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.

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 filter includes a hub, a plurality of legs, and a plurality of arms. Each of the legs includes a hook at a distal end thereof, a first linear segment extending substantially parallel to a hub longitudinal axis, a second linear segment extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis at a first angle, and an intermediate linear segment coupled to the first and second segments, the intermediate segment extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis at a second angle less than the first angle. Each of the arms has a free end closer to the longitudinal axis than the hook of each of the legs. The free ends of the arms are spaced radially transverse to the longitudinal axis at substantially the same radial distance.

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.

A removable blood clot filter includes a number of locator members and anchor members disposed radially and extending angularly downward from a hub. The locator members include a number of linear portions having distinct axes configured to place a tip portion approximately parallel to the walls of a blood vessel when implanted to apply sufficient force to the vessel walls to position the filter near the vessel centerline. The anchor members each include a hook configured to penetrate the vessel wall to prevent longitudinal movement due to blood flow. The hooks may have a cross section sized to allow for a larger radius of curvature under strain so that the filter can be removed without damaging the vessel wall.

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.

A blood filter delivery system for delivering a blood filter into a vein includes a push rod for pushing the blood filter through and out of a catheter, the push rod having a filter positioning assembly on one end. The filter positioning assembly includes positioner members, which retain anchor members of the filter. The filter positioning assembly can position the end of the delivery catheter near the blood vessel centerline before releasing the filter's anchor members, thereby helping to align the blood filter along the centerline of the blood vessel.

Deflection devices, systems, and methods for the prevention of stroke configured and negatively charged to filter emboli in the bloodstream and prevent advancement into the artery extending from the aortic arch. Devices may be formed as a single structure or a composite device. Additionally, a retrieval system is provided, including a sleeve catheter and a retrieval device slidably disposed therein, the retrieval device including one or more attachment portions configured to engage at least a portion of a device positioned within an artery extending from the aortic arch.

The present invention concerns a filter (1) for a blood vessel, and in particular a vena cava filter, comprising at least two anchoring branches (11) for anchoring the filter in the wall of the blood vessel, the anchoring branches having a fixed end (111) and a free end (112), the fixed ends of the anchoring branches being fixed to one another and the free ends being terminated with a hook (113) oriented toward the outside, characterised in that each of the anchoring branches comprises an anti-transfixion protection (114).