Retrievable ivc filter

Abstract

Retrievable vena cava filters for filtering blood clots within a vessel are disclosed. A retrievable vena cava filter in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of elongated filter legs each having a hook portion configured to engage the vessel wall, and an expandable member releasably connected to the filter. In certain embodiments, the expandable member may comprise a bendable member and several tubular members, or a coiled wire.

1 . (canceled) 
   
   
       2 . A retrievable vena cava filter, comprising:
 a plurality of elongated filter legs each having a proximal section and a distal section, the distal section of each elongated filter leg including a hook portion configured to releasably secure the vena cava filter to the wall of a blood vessel; and   a plurality of tubular members each including an inner lumen configured to receive a corresponding one of the elongated filter legs.   
   
   
       3 . The retrievable vena cava filter of claim  16 , wherein said plurality of elongated filter legs are configured to expand from a substantially straight position to an outswept position when placed in the blood vessel. 
   
   
       4 . The retrievable vena cava filter of claim  16 , wherein said plurality of elongated filter legs comprise stainless steel. 
   
   
       5 . The retrievable vena cava filter of claim  16 , wherein said plurality of elongated filter legs comprise a shape-memory material. 
   
   
       6 . The retrievable vena cava filter of claim  19 , wherein said shape-memory material is nickel-titanium alloy. 
   
   
       7 . The retrievable vena cava filter of claim  16 , wherein said book portion includes a sharp tip. 
   
   
       8 . The retrievable vena cava filter of claim  21 , wherein said sharp tip is bent at an angle relative to the vessel wall. 
   
   
       9 . The retrievable vena cava filter of claim  21 , wherein said sharp tip is bent at an angle perpendicular to the vessel wall. 
   
   
       10 . The retrievable vena cava filter of claim  16 , further comprising means for interconnecting the tubular members. 
   
   
       11 . The retrievable vena cava filter of claim  24 , wherein said means for interconnecting the tubular members comprises a bendable member biased to expand when placed in the blood vessel. 
   
   
       12 . The retrievable vena cava filter of claim  16 , wherein each of said tubular members includes piercing means for securing the tubular member to the vessel wall. 
   
   
       13 . The retrievable vena cava filter of claim  16 , wherein each of said plurality of elongated filter legs includes a bend region. 
   
   
       14 . The retrievable vena cava filter of claim  16 , further comprising an apical head secured to the distal section of said plurality of elongated filter legs. 
   
   
       15 . The retrievable vena cava filter of claim  16 , wherein each of said plurality of filter legs includes a zigzag section.