A locking hub or other locking means (not shown) can be utilized to lock one or both of the ends 48, 50 to prevent undesired expansion or contraction of the loop 52 once the embolic protection filter 14 has been ensnared. [0022] In some embodiments, the elongated member 46 can be formed of a metal such as stainless steel or nickel-titanium alloy, or a fibrous polymer such as polyethylene, nylon, p