The present disclosure describes filter devices for deployment to body vessels where clots or emboli may need to be captured, particularly the vena cava. The filter device is of a spiral construction, having a first loop and a second loop, with a helical portion extending helically therebetween. The first and second loops assist in the filter being self-centering within a body vessel. A method of making a filter device is also disclosed.

In general, the invention features an intra-vascular device for filtering or deflecting emboli or other large objects from entering a protected secondary vessel or vessels. The device of the invention may include a filter, an central member, additional supporting members, and a delivery cable and may serve to filter or deflect emboli or other large objects from entering protected secondary vessels. The device may be capable of collapse along its longitudinal axis for ease of delivery to the treatment site. The device may further be compatible with common delivery methods used in interventional cardiology (e.g., TAVI procedures). The device may be integrated into the delivery systems. In other embodiments the device may be detachable from the delivery system. Upon deployment, the device may be positioned so as to contact the orifice of one or more secondary blood vessels. Upon retrieval the device may be retracted in an orientation substantially similar to the original deployment orientation.

A vascular filter system for deploying a vascular filter utilizes a plurality of tensors that extend radially outward from a deployment sheath. The ends of the tensors are coupled with an attachment ring of the vascular filter and a plurality of attachment barbs are coupled with the attachment ring for securing the filter to the vessel wall. A method for retrieving the vascular filter from the vessel utilizes a reverse curve catheter, a guidewire that extends there through and an intravascular snare. The guidewire is advanced around the filter and into the snare, which secures the guidewire around the filter for retrieval. A vessel distention device utilizes one or more distention tensors having a distention feature on the extended end, such as a blunt tip, to press on the inside vessel wall. The distention tensors extend out radially from a sheath to press on the vessel wall.

A blood filter delivery system for delivering a filter into a vein includes an introducer and a push rod with a spline member disposed along the push rod. The spline member has a main body, and first and second boss portions spaced apart along the longitudinal axis to provide a gap for retaining anchor member of the filter during delivery via the introducer.

A method of preparing a filter for delivery into a body vessel. The filter includes a hub disposed along a longitudinal axis and a plurality of anchor members extending from the hub. Each anchor member includes either a cranial extension or a caudal extension at a distal end thereof. At least one anchor member distal end may be spaced from the hub at each of a first, second, and third distance along the longitudinal axis. The filter also includes a plurality of locator members extending from the hub, the locator members alternatingly interposed between the anchor members.

An embolic filter is disclosed and can include a head. A plurality of bent legs can extend from the head. Each bent leg can be configured to engage an inner wall of a vein and prevent the embolic filter from migrating in a cranial direction. A plurality of straight legs can also extend from the head. Each straight leg can be configured to prevent the embolic filter from migrating in a caudal direction.

A method of implanting a vessel filter by a femoral approach comprising the steps of providing a delivery sheath with a substantially straight distal tip and inserting a curved device into the sheath to move the sheath to a second configuration. In the second position, the distal tip of the sheath is curved at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the sheath. The method further comprises the step of rotating the sheath and pusher so a distal opening of the sheath has a more centered position within the vessel.

A blood clot filter includes a number of locator members and anchor members, each of the members tipped with a retainer encompassed within bio-resorbable cover material. Upon delivery into a blood vessel, the locator and anchor members position the filter near the vessel centerline. After a period of time, the bio-resorbable cover material resorbs, allowing the retainer on the members to penetrate and attach to the vessel wall. A method of implanting the filter includes delivering the filter into a blood vessel and allowing the bio-resorbable cover material to resorb so retainers on the members can engage the vessel walls.

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to devices and methods for providing filtration of debris within a body lumen. More particularly, embodiments of the invention related to devices and methods for providing distal protection to a medical procedure by filtration of debris generated by the medical procedure using filters having a frame with a slidable crossover point.

An inferior vena cava filter capable of bidirectional controlled placement is provided. The inferior vena cava filter includes a filter portion and a support portion. The filter portion is configured as a mesh-like structure of a plurality of struts cross-linked. The support portion includes a first support portion and a second support portion disposed on opposite sides of the filter portion, and the first support portion and the second support portion have openings extending in opposite directions. The first support portion extends outwardly radially with respect to a center point of the inferior vena cava filter in a positive direction and then curls inwardly radially in a reverse direction.