A filter flush system for temporary placement of a filter in an artery or vein is disclosed. The system typically includes a guidewire insertable within a guiding catheter, which has an occlusion balloon disposed about its distal end. The guidewire has an expandable filter, which can be collapsed to pass through a lumen and distal port of the guiding catheter. The lumen is adapted to receive a variety of endovascular devices, including angioplasty, atherectomy, and stenting catheters. Fluid medium or blood can be infused through the lumen of the guiding catheter to flush embolic material or mobile plaque generated during the endovascular procedures toward the expanded filter deployed downstream from the region of interest. Methods of using the filter flush system to entrap and remove embolic material from the vessel are also disclosed.
