Methods of embolic deflection

A method of reducing the risk of emboli entering the cerebral circulation as a consequence of an index procedure in the heart or the aorta, comprising the steps of:

• placing a wire into a first side branch vessel of the aorta selected from the group consisting of the brachiocephalic artery, the left common carotid artery, and the left subclavian artery;
• advancing the wire from the first side branch vessel into the aorta;
• advancing first and second expandable emboli deflection devices over the wire, the emboli deflection devices carried by an elongate shaft;
• guiding the distal end of the elongate shaft into position adjacent the first side branch vessel;
• manipulating the emboli deflection devices such that they expand and the first and second expandable emboli deflection devices span across the first side branch vessel and a second side branch vessel, respectively, wherein manipulating the deflection device comprises creating a seal between the emboli deflection device and surrounding tissue;
• wherein the emboli deflection devices permit blood flow from the main vessel into each of the first and second side branch vessels, but deflect emboli from passing through the first and second side branch vessels;
• performing an index procedure in the heart or the aorta;
• and
• retracting the emboli deflection devices into the elongate shaft and withdrawing the shaft from the body.