A catheter for prevention of stroke by diverting and filtering the blood flow to carotid and vertebral arteries is provided. The catheter includes at least one balloon with an outer mesh cover that expands upon the balloon inflation and stays expanded after the balloon is deflated. The inflation of the balloon in the aortic arch or head vessels provides the deflection of embolic particles from the cerebral circulation and expands the outer mesh that provides for filtering and deflection of cerebral emboli after the balloon is deflated. An associated method of prevention of cerebral emboli and embolic stroke is provided.
