An embolism protection system is disclosed that provides a first wire having a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer diameter a second wire having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner lumen, and an outer diameter, the inner lumen sized to accommodate the outer diameter of the first wire a third having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner lumen, the inner lumen sized to accommodate the outer diameter of the second wire and a substantially conical filter device formed substantially from porous metal mesh and having a central apex, a collapsed state, and an expanded state, wherein the substantially conical filter device is adapted to couple to the second wire at or near the distal end of the second wire, the second wire passing through the central apex, and wherein the substantially conical filter device is adapted to assume the expanded state when the third wire is retracted from the distal end of the second wire, and is adapted to assume the collapsed state when the third wire is advanced over the substantially conical filter device and towards the distal end of the second wire.
