There is disclosed a porous embolideflector (100) for preventing cerebral emboli whilemaintaining cerebral blood flow during an endovascularor open surgical procedure. The device preventsthe entrance of emboli of a size able to causestroke (such as greater than 100 microns) from enteringeither the right (22) or left (24) commoncarotid arteries by deflecting emboli downstream ofthese vessels. The device (100) can be placed priorto any manipulation of the heart or aorta (10) allowingmaximal protection of the brain during the indexprocedure. The deflector (100) has a low profilewithin the aorta (10) which allows sheaths,catheters, or wires used in the index procedure topass. Also disclosed are methods for insertion andremoval of the deflector (100).
