Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a
vessel and/or performing thrombectomy and embolectomy, wherein a vascular
device disposed on a guidewire comprises a support hoop disposed from a
suspension strut. Alternately, a support hoop having an articulation
region may be directly connected to a region proximate the distal end of
the guidewire. A blood permeable sac is affixed to the support hoop to
form a mouth of the blood permeable sac. The support hoop is disposed
obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the guidewire and is
capable of being properly used in a wide range of vessel diameters. The
vascular device collapses during removal to prevent material from
escaping from the sac. A delivery sheath and introducer sheath for use
with the vascular device of the present invention are also provided.