A method of delivering and deploying the device for containing the emboli during a surgical procedure proximate to the heart. Access is gained to the heart and the left atrium such that a distal end of the delivery sheath can be located near the left atrial appendage. A distal end of a delivery catheter can be loaded with the device in a collapsed position and passed through the delivery sheath thereby delivering the device within the left atrial appendage. The device is expanded to contain emboli in the left atrium appendage.