Bidirectional Vascular Filter and Method of Use

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for filtering obstructive material within the vasculature of a subject. The device includes a generally ellipsoid shaped frame having a plurality of shape-memory arms with a collapsible, sieve-like structure positioned within the elliptical frame. The device may be used as an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter for the prevention of pulmonary embolism, or any other procedure requiring filtering of a vein.

1 - 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . A vascular filter device, comprising:
 a frame having a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of flexible arms connecting the proximal and distal frame ends, wherein the flexible arms when in a relaxed state expand away from a central axis running through the proximal and distal frame ends; and   a flexible web positioned between the plurality of flexible arms, wherein the flexible web is held taut and substantially perpendicular to the central axis when the plurality of arms are in an expanded state.   
     
     
         32 . The vascular filter of  claim 31  further comprising:
 at least one barb positioned on an outer surface of at least one flexible arm, wherein the at least one barb protrudes beyond the outer surface of the at least one flexible arm when in an expanded state, and retracts from the outer surface of the at least one flexible arm when in a semi-collapsed or collapsed state. 
 
     
     
         33 . The vascular filter of  claim 32 , wherein the at least one barb is positioned along a plane that bisects the central axis. 
     
     
         34 . The vascular filter of  claim 32 , wherein the barb remains below the outer surface of the at least one flexible arm when it is in a semi-collapsed or collapsed state. 
     
     
         35 . The vascular filter device of  claim 31 , wherein the web has a circumference positioned within the plurality of flexible arms. 
     
     
         36 . The vascular filter of  claim 35 , wherein the circumference is positioned along a plane that bisects the central axis. 
     
     
         37 . The vascular filter of  claim 31 , wherein the web is substantially planar in the expanded state. 
     
     
         38 . The device of  claim 31 , wherein the web is fastened to at least one flexible arm by a hook or loop. 
     
     
         39 . The device of  claim 38 , wherein the hook or loop is secured to the at least one flexible arm by a heat shrinking material. 
     
     
         40 . The device of  claim 31 , wherein the web is composed of a plurality of crossing fibers that form a plurality of openings. 
     
     
         41 . The device of  claim 31 , wherein at least a portion of the frame or flexible web includes a coating comprising at least one agent selected from the group consisting of an antithrombogenic, an anticoagulant, an antifibrotic, a cytotoxin, and a non-stick, low-friction lubricant. 
     
     
         42 . The device of  claim 31 , further comprising at least one drug eluting material. 
     
     
         43 . A vascular filter device, comprising:
 a frame having a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of flexible arms connecting the proximal and distal frame ends, wherein the flexible arms expand away from a central axis running through the proximal and distal frame ends in a relaxed state, and compress toward the central axis when in a semi-collapsed or collapsed state; and   at least one barb positioned on an outer surface of at least one flexible arm, such that the at least one barb protrudes beyond the outer surface of the at least one flexible arm when in an expanded state, and retracts from the outer surface of the at least one flexible arm when in a semi-collapsed or collapsed state.   
     
     
         44 . The vascular filter device of  claim 43  further comprising:
 a flexible web positioned between the plurality of flexible arms, wherein the flexible web is held taut and substantially perpendicular to the central axis when the plurality of arms are in an expanded state 
 
     
     
         45 . The vascular filter device of  claim 44 , wherein the web has a circumference positioned within the plurality of flexible arms. 
     
     
         46 . The vascular filter of  claim 45 , wherein the circumference is positioned along a plane that bisects the central axis. 
     
     
         47 . The vascular filter of  claim 44 , wherein the web is substantially planar in the expanded state. 
     
     
         48 . The device of  claim 44 , wherein the web is fastened to at least one flexible arm by a hook or loop. 
     
     
         49 . The device of  claim 44 , wherein the web is composed of a plurality of crossing fibers that form a plurality of openings. 
     
     
         50 . The device of  claim 44 , wherein the hook or loop is secured to the at least one flexible arm by a heat shrinking material. 
     
     
         51 . The vascular filter of  claim 43 , wherein the at least one barb is positioned along a plane that bisects the central axis. 
     
     
         52 . The vascular filter of  claim 43 , wherein the barb remains below the outer surface of the at least one flexible arm when it is in a semi-collapsed or collapsed state. 
     
     
         53 . The device of  claim 43 , further comprising a coating having at least one agent selected from the group consisting of an antithrombogenic, an anticoagulant, an antifibrotic, a cytotoxin, and a non-stick, low-friction dry lubricant. 
     
     
         54 . The device of  claim 43 , further comprising at least one drug eluting material.