Device and method of guide wire balloon inflation and deflation to prevent cerebral embolization during carotid stenting

A device for inflating and deflating a guide wire balloon, the device comprising:

• a guide wire having a lumen, an orifice extending from the exterior of the guide wire to the lumen, and two ends, the two ends comprising a closed end and an open end, wherein the lumen provides fluid communication between the orifice and the open end;
• an inflatable guide wire balloon coupled to the guide wire in communication with the orifice;
• a core segment disposed within the lumen of the guide wire, the core segment configured for removal from the lumen of the guide wire, thereby establishing a vacuum in the lumen that facilitates inflation of the guide wire balloon;
• a plurality of orifices extending from the exterior of the guide wire to the lumen,
• wherein the open end of the guide wire is dimensioned to permit a coaxial angioplasty balloon catheter or stent delivery catheter to be exchanged over the guide wire and at least partially over said core segment from the open end to a position just proximal of the balloon without deflating the balloon.