The present disclosure concerns embodiments of an expandable and collapsible embolic deflector that can be collapsed to a very small profile for insertion through a patients vasculature and then expanded once inside the body. The embolic deflector comprises a flexible, inflatable frame that supports a blood-permeable membrane that prevents emboli above a predetermined size from entering vasculature that is blocked by the membrane. The frame comprises an inflatable body made of a soft polymeric material, such as urethane, Pebax, or nylon, similar to a balloon of a balloon catheter. In particular embodiments, the frame does not include any metal components. In certain embodiments, the frame can include one or more radiopaque markers, which can be made of a metal or metal alloy. In either case, the risk of potential trauma to the patient can be reduced since the amount of hard metal components is significantly reduced or completely eliminated.
