG. 4A in
a deployed state.
[0020] FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the distal portion of
FIGS. 4A and 4B along the line 4C-4C of FIG. 4B.
[0021] FIG. 4D is an enlarged view of part of the distal portion of
FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0022] FIG. 5A illustrates an example guidewire loading tool.
[0023] FIG. 5B illustrates an example coupling system.
[0024] FIG. 5C illustrates another example coupling system.
[0025] FIG. 5D illustrates an example inner member manipulation
tool.
[0026] FIG. 5E illustrates an example coupling system.
[0027] FIG. 5F illustrates another example coupling system.
[0028] FIG. 5G illustrates yet another example coupling system.
[0029] FIG. 5H illustrates still another example coupling
system.
[0030] FIG. 5I illustrates yet still another example coupling
system.
[0031] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate method of using an example distal
portion of a protection device in a deployed state in target
vasculature.
[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates an example distal portion of a protection
device in a deployed state in vasculature in combination with a
second protection device.
[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates an example distal portion of a protection
device in a deployed state.
[0034] FIG. 9A illustrates the example distal portion of FIG. 9A in
a delivery state in vasculature.
[0035] FIG. 9B illustrates the example distal portion of FIG. 9A in
a deployed state in the vasculature.
[0036] FIG. 10 illustrates another example distal portion of a
protection device in a deployed state in vasculature in combination
with a second protection device.
[0037] FIG. 11 illustrates another example distal portion of a
protection device in a deployed state in vasculature.
[0038] FIG. 12A illustrates an example protection device.
[0039] FIG. 12B illustrates another example protection device.
[0040] FIGS. 13A-13D illustrate another example protection
device.
[0041] FIGS. 13E and 13F are cross-sectional views of the example
protection device of FIGS. 13A-13D.
[0042] FIG. 14 illustrates another example distal portion of a
protection device in a deployed state in vasculature.
[0043] FIGS. 15A-15D illustrate another example protection
device.
[0044] FIG. 16A illustrates another example distal portion of a
protection device in a deployed state in vasculature.
[0045] FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the example distal
portion of the protection device and the vasculature of FIG. 16A
along the line 16B-16B of FIG. 16A.
[0046] FIG. 17 illustrates another example distal portion of a
protection device in a deployed state in vasculature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0047] The disclosure generally relates to devices and methods for
filtering fluids and/or deflecting debris contained within fluids,
including body fluids such as blood. A filtering or deflecting
device can be positioned in an artery before and/or during an
endovascular procedure (e.g., transcatheter aortic valve
implantation (TAVI) or replacement (TAVR), transcatheter mitral
valve implantation (TAMI) or replacement (TAMR), surgical aortic
valve replacement (SAVR), other surgical valve repair,
implantation, or replacement, cardiac ablation (e.g., ablation of
the pulmonary vein to treat atrial fibrillation) using a variety of
energy modalities (e.g., radio frequency (RF), energy, cryo,
microwave, ultrasound), cardiac bypass surgery (e.g., open-heart,
percutaneous), transthoracic graft placement around the aortic
arch, valvuloplasty, etc.) to inhibit or prevent embolic material
such as debris, emboli, thrombi, etc. resulting from entering the
cerebral vasculature.
[0048] The devices may be used to trap particles in other blood
vessels within a subject, and they can also be used outside of the
vasculature. The devices described herein are generally adapted to
be delivered percutaneously to a target location within a subject,
but can be delivered in any suitable way and need not be limited to
minimally-invasive procedures.
[0049] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an aortic arch 10.
The aortic arch 10 is upstream of the left and right coronary
arteries. The aortic arch 10 typically includes three great branch
arteries: the brachiocephalic artery or innominate artery 12, the
left common carotid artery 14, and the left subclavian artery 16.
The innominate artery 12 branches to the right carotid artery 18,
then the right vertebral artery 20, and thereafter is the right
subclavian artery 22. The right subclavian artery 22 supplies blood
to, and may be directly accessed from (termed right radial access),
the right arm. The left subclavian artery 16 branches to the left
vertebral artery 24, usually in the shoulder area. The left
subclavian artery 16 supplies blood to, and may be directly
accessed from (termed left radial access), the left arm. Four of
the arteries illustrated in FIG. 1 supply blood to the cerebral
vasculature: (1) the left carotid artery 14 (about 40% of cerebral
blood supply); (2) the right carotid artery 18 (about 40% of
cerebral blood supply); (3) the right vertebral artery 20 (about
10% of cerebral blood supply); and (4) the left vertebral artery 24
(about 10% of cerebral blood supply). The devices and methods
described herein are also compatible with the prevalent (27%)
bovine variant.
[0050] Devices and methods, some of which are compatible and/or
synergistic with the devices and methods described herein, have
been developed to filter blood flowing to the innominate artery 12
and the left common carotid artery 14, which provide about 90% of
the blood entering the cerebral vasculature. Examples are provided
in U.S. Pat. No. 8,876,796, which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety, and most particularly with respect to
disclosure directed to devices and methods for protecting aortic
arch branch arteries and structures of filter devices. Certain such
devices and methods leave the left subclavian artery 16, and thus
the left vertebral artery 24, which provides about 10% of the blood
entering the cerebral vasculature, exposed to potential embolic
material. Other embodiments described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,876,796
filter blood flowing to the left common carotid artery 14 and the
left subclavian artery 16. Certain such devices and methods leave
the innominate artery 12, and thus both the right common carotid
artery 18 and the right vertebral artery 20, which provide even
about 50% of the blood entering the cerebral vasculature, exposed
to potential embolic material. Assuming perfect use and operation,
either of these options may leave potential stroke rates as high as
two to ten percent due to exposed arteries that provide blood flow
to the cerebral vasculature.
[0051] FIG. 2 illustrates an example protection device 200. The
protection device 200 can inhibit or prevent embolic material from
entering the cerebral vasculature by protecting a cerebral artery
(e.g., the left vertebral artery) during an endovascular procedure.
Protection of the left vertebral artery using the protection device
200 can reduce the risk of stroke in procedures with no other
embolic protection by about 10%. Protection of the left vertebral
artery using the protection device 200 (e.g., in the left
subclavian artery or the left vertebral artery) can reduce the risk
of stroke in procedures with another embolic protection such as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,876,796 positioned in the innominate
artery and the left common carotid artery to less than about 5%,
less than about 3%, less than about 1%, or almost nil. Protection
of the innominate artery using the protection device 200 can reduce
the risk of stroke in procedures with no other embolic protection
by about 50%. Protection of the innominate artery using the
protection device 200 can reduce the risk of stroke in procedures
with another embolic protection such as described in U.S. Pat. No.
8,876,796 positioned in the left common carotid artery and the left
subclavian artery to less than about 5%, less than about 3%, less
than about 1%, or almost nil.
[0052] The protection device 200 comprises a proximal portion 202
and a distal portion 204. The proximal portion 202 is configured to
be held and manipulated by a user such as a surgeon. The distal
portion 204 is configured to be positioned at a target location
such as the left subclavian artery or the left vertebral artery.
The location is preferably proximate to the ostium of the artery.
When the distal portion 204 is configured to be positioned at the
left subclavian artery, the location is preferably upstream of the
left vertebral artery.
[0053] The proximal portion 202 comprises a handle 206, a control
208 such as a slider, an outer sheath 210, a port 212, optionally
an inner member translation control 214 such as a knob, and
optionally a hemostasis valve control 216 such as a knob. Although
not visible in FIG. 2, the proximal portion 202 also comprises an
inner member 220 radially inward of the outer sheath 210. Although
not visible in FIG. 2, the proximal portion 202 also comprises a
filter wire 217 (FIG. 2A) radially inward of the outer sheath 210.
The filter wire 217 is coupled to the filter assembly 218 in the
distal portion 204. The outer sheath 210 may have a diameter
between about 4 French (Fr) (approximately 1.33 millimeters (mm))
and about 6 Fr (approximately 2 mm) (e.g., about 5 Fr
(approximately 1.67 mm)). The outer sheath 210 may comprise an
atraumatic distal tip. Other features of the protection device 200
and other protection devices described herein may be flexible
and/or atraumatic. The outer sheath 210 may comprise a curvature,
for example based on an intended placement location (e.g., the left
subclavian artery and/or the left vertebral artery).
[0054] The slider 208 can be used to translate the outer sheath 210
and/or a filter assembly 218 (e.g., coupled to a filter wire). For
example, the slider 208 may proximally retract the outer sheath
210, the slider 208 may distally advance the filter assembly 218
out of the outer sheath 210, or the slider 208 may proximally
retract the outer sheath 210 and distally advance the filter
assembly 218 (e.g., simultaneously or serially), which can allow
the filter assembly 218 to radially expand. The slider 208 may also
be configured to have an opposite translation effect, which can
allow the filter assembly 218 to be radially collapsed (e.g., due
to compression by the outer sheath 210) as the filter assembly 218
is drawn into the outer sheath 210. Other deployment systems are
also possible, for example comprising gears or other features such
as helical tracks (e.g., configured to compensate for any
differential lengthening due to foreshortening of the filter
assembly 218, configured to convert rotational motion into
longitudinal motion), a mechanical element, a pneumatic element, a
hydraulic element, etc. for opening and/or closing the filter
assembly 218.
[0055] The port 212 is in fluid communication with the inner member
220 (e.g., via a Y-shaped connector in the handle 206). The port
212 can be used to flush the device (e.g., with saline) before,
during, and/or after use, for example to remove air. The port 212
can also or alternatively be used to monitor blood pressure at the
target location, for example by connecting an arterial pressure
monitoring device in fluid communication with a lumen 221 (FIG. 2A)
of the outer sheath 210. The port 212 can be also or alternatively
be used to inject contrast agent, dye, thrombolytic agents such as
tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), etc. The slider 208 preferably
does not interact with the inner member 220 such that the inner
member 220 is longitudinally movable independent of the filter
assembly 218 and the outer sheath 210. The inner member translation
control 214 can be used to longitudinally translate the inner
member 220, for example before, after, and/or during deployment of
the filter assembly 218. The inner member translation control 214
may comprise a slider in the housing 206 (e.g., separate from the
slider 208).
[0056] The rotatable hemostasis valve control 216 can be used to
reduce or minimize fluid loss through the protection device 200
during use. For example, when positioned in the left subclavian
artery, the direction of blood flow with respect to the device 200
will be distal to proximal, so blood may be otherwise inclined to
follow the pressure drop out of the device 200. The hemostasis
valve control 216 is illustrated as being rotatable, but other
arrangements are also possible (e.g., longitudinally displaceable).
The hemostasis valve control 216 may be configured to fix relative
positions of the outer sheath 210 and the filter assembly 218, for
example as described with respect to the hemostasis valve in U.S.
Pat. No. 8,876,796. The hemostasis valve 216 may comprise, for
example, an elastomeric seal and HV nut.
[0057] The distal portion 204 comprises the outer sheath 210, a
filter assembly 218 radially inward of the outer sheath 210, and
optionally the inner member 220. The filter assembly 218 may be
radially between the outer sheath 210 and the inner member 220
(e.g., radially inward of the outer sheath 210 and the inner member
220 radially inward of the filter assembly 218) in a delivery state
or shape or position.
[0058] The filter assembly 218 may comprise a self-expanding filter
assembly (e.g., comprising a superelastic material with
stress-induced martensite due to confinement in the outer sheath
210). The filter assembly 218 may comprise a shape-memory material
configured to self-expand upon a temperature change (e.g., heating
to body temperature). The filter assembly 218 may comprise a
shape-memory or superelastic frame (e.g., comprising a distal end
hoop comprising nitinol) and a microporous material (e.g.,
comprising a polymer including laser-drilled holes) coupled to the
frame, for example similar to the filter assemblies described in
U.S. Pat. No. 8,876,796.
[0059] The filter assembly 218 may be coupled (e.g., crimped,
welded, soldered, etc.) to a distal end of a deployment wire or
filter wire 217. The filter wire 217 can comprise a rectangular
ribbon, a round (e.g., circular, elliptical) filament, a portion of
a hypotube, a braided structure (e.g., as described herein),
combinations thereof, and the like. The filter wire 217 can be
coupled to the handle 206 and/or the slider 208 to provide
differential longitudinal movement versus the outer sheath 210, as
shown by the arrows 222, which can sheathe and unsheathe the filter
assembly 218 from the outer sheath 210.
[0060] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the protection device
200 of FIG. 2 taken along the line 2A-2A in FIG. 2. The inner
member 220 is in the lumen 211 of the outer sheath 210. The inner
member 220 may be coaxial with the outer sheath 210. The guidewire
226 is in the lumen 221 of the inner member 220. The guide wire 226
may be coaxial with the inner member 220. The filter wire 217 is
also in the outer sheath 210, for example to one side of the inner
member 220. In implementations in which the filter wire 217
comprises a deployment tube (e.g., as described herein), the
deployment tube may be coaxial with and radially between the outer
sheath 210 and the inner member 220.
[0061] The filter assembly 218 in an expanded, unconstrained state
has a maximum diameter or effective diameter (e.g., if the mouth is
in the shape of an ellipse) d. The diameter d can be between about
1 mm and about 15 mm (e.g., at least about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about
3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm,
about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm,
about 14 mm, about 15 mm, ranges between such values, etc.). In
some embodiments (e.g., when the filter assembly is configured to
be positioned in the left subclavian artery), the diameter d is
between about 7 mm and about 12 mm (e.g., about 7 mm, about 8 mm,
about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, ranges between
such values, etc.). In some embodiments (e.g., when the filter
assembly is configured to be positioned in the left vertebral
artery), the diameter d is between about 2 mm and about 4.5 mm
(e.g., about 2 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 3 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 4
mm, about 4.5 mm, ranges between such values, etc.). Other
diameters d or other types of lateral dimensions are also possible.
Different diameters d can allow treatment of a selection of
subjects having different vessel sizes.
[0062] The filter assembly 218 has a maximum length l. The length l
can be between about 7 mm and about 50 mm (e.g., at least about 7
mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm,
about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm,
about 18 mm, about 19 mm, about 20 mm, about 21 mm, about 22 mm,
about 23 mm, about 24 mm, about 25 mm, about 30 mm, about 35 mm,
about 40 mm, about 45 mm, about 50 mm, ranges between such values,
etc.). Other lengths l are also possible, for example based on the
diameter or effective diameter d. For example, the length l of the
filter assembly 218 may increase as the diameter d increases, and
the length l of the filter assembly 218 may decrease as the
diameter d decreases. A distance from an apex of the mouth of the
filter assembly 218 to an elbow in the frame may be about 35 mm.
Different lengths l can allow treatment of a selection of subjects
having different vessel sizes.
[0063] The inner member 220 is optional, but can provide additional
uses and/or advantages in combination with the filter assembly 218.
For example, the inner member 220 may comprise a guidewire lumen
221, allowing the device 200 to be tracked over a guidewire (e.g.,
the guidewire 226 comprising a pigtail distal end) without
contacting the filter assembly 218. For another example, a lumen
221 of the inner member 220 may be fluidly coupled to the flush
port 212, which can allow flushing of fluid through the inner
member 220, for example to remove air. For yet another example, a
lumen 221 of the inner member 220 may be connected to an arterial
pressure monitoring device, allowing measurement of pressure
proximate to the location of the filter assembly 218.
[0064] The distal portion 204 may include fluoroscopic markers
224a, 224b, 224c, 224d to aid a user in positioning the device 200,
deploying the filter assembly 218, utilizing the inner member 220,
etc. The fluoroscopic marker 224a is proximate to a distal end of
the outer sheath 210. The fluoroscopic marker 224b is proximate to
a proximal end of the filter assembly 218. The fluoroscopic marker
224c is proximate to a proximal end of a ring of the filter
assembly 218. The fluoroscopic marker 224d is proximate to a distal
end of the inner member 220. The fluoroscopic markers may comprise
a radiopaque material (e.g., iridium, platinum, tantalum, gold,
palladium, tungsten, tin, silver, titanium, nickel, zirconium,
rhenium, bismuth, molybdenum, combinations thereof, and the like).
More or fewer fluoroscopic markers are also possible.
[0065] The protection device 200 is illustrated as comprising a
guidewire 226 therethrough, although the guidewire 226 may be
characterized as being separate from the protection device 200, for
example independently sold, packaged, and/or directed. The
guidewire 226 may extend through a lumen of the outer sheath 210.
The lumen may be configured to receive a guidewire 226 having a
diameter between about 0.014 inches and about 0.025 inches. The
guidewire 226 may extend through a lumen of the filter assembly
218. The guidewire 226 may extend through a lumen 221 of the inner
member 220. For example, the protection device 200 may be tracked
over the guidewire 226 to position the protection device 200 at a
desired location.
[0066] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an example proximal
portion 300 of a protection device (e.g., the protection device
200). The proximal portion 300 comprises a housing or shell 302
(e.g., the handle 206), a deployment tube 304, an outer sheath 306
(e.g., the outer sheath 210) around the deployment tube 304, a
slider 308 (e.g., the slider 208), a deployment hub 310, a stopcock
312, a hemostatis valve/cap 314, an inner member 316 (e.g., the
inner member 220), an inner member hub slider 318, and a luer
fitting 320. One or more of the illustrated features may optionally
be omitted from the proximal portion 300, for example to reduce
cost, to reduce complexity, to remove features not used, etc. The
addition of features not illustrated in FIG. 3 is also
possible.
[0067] The housing 302 can hold parts of the proximal portion 300
together, protect parts from contaminants (e.g., that may interfere
with use of the proximal portion 300), and the like. The housing
302 may be omitted, for example providing a user of the proximal
portion 300 unfettered access or control over every feature of the
proximal portion 300. For example, many users are quite skilled at
manipulating wires and tubes with respect to each other such that a
slider 308 or the like may reduce manipulation dexterity. For other
users, a slider 306 or the like may provide aid in proper use, for
example providing a fail-safe limited range of movement.
[0068] A filter wire 322 that is coupled to a filter assembly
(e.g., as described herein) may be coupled to the deployment tube
304 by a weld 324 or other coupling means. The housing 302 allows
the slider 308 to move longitudinally, for example in a track in
the housing 302, to deploy a filter assembly (e.g., out of a distal
end of the outer sheath 306). The deployment housing 304 can help
maintain positions of elements such as the filter wire 322 and the
outer sheath 306 during movement such as translation of the slider
308. The proximal portion 300 may comprise a static seal 326
between the slider 308 and the deployment tube 304. The housing 302
can provide ergonomic interaction between a user and the proximal
portion 300.
[0069] The luer fitting 320 allows the proximal portion 300 to be
flushed (e.g., with saline) prior to use (e.g., through the lumen
of the inner member 316), for example to remove air. The luer
fitting 320 may be used to couple the inner member 316 to a
pressure monitoring device. The proximal portion 300 is illustrated
with a guidewire 328 extending through a lumen of the inner member
316, indicative that the lumen of the inner member 316 may be used
to guide a protection device to a location by tracking over the
guidewire 328. The stopcock 312 includes a luer fitting port 313 in
fluid communication with the outer sheath lumen 221 and is suitable
for use in monitoring arterial blood pressure. If the inner member
316 is too small for an accurate measurement or if the inner member
316 is omitted, the outer sheath 304 can provide the fluid lumen
used to measure blood pressure.
[0070] A lock 315 may be provided to releasably engage the inner
member 316 to inhibit or prevent the inner member 316 from moving
with respect to the hub 310. Other interaction mechanisms are also
possible.
[0071] FIG. 4A illustrates an example distal portion 400 of a
protection device (e.g., the protection device 200) in a collapsed
or delivery state or shape with the filter retracted within the
outer sheath 402. FIG. 4B illustrates the example distal portion
400 of FIG. 4A in an expanded or deployed state or shape with the
outer sheath 402 retracted to expose the filter assembly 406. The
distal portion 400 comprises an outer sheath 402 (e.g., the outer
sheath 210), a radiopaque marker or band 404 (e.g., the radiopaque
marker 224a), a filter assembly 406 (e.g., the filter assembly
218), an inner member 416 (e.g., the inner member 220), a
radiopaque marker or band 419 (e.g., the radiopaque marker 224d),
and a guide tube 414. One or more of the illustrated features may
optionally be omitted from the distal portion 400, for example to
reduce cost, to reduce complexity, to remove features not used,
etc. The addition of features not illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4D is
also possible.
[0072] The radiopaque marker 404 may be proximate to the distal end
of the outer sheath 402 to help guide the distal end of the outer
sheath 402 into a delivery location (e.g., the left subclavian
artery upstream of the left vertebral artery, or the left vertebral
artery). The radiopaque marker 404 may be positioned to aid a user
in determining a deployed position of the filter assembly 406, for
example accounting for foreshortening upon radial expansion. Once
the radiopaque marker 404 is aligned with a target location or some
distance proximal or distal to the target location, the filter
assembly 406 can be deployed, or the distal portion 400 may be
advanced or retracted a certain distance before the filter assembly
406 is deployed. The radiopaque marker 404 may be omitted (e.g., by
using a radiopaque portion of the filter assembly 406). The
radiopaque marker 404 may be used to determine a degree of
deployment of the filter assembly 406. For example, if the proximal
end of the filter assembly 406 comprises a radiopaque marker or
band such as the radiopaque marker or band 224b in FIG. 2, full
deployment of the filter assembly 406 may be indicated by the
radiopaque marker 224b being aligned with the radiopaque marker 404
and/or distal to the radiopaque marker 404. The radiopaque marker
404 may be used to determine a degree of retraction of the inner
member 416. For example, retraction of the distal end of the inner
member 416 into the outer sheath 401 may be indicated by the
radiopaque marker 419 being aligned with the radiopaque marker 404
and/or proximal to the radiopaque marker 404.
[0073] In the delivery state illustrated in FIG. 4A, the filter
assembly 406 is within outer sheath 402. In the delivery state, the
distal portion 400 is radially compact, which can facilitate
navigation through vasculature (e.g., through vasculature of the
arm). As described herein, the outer sheath 402 and the filter
assembly 406 are longitudinally movable relative to each other.
When a position of the filter assembly 406 is distal to a position
of the outer sheath 402 (e.g., due to proximal retraction of the
outer sheath 402 and/or distal advancement of the filter assembly
406 via the filter wire 417 via the guide tube 414), the filter
assembly 406 exits the distal end of the outer sheath 402 and
self-expands to the deployed state illustrated in FIG. 4B. The
inner member 416 may be movable independent of the outer sheath 402
and the filter assembly 406. In the deployed state, the filter
assembly 406 can inhibit embolic material from entering cerebral
vasculature (e.g., by filtering blood flowing to the left vertebral
artery).
[0074] The filter assembly 406 comprises a support element or frame
408 and a filter element 410. The frame 408 generally provides
expansion support to the filter element 410 in the expanded state.
In the expanded state, the filter element 410 is configured to
filter fluid (e.g., blood) flowing through the filter element 410
and to inhibit or prevent particles (e.g., embolic material) from
flowing through the filter element 410 by capturing the particles
in the filter element 410.
[0075] The guide tube 414 and/or the outer sheath 402 may comprise
a lumen in which portions of the frame 408 (e.g., longitudinal
portions) are coupled (e.g., adhesively joined, banded, crimped,
welded, soldered, etc.) to a filter wire 417. The coupled portions
of the frame 408 and filter wire 417 may be in a lumen 423 of a
crimp tube 422 that is in the guide tube 414. FIG. 4C is a
cross-sectional view of the distal portion 400 of FIGS. 4A and 4B
along the line 4C-4C of FIG. 4B. FIG. 4C shows the guidewire 418 in
the inner member 416, which is in the outer sheath 402. A crimp
tube 422 is also in the outer sheath 402. The filter wire 417 and
wires 409a, 409b of the frame 408 of the filter assembly 406 are
coupled in the crimp tube 422. FIG. 4D is an enlarged view of part
of the distal portion 400 of FIGS. 4A and 4B. A proximal portion of
the crimp tube 422 is coupled to the filter wire 417 by a crimp 424
and a distal portion of the crimp tube 422 is coupled to the wires
409a, 409b of the frame 408 of the filter assembly 406 by a
plurality of longitudinally offset crimps 426. Other coupling
mechanisms as described herein are also possible. The guide tube
414 may provide a platform for placement of radiopaque bands. The
inner member 416 may extend through the lumen of the guide tube
414.
[0076] The inner member 416 may extend the length of the filter
assembly 406 in the compressed state, for example to inhibit or
prevent the guidewire 418 from interacting with the filter assembly
406, thereby inhibiting or preventing the filter assembly 406 from
binding the guidewire 418 during navigation. Foreshortening of the
filter assembly 406 during deployment may result in the inner
member 420 extending distally to the filter assembly 408 after
deployment of the filter assembly 406, possibly into the aortic
arch. The inner member 420 may be proximally retracted (e.g., out
of the aortic arch and/or for other reasons such as positioning for
use of a therapeutic, radiopaque, or other fluid, for use with a
pressure monitor, etc.) after deployment of the filter assembly
406, for example as described with respect to FIG. 6B. The inner
member 420 may be distally advanced before retraction of the filter
assembly 406, for example to inhibit or prevent the guidewire 418
from interacting with the filter assembly 406, thereby inhibiting
or preventing the filter assembly 406 from binding the guidewire
418 during navigation.
[0077] The frame 408 is configured to engage or appose the inner
walls of a lumen (e.g., blood vessel) in which the distal portion
400 is expanded. The frame 408 may comprise or be constructed of,
for example, nickel titanium (e.g., nitinol), nickel titanium
niobium, chromium cobalt (e.g., MP35N, 35NLT), copper aluminum
nickel, iron manganese silicon, silver cadmium, gold cadmium,
copper tin, copper zinc, copper zinc silicon, copper zinc aluminum,
copper zinc tin, iron platinum, manganese copper, platinum alloys,
cobalt nickel aluminum, cobalt nickel gallium, nickel iron gallium,
titanium palladium, nickel manganese gallium, stainless steel,
combinations thereof, and the like. The frame 408 may comprise a
wire (e.g., having a round (e.g., circular, elliptical) or
polygonal (e.g., square, rectangular) cross-section). For example,
in some embodiments, the frame 408 comprises a straight piece of
nitinol wire shape set into a circular or oblong hoop or hoop with
one or two straight legs running longitudinally along or at an
angle to a longitudinal axis of the distal portion 400. At least
one of the straight legs may be coupled to a filter wire 417, for
example as shown in FIG. 4C. The straight legs may be on a long
side of the filter assembly 406 (e.g., the bottom side as
illustrated in FIG. 4B) and/or on a short side of the filter
assembly 406 (e.g., the top side as illustrated in FIG. 4B). The
frame 408 forms a shape of an opening 420 of the filter assembly
406. The opening 420 may be circular, elliptical, or any shape that
can appropriately appose sidewalls of a vessel such as the left
subclavian artery or the left vertebral artery. As shown in FIG.
4B, the filter assembly 406, for example for implementations
intended for use in the left subclavian artery, has a generally
distally-facing opening 420.
[0078] The frame 408 may include a radiopaque marker such as a
small coil wrapped around or coupled to the hoop to aid in
visualization under fluoroscopy. In some embodiments, the frame may
not comprise a shape other than a hoop, for example a spiral. In
some embodiments, the filter assembly 406 may not include or be
substantially free of a frame.
[0079] In some embodiments, the frame 408 and the filter element
410 form an oblique truncated cone having a non-uniform or unequal
length around and along the length of the filter assembly 406. In
such a configuration, along the lines of a windsock, the filter
assembly 406 has a larger opening 420 (upstream) diameter and a
reduced ending (downstream) diameter (e.g., proximate to the filter
wire).
[0080] The filter element 410 comprises pores configured to allow
blood to flow through the filter element 410, but that are small
enough to inhibit prevent particles such as embolic material from
passing through the filter element 410. The filter element 410 may
comprise a filter membrane such as a polymer (e.g., polyurethane,
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)) film mounted to the frame 406. The
filter element may have a thickness between about 0.0001 inches and
about 0.03 inches (e.g., no more than about 0.0001 inches, about
0.001 inches, about 0.005 inches, about 0.01 inches, about 0.015
inches, about 0.02 inches, about 0.025 inches, about 0.03 inches,
ranges between such values, etc.).
[0081] The film may comprise a plurality of pores or holes or
apertures extending through the film. The film may be formed by
weaving or braiding filaments or membranes and the pores may be
spaces between the filaments or membranes. The filaments or
membranes may comprise the same material or may include other
materials (e.g., polymers, non-polymer materials such as metal,
alloys such as nitinol, stainless steel, etc.). The pores of the
filter element 410 are configured to allow fluid (e.g., blood) to
pass through the filter element 410 and to resist the passage of
embolic material that is carried by the fluid. The pores can be
circular, elliptical, square, triangular, or other geometric
shapes. Certain shapes such as an equilateral triangular, squares,
and slots may provide geometric advantage, for example restricting
a part larger than an inscribed circle but providing an area for
fluid flow nearly twice as large, making the shape more efficient
in filtration verses fluid volume. The pores may be laser drilled
into or through the filter element 410, although other methods are
also possible (e.g., piercing with microneedles, loose braiding or
weaving). The pores may have a lateral dimension (e.g., diameter)
between about 10 micron (.mu.m) and about 1 mm (e.g., no more than
about 10 .mu.m, about 50 .mu.m, about 100 .mu.m, about 150 .mu.m,
about 200 .mu.m, about 250 .mu.m, about 300 .mu.m, about 400 .mu.m,
about 500 .mu.m, about 750 .mu.m, about 1 mm, ranges between such
values, etc.). Other pore sizes are also possible, for example
depending on the desired minimum size of material to be
captured.
[0082] The material of the filter element 410 may comprise a smooth
and/or textured surface that is folded or contracted into the
delivery state by tension or compression into a lumen. A
reinforcement fabric may be added to or embedded in the filter
element 410 to accommodate stresses placed on the filter element
410 during compression. A reinforcement fabric may reduce the
stretching that may occur during deployment and/or retraction of
the filter assembly 406. The embedded fabric may promote a folding
of the filter to facilitate capture of embolic debris and enable
recapture of an elastomeric membrane. The reinforcement material
could comprise, for example, a polymer and/or metal weave to add
localized strength. The reinforcement material could be imbedded
into the filter element 410 to reduce thickness. For example,
imbedded reinforcement material could comprise a polyester weave
mounted to a portion of the filter element 410 near the
longitudinal elements of the frame 408 where tensile forces act
upon the frame 408 and filter element 410 during deployment and
retraction of the filter assembly 406 from the outer sheath
402.
[0083] A fluid (e.g., blood) flows through the opening 420 and
passes through the pores in the filter element 410, while the
filter element 410 traps particles (e.g., embolic material) to
inhibit or prevent passage to a location downstream of the filter
assembly 406 such as the cerebral vasculature.
[0084] The distal portion 400 is illustrated with a guidewire 418
extending through a lumen of the inner member 416, indicative that
the lumen of the inner member 416 may be used to guide a protection
device to a location by tracking over the guidewire 418.
[0085] FIGS. 5A-5I illustrate optional variations on the protection
devices described above. One or more of the variations may be
applied, or all may be omitted. One or more of the variations may
be applied to other protection devices described herein.
[0086] FIG. 5A illustrates an example guidewire loading tool 500. A
kit may comprise a protection device as described herein and the
guidewire loading tool 500. The guidewire loading tool has a funnel
shape 502 configured to facilitate placement of a proximal end of a
guidewire into the protection device (e.g., into the lumen of the
inner member of a protection device). The narrow portion of the
funnel shape 502 may be sized to fit in a distal end of an inner
member. The narrow portion of the funnel shape 502 may be sized to
fit around a distal end of an inner member. In certain such
implementations, the funnel shape 502 may comprise a step
configured to interact with the distal end of the inner member to
reduce or eliminate a step due to a blunt distal end of an inner
member. The guidewire loading tool 500 may include indicia 504 to
caution that the guidewire loading tool 500 is temporary and should
be removed prior to tracking the protection device over the
guidewire. A protection device may be packaged with the guidewire
loading tool 500 in place (e.g., engaged with an inner member), for
example to reduce or eliminate the user from engaging the guidewire
loading tool 500 with a protection device. The guidewire loading
tool or packaging insert 500 can protect the filter frame from
being damaged in shipping and handling and protects the filter film
during loading of the inner member and/or guidewire during initial
assembly.
[0087] FIG. 5B illustrates an example coupling system 510. The
coupling system 510 may couple a filter assembly 512 to a filter
wire 514, for example by way of a guide tube 516. Referring again
to the guide tube 414 illustrated in FIG. 4B, the proximal end of
the guide tube 414 may be distal to the distal end of the outer
sheath 402 when the filter assembly 406 is deployed. If the filter
assembly 406 is retracted back into the outer sheath 402, the
proximal end of the guide tube 414 may catch or snag on the distal
end of the outer sheath 402, inhibiting or preventing retraction
and/or dislodging embolic material captured by the filter assembly
406. The guide tube 516 of the coupling system 510 comprises a
chamfered proximal end 518 configured to inhibit or prevent the
proximal end 518 from catching or snagging on the distal end of an
outer sheath. The chamfered proximal end may aid in routing the
filter wire 514 through the protection device and/or coupling to
the filter assembly 512. The coupling system 510 optionally
comprises radiopaque marker bands 520, 522 that may aid a user in
placement of the filter assembly 512 at a location. The use of a
pair of bands for the radiopaque marker 520 may differentiate
distal from proximal. The filter wire 514 may be coupled to wires
of the frame of the filter assembly 512 by a crimp tube (e.g., a
crimp tube 422 as described with respect to FIGS. 4B-4D) in the
guide tube 516 or proximal to the guide tube 516. The angled
proximal end 514 can facilitate loading of proximal bond into an
outer sheath during initial assembly since, if the filter assembly
512 is extended beyond the outer sheath, a square or perpendicular
cut may get caught on the distal end of the outer sheath.
[0088] FIG. 5C illustrates another example coupling system 530. The
inner member 532 extends distal to the filter assembly 536. The
inner member 532 comprises an atraumatic tapered distal tip 534.
The atraumatic tapered distal tip 534 can provide easier
advancement of the inner member 532 through vasculature (e.g., if
the inner member 532 is distal to the distal end of an outer sheath
such as illustrated in FIG. 4A). The atraumatic tapered distal tip
534 can provide easier advancement of the inner member 532 through
the filter assembly 536 (e.g., a bond region of a filter wire and
frame wires), for example after the inner member 532 has been
retracted for pressure sensing, to be out of the aortic arch, etc.
The atraumatic tapered distal tip 534 can provide easier
interaction with a tapered proximal end of a guide tube (e.g., the
proximal end 518 of the guide tube 516 shown in FIG. 5B). The
atraumatic tapered distal tip 534 can provide easier tracking of
the protection device over the guidewire 538 and through the
vasculature.
[0089] FIG. 5D illustrates an example inner member manipulation
tool 540. Tubing of the inner member may be floated through an area
where a filter assembly is coupled to a filter wire and routed to a
handle. The inner member may be coupled to a luer fitting 542,
which can be manipulated to distally advance and/or longitudinally
retract the inner member. A Y-connector includes a male luer
fitting and a hemostasis valve on a top of the Y and a female luer
connection on a bottom of the Y. The female luer connection can be
connected to a guide catheter or outer sheath. The male luer
fitting can be used for connection to a blood pressure sensing
device. A filter deployment wire and inner member can be routed
through the hemostasis valve of the male luer fitting to create a
seal. The luer fitting 542 may provide an interface for a syringe
(e.g., to flush the protection device and/or the vessel, to provide
contrast agent, etc.), a pressure monitor, etc.
[0090] FIG. 5E illustrates an example coupling system 550. A filter
wire 552 is coupled to wires 554a, 554b of a filter assembly frame
by crimping and/or laser welding within a barrel 556 that is
proximal to a guide tube 558. One wire, two wires (e.g., as shown
in FIG. 5E), or more are possible depending on the structure of the
frame of the filter assembly. The coupling may be sized to keep the
filter assembly concentric in an outer sheath. The coupling may be
sized (e.g., undersized) to allow for blood pressure monitoring
with a guidewire in place (e.g., through the guide tube 558). The
barrel 556 may comprise a chamfered proximal end configured to
inhibit or prevent the proximal end from catching or snagging on
the distal end of an outer sheath.
[0091] FIG. 5F illustrates another example coupling system 560. The
filter wire is replaced with a deployment tube 562, for example
comprising a woven or braided shaft, a laser cut or heat treated
hypotube, combinations thereof, and the like. A barrel 566 is
coupled to the deployment tube 562 by crimping, adhesive joining,
and/or laser welding the barrel 566 around the deployment tube 562.
The barrel 566 may comprise a thin wall, which can provide
flexibility of the barrel 566. Wires 564a, 564b of a filter
assembly frame are coupled to the barrel 566, for example by
crimping and/or welding at site 568, which couples the filter
assembly frame to the deployment tube 562 via the barrel 566. The
coupling system 560 may comprise a radiopaque marker 569, for
example comprising a platinum iridium ring. The radiopaque marker
or band 569 may be used to mechanically join the filter frame wires
564a, 564b to the guide tube 5558. The radiopaque marker 569 may be
coupled (e.g., crimped and/or welded) to a distal end of the barrel
566. The wires 564a, 564b may be radially between the barrel 566
and the radiopaque marker 569, for example to provide further
coupling of the wires 564a, 564b to the barrel 566. A guidewire may
be inserted through a lumen of the deployment tube 562. An inner
member may be in a lumen of the deployment tube 562 or outside a
lumen of the deployment tube 562. Blood pressure may be taken
outside of the deployment tube 562.
[0092] FIG. 5G illustrates yet another example coupling system 570.
As described with respect to the coupling system 560 of FIG. 5F and
as applicable to other coupling systems described herein, the
filter wire is replaced with a deployment tube 572. The deployment
tube 572 may comprise polymer (e.g., polyimide) filaments. Wires
574a, 574b of a filter assembly frame are each four-way crimped to
the deployment tube 572. The coupling system 570 may comprise a
radiopaque marker 576, for example comprising a platinum iridium
ring. Absent a guide tube, barrel, etc. that might include
radiopaque markers and/or act as a stop mechanism, the radiopaque
marker 576 can indicate the position of the filter assembly. The
radiopaque marker 576 may be coupled (e.g., crimped, adhesively
joined, and/or welded) to a distal end of the deployment tube 572.
The wires 574a, 574b may be radially between the deployment tube
572 and the radiopaque marker 576, for example to provide further
coupling of the wires 574a, 574b to the deployment tube 572. The
coupling system 570 may provide a lower profile. The coupling
system 570 may be devoid of a stiff transition between the filter
assembly frame and the deployment tube 572. An inner member may be
in a lumen of the deployment tube 572 or outside a lumen of the
deployment tube 572.
[0093] Blood pressure may be taken inside of the deployment tube
572. For example, if an outer sheath around the deployment tube 572
is 5 Fr (approximately 1.67 mm), then measurement of blood pressure
inside the deployment tube 572 may allow for true 5 Fr. Blood
pressure may be taken outside of the deployment tube 572, although
an outer sheath around the deployment tube 572 is preferably 6 Fr
(approximately 2 mm) to obtain appropriate pressure measurements.
Other diameters may also be appropriate (e.g., 5 Fr (approximately
1.67 mm) in an outer sheath or catheter or for a needle-based
system.
[0094] In some embodiments in which a protection device comprises
the coupling mechanism 570, a smaller guidewire may be used, for
example to fit within a lumen of the deployment tube 572, which may
be reduced where the deployment tube 572 is coupled to the wires
574a, 574b. A guidewire may be guided through the deployment tube
572 using a porous centering part, which can comprise a
braid-reinforced shaft. The coupling may rely on an interference
fit between the wires 574a, 574b and the braided shaft 572 when the
band 576 is positioned over the wires 574a, 574b and the braided
shaft 572. The band 576 may be mechanically swaged to hold the
wires 574a, 574b in place. The filter assembly may be fixed to an
inner member around which the deployment tube 572 is positioned,
and the guidewire may be routed through a lumen of the inner
member.
[0095] FIG. 5H illustrates still another example coupling system
580. The coupling system 580 comprises a deployment tube 582 and a
strain relief heat shrink 586 around the distal end of the
deployment tube 582. Wires 584a, 584b of a filter assembly frame
may be coupled to the deployment tube 582, the strain relief heat
shrink 586, a guide tube (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5H), other
couplings described herein, and the like.
[0096] FIG. 5I illustrates yet still another example coupling
system 590. The coupling system 590 comprises deployment tube 592
comprising a recess 594 in which a portion of a barrel such as a
laser-cut tubing may be coupled (e.g., crimped). The recess 594 may
be formed, for example by laser ablation of the deployment tube
592. The recess 594 and barrel portion may create mechanical
interference, for example for coupling the deployment tube 592 to
wires of a filter assembly frame. The coupling system 590 may
comprise a radiopaque band 596 coupled to a distal end of the
deployment tube 592.
[0097] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate method of using an example distal
portion of a protection device 600 in a deployed state in
vasculature. A user would like to protect cerebral vasculature
(e.g., the left vertebral artery 624) from embolic debris during an
endovascular procedure such as TAVI. The user has decided to place
the filter assembly 602 in the left subclavian artery 616 upstream
of the left vertebral artery 624. The user may choose a protection
device 600 comprising a distal-facing filter assembly 602 having a
diameter between about 7 mm and about 12 mm. The protection device
600 may be packaged in a sterile coiled packaging. The protection
device 600 may comprise an outer sheath 604 having a diameter of
about 5 Fr (approximately 1.67 mm). The outer sheath 604 may
include a curvature, for example complementing the size and
orientation of the filter assembly 602. The outer sheath 604 may be
steerable (e.g., a pullwire-controlled sheath).
[0098] Lumens of the protection device 600, for example a lumen of
the outer sheath 604 and a lumen of the inner member 606, may be
flushed (e.g., using saline) once or several times before, during,
and/or after the procedure. The filter assembly 602 of the
protection device 600 may be flushed and/or submerged (e.g., in a
bowl of saline). Flushing and/or submerging of the filter assembly
602 may be with the filter assembly 602 in the outer sheath 604
(e.g., in the compressed state) and/or with the filter assembly 602
out of the outer sheath 604 (e.g., in the deployed state). If the
filter assembly 602 is flushed and/or submerged in the deployed
state, the filter assembly 602 may be compressed into the outer
sheath 604 before use.
[0099] An artery in the left arm is accessed, for example using a 5
Fr introducer. A guidewire (e.g., having a diameter between about
0.014 inches and about 0.25 inches) is steered, traversing
retrograde to blood flow, into or towards the left subclavian
artery 616. A proximal end of the guidewire may be inserted into a
distal end of the protection device 600, for example into a distal
end of an inner member 606. The protection device 600 may be
tracked over the guidewire until the distal end of the protection
device 600 extends beyond a distal end of the introducer. In some
implementations, the guidewire and the protection device 600 may be
tracked together, with the guidewire leading the device 600 (e.g.,
advance the guidewire a distance, then advance the device 600 over
the guidewire approximately the same distance). The guidewire and
the inner member 606 may both be floppy or lack rigidity, they may
be introduced inside the outer sheath 604 and then advanced ahead
of the device 600 in the vasculature. The guidewire may be advanced
at least about 6 centimeters (cm) distal to the distal end of the
protection device 600.
[0100] The protection device 600 may be tracked or distally
advanced over the guidewire until the distal end of the protection
device 600 is at a desired location such as proximate to the left
subclavian artery ostium 617, just above the aortic arch 610.
Tracking of the protection device 600 may be under fluoroscopy, for
example using radiopaque markers (e.g., at a distal end of the
outer sheath 604 and/or the inner member 606) and/or radiopaque
fluid or contrast media. Radiopaque fluid may be provided through
the inner member 606 or outer sheath 604. The protection device 600
is preferably positioned so that the filter assembly 602 is
upstream of the left vertebral artery 624 or more preferably
proximate to the ostium 617 so that the filter assembly 602 can
inhibit or prevent embolic material from entering the cerebral
vasculature through the left vertebral artery 624. Using
terminology of the procedure rather than blood flow, the protection
device 600 is preferably positioned so that the filter assembly 602
is distal to the point in the left subclavian artery 616 where the
left vertebral artery 624 branches off. Positioning may be based on
available anatomy.
[0101] Once the protection device 600 is in position, the filter
assembly 602 may be deployed from the outer sheath 604. For
example, the outer sheath 604 may be proximally retracted and/or
the filter assembly 602 may be distally advanced. Radiopaque
markers, for example on the filter assembly 602 can help determine
when the filter assembly 602 achieves a deployed state.
Differential longitudinal movement of the filter assembly 602 and
the outer sheath 604 can cease upon full or appropriate deployment
of the filter assembly 602. Apposition of the filter assembly 602
with sidewalls of the left subclavian artery 616 can be verified,
for example using radiopaque fluid or contrast media. Radiopaque
fluid may be provided through the inner member 606. If the
radiopaque fluid is able to flow between the frame of the filter
assembly 602 and the sidewalls of the left subclavian artery 616,
then the filter assembly 602 may be improperly positioned (e.g.,
indicative of inadequate deployment, inadequate sizing, calcium,
etc.). The filter assembly 602 may be retracted back into the outer
sheath 604 and redeployed, or a different protection device may be
used.
[0102] As shown in FIG. 6A, during positioning of the protection
device 600, the inner member 606 may distally extend from the
filter assembly 602 into the aortic arch 610. As shown in FIG. 6B,
the inner member 606 may be proximally retracted as indicated by
the arrow 626 so that the aortic arch 610 is free or substantially
free of any equipment involved in protecting the left subclavian
artery 616 and/or the left vertebral artery 624. Radiopaque markers
(e.g., on the inner member 606, the outer sheath 604, the filter
assembly 602) and/or radiopaque fluid or contrast media can confirm
the position of the inner member 606 before, during, and/or after
proximal retraction of the inner member 606. Radiopaque fluid may
be provided through the inner member 606. In embodiments in which
the protection device lacks an inner member, retraction of an inner
member is moot.
[0103] The inner member 606 may be retracted to a position suitable
for monitoring or sensing blood pressure. For example, a blood
pressure monitoring device can be connected in fluid communication
to the inner member 606 (e.g., using a luer fitting). In
embodiments in which the protection device lacks an inner member,
blood pressure may be monitored or sensed by connecting a blood
pressure monitoring device to the outer sheath 604.
[0104] With the protection device 600 in place, the filter assembly
602 deployed, and the inner member 606 retracted, the user or a
different user can perform an endovascular procedure (e.g., TAVI,
TAVR, TAMI, TAMR, SAVR, other surgical valve repair, implantation,
or replacement, cardiac ablation, cardiac bypass surgery, etc.). If
the endovascular procedure accesses the heart via the aortic arch
610, such access is not impeded by the protection device 600.
During the endovascular procedure, any embolic material that is
dislodged or generated may be carried by blood into the left
subclavian artery 616. The blood may continue to flow through the
filter assembly 602 (e.g., through pores in a film of the filter
assembly 602), but the embolic material is trapped or captured such
that the embolic material is inhibited or prevented from continuing
to flow through the left subclavian artery 616, into the left
vertebral artery 624, and thus into the cerebral vasculature.
[0105] Once the endovascular procedure is complete, or at any
appropriate point during the endovascular procedure, the filter
assembly 602 may be retracted back into the outer sheath 604 (e.g.,
by distally advancing the outer sheath 604 and/or by proximally
retracting the filter assembly). The action to resheathe the filter
assembly 602 may by opposite to the action to unsheathe the filter
assembly 602 (e.g., retraction of a slider and advancement of the
slider, respectively) or may be a completely different action. The
inner member 606 may be distally advanced before, during, or after
resheathing the filter assembly 602. Radiopaque markers, for
example on the filter assembly 602 can help determine when the
filter assembly 602 achieves a compressed state. Differential
longitudinal movement of the filter assembly 602 and the outer
sheath 604 can cease upon full or appropriate capture of the filter
assembly 602. Radiopaque fluid may be provided through the inner
member 606. Embolic material trapped in the filter assembly 602 may
also be captured by the resheathing process. Once the protection
device 600 is in a compressed state, the protection device 600 may
be proximally retracted out of the left subclavian artery 616.
[0106] The protection devices described herein may be used alone or
in combination with other protection devices. For example, a second
protection device as described herein may be advanced via the right
subclavian artery and positioned in the innominate artery,
providing protection to the right carotid artery and the right
vertebral artery. For another example, an aortic arch filter or
deflector such as the Embrella Embolic Deflector System, the
TriGuard embolic protection system, or the like may be placed
across the great branch artery ostia and/or apposing sidewalls of
the aortic arch upstream of at least one of the great branch artery
ostia.
[0107] For another example, the filter systems and methods
described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,876,796 can be used in combination
with the protection devices described herein to further protect the
cerebral vasculature during an endovascular procedure. FIG. 7
illustrates an example distal portion of a protection device 700 in
a deployed state in the left subclavian artery in combination with
a second protection device. To protect the right common carotid
artery and the right vertebral artery (both branching downstream
from the innominate artery 712) and the left common carotid artery
714 during endovascular procedures, a filter system as described in
U.S. Pat. No. 8,876,796 enters the aorta 710 from the innominate
artery 712. A distal rear-facing filter assembly 754 may be
deployed in the left common carotid artery 714 and a proximal
front-facing filter 752 may be deployed in the innominate artery
712. FIG. 7 also illustrates a protection device 700 including a
filter assembly 702 deployed from an outer sheath 704 in the left
subclavian artery upstream of the left vertebral artery 724, for
example similar to the procedure described with respect to FIG. 6B.
The filter assemblies 702, 752, 754 can inhibit or prevent embolic
material from entering cerebral vasculature through any of the left
vertebral artery 724, the right vertebral artery, the right common
carotid artery, and the left common carotid artery 714.
[0108] FIG. 8 illustrates an example distal portion 800 of a
protection device in a deployed state. In contrast to the distal
portions 204, 400, etc. described herein that comprise a
distal-facing filter assembly, the distal portion 800 comprises a
proximal or rear-facing filter assembly 806. Other aspects of the
distal portion 800 may be similar to the distal portions of other
protection devices described herein.
[0109] The distal portion 800 comprises an outer sheath 802 (e.g.,
the outer sheath 210), a radiopaque marker band 804, a filter
assembly 806 (e.g., the filter assembly 218), an inner member 816
(e.g., the inner member 220), and a slotted coupler 812. One or
more of the illustrated features may optionally be omitted from the
distal portion 800, for example to reduce cost, to reduce
complexity, to remove features not used, etc. The addition of
features not illustrated in FIG. 8 is also possible.
[0110] The outer sheath 802 may include a curvature and/or be
steerable, for example to turn a distal end of the distal portion
800 from the left subclavian artery into the left vertebral artery.
For example, the outer sheath 802 may include one or more features
described with respect to the left common carotid artery filter
assemblies in U.S. Pat. No. 8,876,796. The distal end of the outer
sheath 802 may have a soft atraumatic tip. The slotted coupler 812,
which couples wires of the frame 808 of the filter assembly 806 to
a filter wire, for example as described with respect to any of the
coupling mechanisms described herein, may comprise slots to aid the
slotted coupler 812 in bending (e.g., into the left vertebral
artery). The wires of the frame 808 may form an inclined strut
connecting the open end of the filter assembly 806 to the slotted
coupler 812, which can help to radially compress the filter
assembly 806 upon interaction with outer sheath 802.
[0111] The radiopaque marker 804 may be proximate to the distal end
of the outer sheath 802 to help guide the distal end of the outer
sheath 802 into a delivery location (e.g., the left vertebral
artery). The radiopaque marker 804 may be positioned to aid a user
in determining a deployed position of the filter assembly 806, for
example accounting for foreshortening upon radial expansion. Once
the radiopaque marker 804 is aligned with a target location or some
distance proximal or distal to the target location, the filter
assembly 806 can be deployed, or the distal portion 800 may be
advanced or retracted a certain distance before the filter assembly
806 is deployed. As described with respect to the radiopaque marker
404, the radiopaque marker 804 may be used as a landmark with
reference to the radiopaque marker 224b, for example to determine a
degree of deployment of the filter assembly 602. The radiopaque
marker 804 may be omitted (e.g., by using a radiopaque portion of
the filter assembly 806).
[0112] In a delivery state, which may appear the same as the
delivery state of the distal portion 400 illustrated in FIG. 4A,
the distal portion 800 is radially compact, which can facilitate
navigation through vasculature (e.g., through vasculature of the
arm). As described herein, the outer sheath 802 and the filter
assembly 806 are longitudinally movable relative to each other.
When a position of the filter assembly 806 is distal to a position
of the outer sheath 802 (e.g., due to proximal retraction of the
outer sheath 802 and/or distal advancement of the filter assembly
806 via the filter wire), the outer sheath 802 exits the distal end
of the outer sheath 802 and self-expands to the deployed state
illustrated in FIG. 8. The inner member 816 may be movable
independent of the outer sheath 802 and the filter assembly 806. In
the deployed state, the filter assembly 806 can inhibit embolic
material from entering cerebral vasculature (e.g., by filtering
blood flowing in the left vertebral artery).
[0113] The filter assembly 806 comprises a support element or frame
808 and a filter element 810. The frame 808 generally provides
expansion support to the filter element 810 in the expanded state.
In the expanded state, the filter element 810 is configured to
filter fluid (e.g., blood) flowing through the filter element 810
and to inhibit or prevent particles (e.g., embolic material) from
flowing through the filter element 810 by capturing the particles
in the filter element 810.
[0114] The frame 808 is configured to engage or appose the inner
walls of a lumen in which the distal portion 800 is expanded. The
frame 808 may comprise or be constructed of, for example, nickel
titanium (e.g., nitinol), nickel titanium niobium, chromium cobalt
(e.g., MP35N, 35NLT), copper aluminum nickel, iron manganese
silicon, silver cadmium, gold cadmium, copper tin, copper zinc,
copper zinc silicon, copper zinc aluminum, copper zinc tin, iron
platinum, manganese copper, platinum alloys, cobalt nickel
aluminum, cobalt nickel gallium, nickel iron gallium, titanium
palladium, nickel manganese gallium, stainless steel, combinations
thereof, and the like. The frame 808 may comprise a wire (e.g.,
having a round (e.g., circular, elliptical) or polygonal (e.g.,
square, rectangular) cross-section). For example, in some
embodiments, the frame 808 comprises a straight piece of nitinol
wire shape set into a circular or oblong hoop or hoop with one or
two straight legs running longitudinally along or at an angle to
the longitudinal axis of the distal portion 800. At least one of
the straight legs may be coupled to a filter wire. The straight
legs may be on a long side of the filter assembly 806 (e.g., the
top side as illustrated in FIG. 8) and/or on a short side of the
filter assembly 806 (e.g., the bottom side as illustrated in FIG.
8). The frame 808 forms a shape of an opening 820 of the filter
assembly 806. The opening 820 may be circular, elliptical, or any
shape that can appropriately appose sidewalls of a vessel such as
the left subclavian artery or the left vertebral artery. The
opening 820 faces proximally, in contrast to distal-facing devices
described herein.
[0115] The frame 808 may include a radiopaque marker such as a
small coil to aid in visualization under fluoroscopy. In some
embodiments, the frame may not comprise a shape other than a hoop,
for example a spiral. In some embodiments, the filter assembly 806
may not include or be substantially free of a frame.
[0116] In some embodiments, the frame 808 and the filter element
810 form an oblique truncated cone having a non-uniform or unequal
length around and along the length of the filter assembly 806. In
such a configuration, along the lines of a windsock, the filter
assembly 806 has a larger opening 820 (upstream) diameter (e.g.,
proximate to the filter wire) and a reduced ending (downstream)
diameter.
[0117] The filter element 810 comprises pores configured to allow
blood to flow through the filter element 810, but that are small
enough to inhibit prevent particles such as embolic material from
passing through the filter element 810. The filter element 810 may
comprise a polymer (e.g., polyurethane, PTFE) film mounted to the
frame 806. The filter element may have a thickness between about
0.0001 inches and about 0.03 inches (e.g., no more than about
0.0001 inches, about 0.001 inches, about 0.005 inches, about 0.01
inches, about 0.015 inches, about 0.02 inches, about 0.025 inches,
about 0.03 inches, ranges between such values, etc.).
[0118] The polymer film may comprise a plurality of pores or holes
or apertures extending through the film. The polymer film may be
formed by weaving or braiding filaments or membranes and the pores
may be spaces between the filaments or membranes. The filaments or
membranes may comprise the same material or may include other
materials (e.g., non-polymer materials such as metal, alloys such
as nitinol, stainless steel, etc.). The pores of the filter element
810 are configured to allow fluid (e.g., blood) to pass through the
filter element 810 and to resist the passage of embolic material
that is carried by the fluid. The pores can be circular,
elliptical, square, triangular, or other geometric shapes. Certain
shapes such as an equilateral triangular, squares, and slots may
provide geometric advantage, for example restricting a part larger
than an inscribed circle but providing an area for fluid flow
nearly twice as large, making the shape more efficient in
filtration verses fluid volume. The pores may be laser drilled into
or through the filter element 810, although other methods are also
possible (e.g., piercing with microneedles, loose braiding or
weaving). The pores may have a lateral dimension (e.g., diameter)
between about 1 micron (.mu.m) and about 1 mm (e.g., about 1 .mu.m,
about 5 .mu.m, about 10 .mu.m, about 50 .mu.m, about 100 .mu.m,
about 150 .mu.m, about 200 .mu.m, about 250 .mu.m, about 300 .mu.m,
about 800 .mu.m, about 500 .mu.m, about 750 .mu.m, about 1 mm,
ranges between such values, etc.). Other pore sizes are also
possible.
[0119] The material of the filter element 810 may comprise a smooth
and/or textured surface that is folded or contracted into the
delivery state by tension or compression into a lumen. A
reinforcement fabric may be added to or embedded in the filter
element 810 to accommodate stresses placed on the filter element
810 during compression. A reinforcement fabric may reduce the
stretching that may occur during deployment and/or retraction of
the filter assembly 806. The reinforcement material could comprise,
for example, a polymer and/or metal weave to add localized
strength. The reinforcement material could be imbedded into the
filter element 810 to reduce thickness. For example, imbedded
reinforcement material could comprise a polyester weave mounted to
a portion of the filter element 810 near the longitudinal elements
of the frame 808 where tensile forces act upon the frame 808 and
filter element 810 during deployment and retraction of the filter
assembly 806 from the outer sheath 802.
[0120] A fluid (e.g., blood) flows through the opening 820 and
passes through the pores in the filter element 810, while the
filter element 810 traps particles (e.g., embolic material) to
inhibit or prevent passage to a location downstream of the filter
assembly 806 such as the cerebral vasculature.
[0121] The distal portion 800 is illustrated with a guidewire 818
extending through a lumen of the inner member 816, indicative that
the lumen of the inner member 816 may be used to guide a protection
device to a location by tracking over the guidewire 818.
[0122] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate method of using an example distal
portion of a protection device 900 in a deployed state in
vasculature. A user would like to protect cerebral vasculature
(e.g., the left vertebral artery 924) from embolic debris during an
endovascular procedure such as TAVI. The user has decided to place
the filter assembly 902 in the left vertebral artery 924. The user
may choose a protection device 900 comprising a proximal-facing
filter assembly 902 having a diameter between about 2 mm and about
4.5 mm. The protection device 900 may be packaged in a sterile
coiled packaging. The protection device 900 may comprise an outer
sheath 904 having a diameter of about 5 Fr (approximately 1.67 mm).
The outer sheath 904 may include a curvature, for example
complementing the size and orientation of the filter assembly 902.
The outer sheath 904 may be steerable (e.g., a pullwire-controlled
sheath).
[0123] Lumens of the protection device 900, for example a lumen of
the outer sheath 904 and a lumen of an inner member, may be flushed
(e.g., using saline) once or several times before, during, and/or
after the procedure. The filter assembly 902 of the protection
device 900 may be flushed and/or submerged (e.g., in a bowl of
saline). Flushing and/or submerging of the filter assembly 902 may
be with the filter assembly 902 in the outer sheath 904 (e.g., in
the compressed state) and/or with the filter assembly 902 out of
the outer sheath 904 (e.g., in the deployed state). If the filter
assembly 902 is flushed and/or submerged in the deployed state, the
filter assembly 902 may be compressed into the outer sheath 904
before use.
[0124] An artery in the left arm is accessed, for example using a 5
Fr introducer. A guidewire 918 (e.g., having a diameter between
about 0.014 inches and about 0.25 inches, preferably on the smaller
side in view of intended navigation to the relatively small left
vertebral artery 924) is steered, traversing retrograde to blood
flow, into or towards the left subclavian artery 916. A proximal
end of the guidewire 918 may be inserted into a distal end of the
protection device 900, for example into a distal end of an inner
member. The protection device 900 may be tracked over the guidewire
918 until the distal end of the protection device 900 extends
beyond a distal end of the introducer. The guidewire 918 may be
advanced at least about 6 cm distal to the distal end of the
protection device 900. FIG. 9A shows the guidewire 918 in position
in the left vertebral artery 924 with the protection device 900
being tracked over the guidewire 918. The guidewire 918 may
comprise a pigtail or floppy distal end, for example to make the
guidewire 918 atraumatic or more atraumatic.
[0125] The protection device 900 may be tracked or distally
advanced over the guidewire 918 until the distal end of the
protection device 900 is at a desired location such as in the left
vertebral artery 924. Tracking of the protection device 900 may be
under fluoroscopy, for example using radiopaque markers (e.g., at a
distal end of the outer sheath 904 and/or an inner member) and/or
radiopaque fluid or contrast media. Radiopaque fluid may be
provided through an inner member. The protection device 900 is
preferably positioned so that the filter assembly 902 is downstream
of the left vertebral artery 924 ostium so that the filter assembly
902 can inhibit or prevent embolic material from entering the
cerebral vasculature through the left vertebral artery 924. The
location in the left vertebral artery 924 is preferably free or
substantially free of calcium and straight or substantially
straight. Positioning based on available anatomy that is not as
preferred is also possible.
[0126] Once the protection device 900 is in position, the filter
assembly 902 may be deployed from the outer sheath 904. For
example, the outer sheath 904 may be proximally retracted and/or
the filter assembly 902 may be distally advanced. Radiopaque
markers, for example on the filter assembly 902 can help determine
when the filter assembly 902 achieves a deployed state.
Differential longitudinal movement of the filter assembly 902 and
the outer sheath 904 can cease upon full or appropriate deployment
of the filter assembly 902. Apposition of the filter assembly 902
with sidewalls of the left subclavian artery 916 can be verified,
for example using radiopaque fluid or contrast media. Radiopaque
fluid may be provided through an inner member. If the radiopaque
fluid is able to flow between the frame of the filter assembly 902
and the sidewalls of the left vertebral artery 924, then the filter
assembly 902 may be improperly positioned (e.g., indicative of
inadequate deployment, inadequate sizing, calcium, etc.). The
filter assembly 902 may be retracted back into the outer sheath 904
and redeployed, or a different protection device may be used.
[0127] If the protection device 900 comprises an inner member, the
inner member may extend downstream in the left vertebral artery
924. Whether the inner member is retracted or not, the aortic arch
910 is free or substantially free of any equipment involved in
protecting the left vertebral artery 924.
[0128] An inner member may be retracted to a position suitable for
monitoring or sensing blood pressure. For example, a blood pressure
monitoring device can be connected in fluid communication to an
inner member (e.g., using a luer fitting). The distal end of an
inner member may be in the left vertebral artery 924 to monitor
pressure in the left vertebral artery 924. The distal end of an
inner member may be in the left subclavian artery 916 to monitor
pressure in the left subclavian artery 916. In embodiments in which
the protection device lacks an inner member, blood pressure may be
monitored or sensed by connecting a blood pressure monitoring
device to the outer sheath 904. The distal end of the outer sheath
904 may be in the left vertebral artery 924 (e.g., as illustrated
in FIG. 9B) to monitor pressure in the left vertebral artery 924.
The distal end of the outer sheath 904 may be in the left
subclavian artery 916 to monitor pressure in the left subclavian
artery 916.
[0129] With the protection device 900 in place and the filter
assembly 902 deployed, the user or a different user can perform an
endovascular procedure (e.g., TAVI, TAVR, TAMI, TAMR, SAVR, other
surgical valve repair, implantation, or replacement, cardiac
ablation, cardiac bypass surgery, etc.). If the endovascular
procedure accesses the heart via the aortic arch 910, such access
is not impeded by the protection device 900. During the
endovascular procedure, any embolic material that is dislodged or
generated may be carried by blood into the left vertebral artery
924. The blood may continue to flow through the filter assembly 902
(e.g., through pores in a film of the filter assembly 902), but the
embolic material is trapped or captured such that the embolic
material is inhibited or prevented from continuing to flow through
the left vertebral artery 924 and thus into the cerebral
vasculature.
[0130] Once the endovascular procedure is complete, or at any
appropriate point during the endovascular procedure, the filter
assembly 902 may be retracted back into the outer sheath 904 (e.g.,
by distally advancing the outer sheath 904 and/or by proximally
retracting the filter assembly). The action to resheathe the filter
assembly 902 may by opposite to the action to unsheathe the filter
assembly 902 (e.g., retraction of a slider and advancement of the
slider, respectively) or may be a completely different action.
Radiopaque markers, for example on the filter assembly 902 can help
determine when the filter assembly 902 achieves a compressed state.
Differential longitudinal movement of the filter assembly 902 and
the outer sheath 904 can cease upon full or appropriate capture of
the filter assembly 902. Radiopaque fluid may be provided through
an inner member. Embolic material trapped in the filter assembly
902 may also be captured by the resheathing process. Once the
protection device 900 is in a compressed state, the protection
device 900 may be proximally retracted out of the left vertebral
artery 924.
[0131] FIG. 10 illustrates an example distal portion of a
protection device 1000 in a deployed state in vasculature in
combination with a second protection device such as the filter
systems and methods described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,876,796. To
protect the right common carotid artery and the right vertebral
artery (both branching downstream from the innominate artery 1012)
and the left common carotid artery 1014 during endovascular
procedures, a filter system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,876,796
enters the aorta 1010 from the innominate artery 1012. A distal
rear-facing filter assembly 1054 may be deployed in the left common
carotid artery 1014 and a proximal front-facing filter 1052 may be
deployed in the innominate artery 1012. FIG. 10 also illustrates a
protection device 1000 including a filter assembly 1002 deployed
from an outer sheath 1004 in the left vertebral artery 1024, for
example similar to the procedure described with respect to FIG. 9B.
The filter assemblies 1002, 1052, 1054 can inhibit or prevent
embolic material from entering cerebral vasculature through any of
the left vertebral artery 1024, the right vertebral artery, the
right common carotid artery, and the left common carotid artery
1014. Embolic material may be allowed to flow downstream of the
left subclavian artery 1016.
[0132] In any of the embodiments described herein, the filter
assembly may be detached from the protection device, and the
remainder of the protection device removed, leaving the filter
assembly behind. The filter assembly can remain in the location
permanently or can be retrieved by snaring with a retrieval
catheter, for example following a post procedure treatment duration
(e.g., at least one day, one week, three weeks, five weeks, or
more, depending upon the clinical circumstances). Subjects
receiving an indwelling filter assembly may be administered any of
a variety of thrombolytic or anticoagulant therapies, including
tissue plasminogen activator, streptokinase, coumadin, heparin,
combinations thereof, and the like.
[0133] FIG. 11 illustrates another example distal portion of a
protection device 1100 in a deployed state in vasculature. The
protection device 1100 is shown as deployed across the ostium of
the left subclavian artery 1116, and may extend slightly into the
aorta 1110. The protection 1100 device may be slightly downstream
of the ostium of the left subclavian artery 1116, but close to the
ostium is preferred. Blood can flow through the protection device
1100, but the protection device 1100 deflects embolic material away
from the left subclavian artery 1116. The embolic material may flow
into the descending aorta and towards the legs. Redundant
vasculature, vasculature length, vasculature diameter, natural
thrombolytic agents, and the like allow embolic material to flow to
the legs causing less harm than if the same embolic material flowed
to the cerebral vasculature. A deflector may advantageously be
smaller than a filter, which can reduce size of the protection
device 1100. A smaller protection device 1100 may be easier to
route through vasculature, allow multiple catheters to be used,
etc. A deflector may advantageously reduce a user's worry about
capturing the embolic material.
[0134] FIG. 12A illustrates an example protection device 1200. The
protection device 1200 is in a deployed state in FIG. 12A. The
protection device 1200 comprises an outer sheath 1204 and a
deflector assembly 1202. The deflector assembly 1202 comprises a
frame 1208 and a deflector film 1206. The deflector film 1206 may
be planar or substantially planar, convex, concave, saddle-shaped,
or any other appropriate shape. The deflector film 1206 may
comprise a membrane such as a polymer (e.g., polyurethane, PTFE)
film, a woven mesh of strands (e.g., comprising one or more of
shape memory (e.g., nitinol), metal, polymer, etc.), combinations
thereof, and the like mounted to the frame 1208. The deflector film
1206 may have similar properties to the filter element 410 and/or
other films described herein (e.g., comprising pores configured to
allow blood to flow through the deflector film 1206 but to resist
the passage of embolic material that is carried by the fluid). In
contrast to the filter elements, the deflector assembly 1202
comprises the deflector film 1206 on a distal surface (e.g., like a
potato masher) rather than having an open distal mouth and the
filter element in a generally frustoconical shape extending
proximally from the mouth. The frame 1208 comprises two wires
1210a, 1210b extending proximal to the deflector film 1206. The
wires 1210a, 1210b may be coupled to a deployment wire, deployment
tube, etc., for example as described herein with respect to filter
assembly wires. More or fewer wires are also possible. The
deflector assembly 1202 may be collapsible into a compressed or
delivery state at least partially in the outer sheath 1204. The
deflector assembly 1202 may have a diameter between about 8 mm and
about 14 mm (e.g., about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11
mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, ranges between such
values, and the like). Diameters smaller than about 8 mm and larger
than about 14 mm are also possible, for example depending on
anatomy of a subject, location of placement, and the like. The
deflector assembly 1202 may be circular, oval, ellipsoid,
egg-shaped, other arcuate shapes, polygonal shapes, combinations
thereof, and the like.
[0135] FIG. 12B illustrates another example protection device 1250.
The protection device 1250 is in a deployed state in FIG. 12B. The
protection device 1250 comprises an outer sheath 1254 and a
deflector assembly 1252. The deflector assembly 1252 comprises a
frame 1258 and a deflector film 1256. The deflector film 1256 may
be planar or substantially planar, convex, concave, saddle-shaped,
or any other appropriate shape. The deflector film 1256 may
comprise a membrane such as a polymer (e.g., polyurethane, PTFE)
film mounted to the frame 1258. The deflector film 1256 may have
similar properties to the filter element 410 and/or other films, a
woven mesh of strands (e.g., comprising one or more of shape memory
(e.g., nitinol), metal, polymer, etc.), combinations thereof, and
the like described herein (e.g., comprising pores configured to
allow blood to flow through the deflector film 1256 but to resist
the passage of embolic material that is carried by the fluid). The
deflector assembly 1252 may be collapsible into a compressed or
delivery state at least partially in the outer sheath 1254, for
example by folding like butterfly wings along an axis 1260, the
axis 1260 being a distal end of the deflector assembly 1252. The
frame 1258 comprises two wires 1264a, 1264b extending proximal to
the deflector film 1256 and on each side of the axis 1260. The
wires 1264a, 1264b may be coupled to a deployment wire, deployment
tube, etc., for example as described herein with respect to filter
assembly wires. More or fewer wires are also possible. The
deflector film 1256, as well as other deflector films described
herein, may comprise an aperture 1262 configured to allow the use
of an inner member, for example as described herein. The deflector
assembly 1252 may have a lateral length between about 9 mm and
about 18 mm (e.g., about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12
mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17
mm, about 18 mm, ranges between such values, and the like). Lateral
lengths smaller than about 9 mm and larger than about 18 mm are
also possible, for example depending on anatomy of a subject,
location of placement, and the like. The deflector assembly 1252
may have a lateral width between about 8 mm and about 14 mm (e.g.,
about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm,
about 13 mm, about 14 mm, ranges between such values, and the
like). Lateral lengths smaller than about 8 mm and larger than
about 14 mm are also possible, for example depending on anatomy of
a subject, location of placement, and the like. The deflector
assembly 1252 can be generally rectangular (length greater than
width), square (length and width substantially equal), trapezoidal,
rhomboid, other polygonal shapes, arcuate shapes, combinations
thereof, and the like.
[0136] The deflector films 1206, 1256 may be placed across the
ostium of the left subclavian artery, as shown in FIG. 11. The
deflector protection devices may be used alone or in combination
with other protection devices as described herein. For example, the
filter systems and methods described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,876,796 can
be used in combination with the protection devices 1100, 1200, 1250
described herein to further protect the cerebral vasculature during
an endovascular procedure (e.g., as understood by a combination of
FIG. 7 with the protection device 700 replaced by a deflector
device as shown in FIG. 11).
[0137] FIGS. 13A-13D illustrate another example protection device
1300. The protection device 1300 is in a first alternative delivery
state in FIG. 13A. The protection device 1300 comprises an outer
sheath 1308, a deflector assembly comprising a deflector film 1302,
and an inner member 1310. The deflector film 1302 is coupled to a
distal end of the outer sheath 1308 at a connection point 1304 and
is coupled to a distal end of the inner member 1310 at a connection
point 1306. The deflector film 1302 may have similar properties to
the filter element 410 and/or other films, a woven mesh of strands
(e.g., comprising one or more of shape memory (e.g., nitinol),
metal, polymer, etc.), combinations thereof, and the like described
herein (e.g., comprising pores configured to allow blood to flow
through the deflector film 1302 but to resist the passage of
embolic material that is carried by the fluid). Use of the state of
FIG. 13A for delivery may advantageously provide the inner element
for the length of the protection device, for example inhibiting or
preventing a guidewire from interacting with the deflector film
1302.
[0138] In FIG. 13B, the inner member 1310 is retracted proximally,
as indicated by the arrow 1312. The distal end of the inner member
1310 also retracts proximally, and due to the connection point
1306, the distal portion of the deflector film 1302 in the delivery
position retracts proximally and the deflector film 1302 flares
radially outwardly, as indicated by the arrow 1314. FIG. 13C shows
the protection device 1300 in a deployed state. Achievement of the
deployed state may be indicated by alignment of or a certain
distance between the connection points 1304, 1306, which may
include radiopaque material (e.g., radiopaque solder or
adhesive).
[0139] In the deployed state, the deflector film 1302 forms a
two-layered generally frustoconical shape that may have similar
properties to the filter element 410 and/or other films, a woven
mesh of strands (e.g., comprising one or more of shape memory
(e.g., nitinol), metal, polymer, etc.), combinations thereof, and
the like described herein (e.g., comprising pores configured to
allow blood to flow through the deflector film 1302 but to resist
the passage of embolic material that is carried by the fluid).
While the deflector film 1302 forms a generally frustoconical shape
in the deployed state, the protection device 1300 is described
herein as comprising a deflector assembly rather than a filter
assembly because the embolic material may not ultimately be
captured by the deflector film 1302. For example, the embolic
material may be deflected back into the aorta if the device 1300 is
returned to the first option delivery or withdrawal state (e.g., as
shown in FIG. 13A), in which the embolic material may be allowed to
flow to the descending aorta. For another example, the embolic
material may be captured if the device 1300 is returned to the
second option delivery or withdrawal state (e.g., as shown in FIG.
13D), in which the embolic material may be captured in the outer
sheath 1308. The device 1300 and its components may appropriately
be called a filter and/or a deflector based on the context. In an
orientation forming a generally frustoconical shape such as shown
in FIGS. 13B, 13C, and 13F, the deflector assembly 1302 may have a
mouth diameter between about 8 mm and about 14 mm (e.g., about 8
mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm,
about 14 mm, ranges between such values, and the like). Mouth
diameters smaller than about 8 mm and larger than about 14 mm are
also possible, for example depending on anatomy of a subject,
location of placement, and the like.
[0140] FIG. 13D shows a maximally contracted state in which the
inner member 1310 is proximally retracted until a physical limit is
reached with the deflector film 1302 fully inside the outer sheath
1308. FIG. 13D may be a second alternative delivery state of the
protection device 1300, which may advantageously protect the
deflector film 1302 during routing during vasculature. Rather than
proximally retracting the inner member 1310 to form the generally
frustoconical shape of the deflector film 1302, the inner member
1310 may be distally advanced, for example as shown in FIG.
13F.
[0141] A third alternative delivery state may comprise inserting a
guidewire into a distal end of the inner member 1310 in the state
of FIG. 13A (e.g., using a guidewire loading tool 500) and, once
the distal end of the guidewire is distal to the distal end of the
inner member 1310, proximally retracting the inner member 1310
until the device is in the state of FIG. 13D with the distal end of
the guidewire distal to the distal end of the outer sheath 1308 and
thus the deflector film 1302. This state may provide the advantage
of protecting the deflector film 1302 in the outer sheath 1308 and
avoid a potential disadvantage of interaction between the guidewire
and the deflector film 1302.
[0142] FIGS. 13E and 13F are cross-sectional views of the example
protection device 1300 of FIGS. 13A-13D. FIG. 13E shows the device
in the state of FIG. 13D. FIG. 13F illustrates the distal
advancement of the inner member 1310, as indicated by the arrow
1314, forming the generally frustoconical shape of the deflector
film 1302, as indicated by the arrow 1316.
[0143] Regardless of the delivery shape or advancement method, the
mouth of the generally frustoconical shape is preferably across the
ostium of the left subclavian artery. After performing a vascular
procedure, the inner member 1310 can the fully distally advanced
(e.g., to the state of FIG. 13A) such that embolic material in the
deflector film 1302 is pushed into the aorta to then flow into the
descending aorta. The protection device 1300 may be used alone or
in combination with other protection devices as described herein.
For example, the filter systems and methods described in U.S. Pat.
No. 8,876,796 can be used in combination with the protection device
1300 described herein to further protect the cerebral vasculature
during an endovascular procedure (e.g., as understood by a
combination of FIG. 7 with the protection device 700 replaced by
the deflector device 1300).
[0144] FIG. 14 illustrates another example distal portion of a
protection device 1400 in a deployed state in vasculature. The
protection device 1400 comprises a deflector assembly 1402 and an
outer sheath 1404. The protection device 1400 is shown as deployed
across the ostium of the left vertebral artery 1424. The deflector
assembly 1402 may extend upstream and downstream of the ostium of
the left vertebral artery along the length of the left subclavian
artery 1416. Blood can flow longitudinally through the deflector
assembly 1402. Blood can also flow through the protection device
into the left vertebral artery 1424, but the deflector assembly
1402 deflects embolic material away from the left vertebral artery
1424. The embolic material may flow longitudinally through the
protection device 1400 into the portion of the left subclavian
artery 1416 downstream of the ostium of the left vertebral artery
1424 and into the left arm. Redundant vasculature, vasculature
length, vasculature diameter, natural thrombolytic agents, and the
like allow embolic material to flow to the left arm causing less
harm than if the same embolic material flowed to the cerebral
vasculature. A deflector may advantageously be smaller than a
filter, which can reduce size of the protection device 1400. A
smaller protection device 1400 may be easier to route through
vasculature, allow multiple catheters to be used, etc. A deflector
may advantageously reduce a user's worry about capturing the
embolic material.
[0145] FIGS. 15A-15D illustrate another example protection device
1500. The protection device 1500 may be positioned in the left
subclavian artery across the ostium of the left vertebral artery
similar to the protection device 1400. Referring to the deployed or
expanded state of FIG. 15D, the protection device 1500 comprises an
outer sheath 1504 and a deflector assembly 1502. An inner member as
described herein may be used with the protection device 1500, for
example extending through the deflector assembly 1502. The outer
sheath 1504 may comprise, for example, a braid-reinforced polymer
tube. The deflector assembly 1502 comprises a frame 1506 and a
deflector film 1508. The frame 1506 may have similar properties to
the frame 408 and/or other frames described herein (e.g., providing
expansion support to the deflector film 1508 in the expanded
state). The frame 1506 may comprise, for example, a laser-cut
hypotube, a woven structure, etc. The deflector film 1508 may have
similar properties to the filter element 410 and/or other films, a
woven mesh of strands (e.g., comprising one or more of shape memory
(e.g., nitinol), metal, polymer, etc.), combinations thereof, and
the like described herein (e.g., comprising pores configured to
allow blood to flow through the deflector film 1508 but to resist
the passage of embolic material that is carried by the fluid). The
deflector film 1508 may comprise, for example, a microporous
structure comprising pores having diameters between about 60 .mu.m
and about 200 .mu.m, and comprising a braided structure, a drilled
polymer, an expanded polymer, etc. The frame 1506 comprises wires
or struts 1510 extending proximal to the deflector film 1508. The
wires 1510 may be coupled to a deployment wire, deployment tube,
etc., for example as described herein with respect to filter
assembly wires. The deflector assembly 1502 may be collapsible into
a compressed or delivery state at least partially in the outer
sheath 1504.
[0146] FIG. 15A shows the protection device 1500 in a delivery
state in which the deflector assembly is not visible because it is
in the outer sheath 1504. FIG. 15A also shows a guidewire 1518 over
which the protection device 1500 can be tracked. FIG. 15B shows the
outer sheath 1504 being proximally retracted, as indicated by the
arrow 1512, allowing the deflector assembly 1502 to self-expand
radially outwardly (e.g., due to the deflector assembly 1502 being
coupled to a deployment wire that is held stationary and/or
distally advanced). FIG. 15C shows further retraction of the outer
sheath 1504, and the deflector assembly 1502 is fully deployed in
FIG. 15D. The deflector assembly 1502 may be retracted back in the
outer sheath 1504 after a vascular procedure by distally advancing
the outer sheath 1504 and/or proximally retracting the deflector
assembly 1502. The deflector assembly 1502 may have a diameter
between about 8 mm and about 14 mm (e.g., about 8 mm, about 9 mm,
about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm,
ranges between such values, and the like). Diameters smaller than
about 8 mm and larger than about 14 mm are also possible, for
example depending on anatomy of a subject, location of placement,
and the like. The deflector assembly 1502 may have a cross-section
that is circular (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 15D), oval,
ellipsoid, egg-shaped, other arcuate shapes, polygonal shapes,
combinations thereof, and the like. The deflector assembly 1502 may
have a length in an expanded state (e.g., as shown in FIG. 15D)
between about 3 mm and about 16 mm (e.g., about 3 mm, about 4 mm,
about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about
10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15
mm, about 16 mm, ranges between such values, and the like). Lengths
larger than about 16 mm are also possible, for example depending on
anatomy of a subject, location of placement, and the like. A
deflector assembly 1502 having a length greater than a diameter of
an ostium of the left vertebral artery (e.g., greater than about 6
mm) may provide stability in the left subclavian artery, for
example by providing circumferential sidewall apposition proximal
and/or distal to the ostium of the left vertebral artery.
[0147] FIG. 16A illustrates another example distal portion of a
protection device 1600 in a deployed state in vasculature. FIG. 16B
is a cross-sectional view of the example distal portion of the
protection device 1600 and the vasculature of FIG. 16A along the
line 16B-16B of FIG. 16A. The protection device 1600 is positioned
in the left subclavian artery 1616 across the ostium of the left
vertebral artery 1624 in a deployed state. The protection device
1600 comprises an outer sheath 1606 and a deflector assembly 1602.
In contrast to the fully arcuate deflector assembly 1502, the
deflector assembly 1602 is partially arcuate, as seen in FIG. 16B.
An inner member as described herein may be used with the protection
device 1600, for example extending through the deflector assembly
1602. The deflector assembly 1602 comprises a wire or strut 1604,
which may be coupled to a deployment wire, deployment tube, etc.,
for example as described herein with respect to filter assembly
wires. The deflector assembly 1602 may be collapsible into a
compressed or delivery state at least partially in the outer sheath
1606, for example as described with respect to FIGS. 15A-15D. The
deflector assembly 1602 may have a diameter between about 8 mm and
about 14 mm (e.g., about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11
mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, ranges between such
values, and the like). Diameters smaller than about 8 mm and larger
than about 14 mm are also possible, for example depending on
anatomy of a subject, location of placement, and the like. The
deflector assembly 1502 may have a cross-section that is circular,
oval, ellipsoid, egg-shaped, other arcuate shapes, polygonal
shapes, combinations thereof, and the like. The deflector assembly
1502 may have a length in an expanded state (e.g., as shown in FIG.
16) between about 3 mm and about 16 mm (e.g., about 3 mm, about 4
mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm,
about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm,
about 15 mm, about 16 mm, ranges between such values, and the
like). Lengths larger than about 16 mm are also possible, for
example depending on anatomy of a subject, location of placement,
and the like. A deflector assembly 1602 having a length greater
than a diameter of an ostium of the left vertebral artery (e.g.,
greater than about 6 mm) may provide stability in the left
subclavian artery, for example by providing substantially
circumferential sidewall apposition proximal and/or distal to the
ostium of the left vertebral artery.
[0148] FIG. 17 illustrates another example distal portion of a
protection device 1700 in a deployed state in vasculature. The
protection device 1700 is positioned in the left subclavian artery
1716 across the ostium of the left vertebral artery 1724 in a
deployed state. The protection device 1700 comprises an outer
sheath 1706 and a deflector assembly 1702. In contrast to the fully
arcuate deflector assembly 1502 or the partially arcuate deflector
assembly 1602, the deflector assembly 1702 is generally planar,
concave, convex, saddle-shaped, or the like, and is configured to
cover the ostium of the left vertebral artery 1724. An inner member
as described herein may be used with the protection device 1700,
for example extending through the deflector assembly 1702. The
deflector assembly 1702 comprises a wire or strut 1704, which may
be coupled to a deployment wire, deployment tube, etc., for example
as described herein with respect to filter assembly wires. The
deflector assembly 1702 may be collapsible into a compressed or
delivery state at least partially in the outer sheath 1706, for
example as described with respect to FIGS. 15A-15D. FIG. 17
illustrates a guidewire 1718 in the left vertebral artery 1724. The
guidewire 1718 may provide circumferential orientation of the
deflector assembly 1702. For example, the deflector assembly 1702
may be advanced along the guidewire 1718 such that the deflector
assembly 1702 advances towards the left vertebral artery 1724. The
deflector assembly 1702 may have a lateral diameter between about 3
mm and about 16 mm (e.g., about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about
6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm,
about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm,
ranges between such values, and the like). Lengths larger than
about 16 mm are also possible, for example depending on anatomy of
a subject, location of placement, and the like. A deflector
assembly 1702 having a length greater than a diameter of an ostium
of the left vertebral artery (e.g., greater than about 6 mm) may
provide easier placement across the ostium of the left vertebral
artery.
[0149] Combinations of filter assemblies and deflector assemblies
provided herein are also possible. For example, the protection
device may comprise a filter assembly (e.g., the filter assembly
218, 406) and a deflector assembly (e.g., the deflector assembly
1402, 1502, 1602, 1702) proximal to the filter assembly, for
example coupled to the same deployment wire such that relative
movement of the deployment wire and the outer sheath can deploy
both the filter assembly and the deflector assembly. The filter
assembly can filter blood proximate to the ostium of the left
subclavian artery and the deflector assembly can provide a second
layer of protection by deflecting any embolic material that somehow
passes through the filter assembly or that forms downstream of the
filter assembly from entering the left vertebral artery.
[0150] A possible advantage of the protection devices described
herein may be that the delivery and retrieval system are integrated
into the same catheter that stays in place during the procedure.
Unloading and loading of different catheters, sheaths, or other
components is therefore unnecessary. Having a system that performs
both delivery and retrieval functions can reduce procedural
complexity, time, and fluoroscopy exposure time. The device is not
in the aortic arch, which can reduce or eliminate the chance of
interference with other catheters.
[0151] While the methods and devices described herein may be
susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms,
specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are
described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that
the inventive subject matter is not to be limited to the particular
forms or methods disclosed, but, to the contrary, covers all
modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
spirit and scope of the various implementations described and the
appended claims. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular
feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality,
attribute, element, or the like in connection with an
implementation or embodiment can be used in all other
implementations or embodiments set forth herein. In any methods
disclosed herein, the acts or operations can be performed in any
suitable sequence and are not necessarily limited to any particular
disclosed sequence and not be performed in the order recited.
Various operations can be described as multiple discrete operations
in turn, in a manner that can be helpful in understanding certain
embodiments; however, the order of description should not be
construed to imply that these operations are order dependent.
Additionally, the structures described herein can be embodied as
integrated components or as separate components. For purposes of
comparing various embodiments, certain aspects and advantages of
these embodiments are described. Not necessarily all such aspects
or advantages are achieved by any particular embodiment. Thus, for
example, embodiments can be carried out in a manner that achieves
or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages without
necessarily achieving other advantages or groups of advantages. The
methods disclosed herein may include certain actions taken by a
practitioner; however, the methods can also include any third-party
instruction of those actions, either expressly or by implication.
For example, actions such as "deploying a self-expanding filter"
include "instructing deployment of a self-expanding filter." The
ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all overlap,
sub-ranges, and combinations thereof. Language such as "up to," "at
least," "greater than," "less than," "between," and the like
includes the number recited. Numbers preceded by a term such as
"about" or "approximately" include the recited numbers and should
be interpreted based on the circumstances (e.g., as accurate as
reasonably possible under the circumstances, for example .+-0.5%,
.+-0.10%, .+-0.15%, etc.). For example, "about 7 mm" includes "7
mm." Phrases preceded by a term such as "substantially" include the
recited phrase and should be interpreted based on the circumstances
(e.g., as much as reasonably possible under the circumstances). For
example, "substantially straight" includes "straight."
* * * * *