An embolic protection device comprises an intravascular flow-interactive surface supported by an expandable, substantially cylindrical frame, wherein the frame is configured to expand and engage the luminal surface of the ascending aortic arch, wherein said frame defines a longitudinal channel generally parallel to predominant blood flow vectors, and wherein a flow-modulating element is configured to alter fluid dynamics in a manner that redirects the cranial trajectory of embolic particles originating from the heart through and beyond the longitudinal channel. The embolic protection device may also comprise a plurality of independent or interconnected flow-modulating elements serially spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the primary vessel. The interstitial space between flow-modulating elements allows blood flow passage between one another in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal channel. The open central channel allows interval passage and manipulation of transcatheter instruments while maintaining the integrity of radially positioned flow-modulating surfaces.
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