The present invention relates generally to perfusion catheters and distal protection devices. According to an embodiment, the present invention includes a distal protection filter comprising an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a distal protection device disposed at the distal end, a coupling member that couples the elongate shaft to the distal protection device, and a first space between the coupling member and the elongate shaft. A method of filtering debris from a blood vessel is also disclosed.