A device (26) for use in preventing stroke by diverting emboli from cerebral circulation is provided. The device (26) is placed around the neck of a patient and can include a longitudinal carotid expandable member (27) and/or a transverse carotid expandable member (32). The members (27) and (32) can be expanded from an non-expanded state to an expanded state in which the members (27) and (32) create an area of compression at the carotid arteries to prevent blood flow therethrough into the cerebral circulation. Emboli that are formed in the patient secondary to emboligenic intervention are diverted into a descending aorta and other vascular structures.
