In coronary or carotid interventions, vessels are dilated and are then supported by a stent. When the vessel is enlarged, it may release embolic debris. This debris may get caught in the microvasculature of the heart or brain and may cause a heart attack or stroke.

The FilterWire EX™ product, currently available in Europe and in clinical trials in the U.S., is a low-profile embolic filter mounted on a rapid exchange deployment system. After insertion, it acts as a net, catching most debris that may be released before it can cause harm.