Devices and methods for filtering blood. The devices generally comprise a
mesh for filtering blood flowing within a blood vessel, particularly
within an artery such as the aorta, a structure adapted to open and close
the mesh within the blood vessel, and a means to actuate the structure.
The methods generally include the steps of introducing a mesh into a
blood vessel to entrap embolic material, and removing the mesh and the
entrapped foreign matter from the blood vessel.