Intravascular filter retrieval device and method

• US 6,251,122 B1
• Filed: 09/02/1999
• Issued: 06/26/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 09/02/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Lifescreen Sciences LLC (Acacia Research Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Scimed Life Systems Incorporated (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: Tsukernik, Vladimir
• Primary Examiner(s): Chaudhuri, Olik
• Assistant Examiner(s): Trinh, (Vikki) Hoa B.
• Application Number:
  US09/388,563
• Time in Patent Office: 663 Days
• Field of Search: 606/200, 606/108, 606/198, 606/194, 604/104-108, 623/1-1-
• US Class Current: 606/200
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/0105 Open ended, i.e. legs gathered only at one side
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/011 Instruments for their placement or removal
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/012 Multiple filtering units
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/016 made from wire-like elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/005 Rosette-shaped, e.g. star-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0078 hyperboloidal

Abstract

A thrombus filter configured for placement in within a blood vessel lumen defined by a blood vessel wall. Methods and devices for selectively removing the thrombus filter when the presence of a filter in the vascular system is no longer desired. The thrombus filter includes a first strand formation, a second strand formation, and a joined portion.

Claims

1. A thrombus filter element for placement within a blood vessel lumen defined by a blood vessel wall comprising:

a plurality of strands each having ajoined portion and a free end;

the joined portion of each strand being fixed to a joined portion of the thrombus filter; and

a sliding member slidingly disposed about a portion of the strands.

2. The thrombus filter of claim 1, further including a coupling member fixed to the sliding member.

3. The thrombus filter of claim 2, wherein the coupling member is a loop.

4. The thrombus filter of claim 2, wherein the coupling member is a hook.

5. The thrombus filter of claim 2, wherein the coupling member is a shoulder.

6. The thrombus filter of claim 1, wherein the sliding member is comprised of a plastic material.

7. The thrombus filter of claim 6, wherein the plastic material is polyethylene.

8. The thrombus filter of claim 6, wherein the plastic material is polypropylene.

9. The thrombus filter of claim 6, wherein the plastic material is polyether block amide.

10. The thrombus filter of claim 1, wherein the strands are comprised of nickel titanium alloy.

11. The thrombus filter of claim 1, wherein the joined portion of the thrombus filter includes a collar.

12. A thrombus filter element for placement within a blood vessel lumen defined by a blood vessel wall comprising:

a plurality of strands having a first grouping and a second grouping, wherein the first grouping and the second grouping radiate in opposing directions from a joined portion of the thrombus filter, each strand having a free end and a joined portion;

the joined portion of each strand being fixed to a joined portion of the thrombus filter; and

a sliding member slidingly disposed about a portion of the strands.

13. The thrombus filter of claim 12, further including a coupling member fixed to the sliding member.

14. The thrombus filter of claim 13, wherein the coupling member is a loop.

15. The thrombus filter of claim 13, wherein the coupling member is a hook.

16. The thrombus filter of claim 13, wherein the coupling member is a shoulder.

17. The thrombus filter of claim 12, wherein the sliding member is comprised of a plastic material.

18. The thrombus filter of claim 17, wherein the plastic material is polyethylene.

19. The thrombus filter of claim 17, wherein the plastic material is polypropylene.

20. The thrombus filter of claim 17, wherein the plastic material is polyether block amide.

21. The thrombus filter of claim 12, wherein the strands are comprised of nickel titanium alloy.

22. The thrombus filter of claim 12, wherein the joined portion of the thrombus filter includes a collar.

23. A method of selectively removing a thrombus filter from a blood vessel lumen comprising the steps of:

providing a thrombus filter disposed in a blood vessel lumen;

the thrombus filter having a plurality of strands having a first grouping and a second grouping, wherein the first grouping and the second grouping radiate in generally opposing directions, each strand having a free end and a joined portion;

the joined portion of each strand being fixed to a joined portion of the thrombus filter; and

a sliding member disposed about the joined portions of the strands;

providing a retrieval catheter having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending therebetween;

providing a means for pulling disposed proximate the distal end of the retrieval catheter;

advancing the retrieval catheter through the blood vessel lumen until the distal end of the catheter is proximate the thrombus filter;

joining the means for pulling to the sliding member of the thrombus filter;

urging the sliding member toward the free ends of the first grouping of the strands;

urging the thrombus filter inside the lumen of the retrieval catheter; and

withdrawing the retrieval catheter from the blood vessel lumen.

24. A method of selectively removing a thrombus filter from a blood vessel lumen comprising the steps of:

providing a thrombus filter disposed in a blood vessel lumen;

the thrombus filter having a plurality of strands having a first grouping and a second grouping, wherein the first grouping and the second grouping radiate in generally opposing directions, each strand having a free end and a joined portion;

the joined portion of each strand being fixed to a joined portion of the thrombus filter;

providing a retrieval catheter having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending therebetween;

providing a plurality of struts, each strut having a proximal end, a distal end;

providing a plurality of flanges, each flange fixed to the distal end of one of the plurality of struts;

advancing the retrieval catheter through the blood vessel lumen until the distal end of the catheter is proximate the thrombus filter;

advancing the struts longitudinally through the blood vessel until the flanges are disposed proximate the joined portions of the strands of the thrombus filter;

closing the flanges around the joined portion of the thrombus filter;

urging the flanges toward the free ends of the first grouping of the strands;

urging the thrombus filter inside the lumen of the retrieval catheter; and

withdrawing the retrieval catheter from the blood vessel lumen.