Embolic protection system

A method as claimed in 17 comprising the step of:

• flushing the filter in the collapsed configuration within the delivery catheter.

A method as claimed in 18 wherein the filter is flushed prior to sealing of the pouch.

A method as claimed in 18 wherein the filter is flushed after removal of the delivery catheter containing the filter in the collapsed configuration from the pouch.

A method as claimed in 25 wherein the filter is rotatably disposed on the guidewire when the filter is in the expanded deployed configuration.

A medical device movable between a collapsed configuration for transport through a vasculature and an expanded configuration for deployment in a vasculature, the device comprising:

• a storage space for storing a biocompatible material during transport through a vasculature;
• and
• means to deliver the biocompatible material from the storage space to a surface of the device when deployed in a vasculature.

A system for loading a medical device into a catheter, the system comprising:

• means to collapse a medical device down to a wrapped configuration;
• and
• means to control the wrap of the medical device.

A catheter having a reception space at a distal end of the catheter for receiving a collapsed medical device therein, a wall of the catheter around the reception space having flushing openings through the wall to facilitate flushing of a collapsed medical device in the reception space.

A catheter assembly comprising:

• a catheter having a reception space at a distal end of the catheter for receiving a collapsed medical device therein;
• and
• means for reinforcing against creep a wall of the catheter around the reception space.

A catheter assembly comprising:

• a catheter having a reception space at a distal end of the catheter for receiving a collapsed medical device therein;
• and
• means for elongating a medical device received in the reception space to resist creeping of the medical device.

A catheter assembly comprising:

• a catheter having a reception space at a distal end of the catheter for receiving a collapsed medical device therein;
• and
• means for applying pressure to a wall of the catheter around the reception space and/or to a collapsed medical device received in the reception space to distribute loading stresses in the catheter wall and/or the collapsed medical device.