Self-flushing medical apparatus

An apparatus for use in a therapeutic medical procedure that may include an elongate sheath having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface a distal end and a proximal end, the elongate sheath having a first lumen having a first cross-sectional area running from an first opening at the distal end to a first point proximal the distal end and a second lumen fluidly connected to the first lumen, the second lumen having a distal end at or proximal the first point and a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area, the second lumen having a portion running generally along the elongate axis; and an elongate member having a first portion having a third cross-sectional area, a proximal end and a distal end and having a therapeutic device disposed on the elongate member proximate the distal end, the therapeutic device having a first configuration having a fourth cross-sectional area, wherein the elongate member is disposed in the first and second lumens and the distal protection device is disposed in the first lumen, wherein when the distal protection device is disposed in the first lumen, the elongate sheath has a second opening proximate and proximal the distal protection device and a third opening proximal the second opening in which the elongate member is partially disposed, and wherein the second opening is in fluid communication with the third opening when the distal protection device is disposed in the first lumen.