An occluding catheter (37) for preventing stroke by occluding blood flow through right and left carotid arteries is provided. The occluding catheter (37) includes a shaft that has a proximal end (106) and a distal end (108), and a proximal occluding balloon (38) carried by the shaft. The proximal occluding balloon is inflated to occlude blood flow through one of the right carotid artery and the left carotid artery. A distal occluding balloon (42) is carried by the shaft and is inflated to occlude blood flow through one of the right carotid artery and the left carotid artery that is not occluded by the proximal occluding balloon. The shaft has a segment that is located between the proximal occluding balloon and the distal occluding balloon. Also provided is an alternative arrangement with a single occluding balloon, and an associated method of diverting emboli from cerebral circulation.
