Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a
vessel and/or performing thrombectomy and embolectomy, wherein a vascular
device comprises one or more support hoops connected near a distal end of
a guide wire, each support hoop having an articulation region, and a
blood permeable sac affixed to the support hoop or hoops to form a mouth
of the blood permeable sac. The mouth of the sac closes when the
apparatus is collapsed for removal to prevent material from escaping from
the sac.