A device for protecting cerebral vessels or brain tissue during treatment of a carotid vessel includes a catheter having a distal portion, a proximal portion and a lumen extending therebetween, the catheter including first and second expandable areas provided over the length of the catheter. The device includes a first elongate member insertable longitudinally through the lumen of the catheter, the first elongate member being configured for stretching at least a portion of the catheter and causing one of the first and second expandable areas to transition from an expanded state to a collapsed state. The device further includes a second elongate member insertable longitudinally through the lumen of the catheter, the second elongate member being configured for stretching at least a portion of the catheter and causing the other of the first and second expandable areas to transition from an expanded state to a collapsed state.