Filter apparatuses and methods of using same

Abstract

A filter device for implantation in a body lumen, comprising: a blocking section for filtering structures greater than a specified minimum size; and, an anchoring section for preventing unwanted movement of the filter device, wherein the filter device does not apply expansive radial force on a wall of the body lumen.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of stabilizing a filter device configured for implantation into a hollow body organ with an opening into an outlet duct, comprising:
 implanting, in a contracted form, the filter device in the organ with a blocking section of the filter device located proximal to the opening of the organ and wherein the blocking section blocks objects above a specified minimum size and is configured with apertures to allow bodily fluids to pass therethrough; and,   expanding at least an extending anchoring section of the filter device, away from the blocking section in a major axis of the filter device, to abut a wall of the organ opposite the opening;   where the expanded filter device extends substantially from the opening to the wall such that migration of the blocking section away from the opening is prevented by the anchoring section abutting the wall.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , where expanding includes leaving a distal end of the anchoring section curved. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1 , where expanding occurs as a result of a shape memory characteristic of the filter device. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1 , where expanding is performed by using at least one expansion balloon. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1 , where expanding occurs as a result of a resilience characteristic of the filter device. 
     
     
         6 . A method of filtering objects in a hollow body organ with an opening into an outlet duct, comprising:
 implanting a filtering device with a blocking section, where the blocking section is implanted near the opening to the organ, for filtering structures greater than a specified minimum size, and, an anchoring section;   expanding at least the anchoring section of the filter device towards a wall of the organ opposite the opening to prevent movement of the blocking section away from the organ,   where the filter device does not apply expansive radial force on a wall of the organ when expanded.   
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 6 , where expanding includes leaving a distal end of the anchoring section curved. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 6 , where expanding occurs as a result of a shape memory characteristic of the filter device. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 6 , where expanding is performed by using at least one expansion balloon. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 6 , where expanding occurs as a result of a resilience characteristic of the filter device. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 6 , further comprising eluting a pharmaceutical from the filter device into the lumen. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 6 , further comprising biodegrading the filter device over a period of time. 
     
     
         13 . A filter device for implantation into a hollow body organ with an opening into an outlet duct, comprising:
 a blocking section configured to filter structures greater than a specified minimum size and configured with apertures to allow bodily fluids to pass therethrough; and,   an anchoring section configured to prevent unwanted movement of the filter device extending away from the blocking section in a major axis of the filter device,   wherein the filter device is configured to extend from the blocking section proximal to the opening to the anchoring section abutting a wall opposite the opening.   
     
     
         14 . A filter device according to  claim 13 , wherein the entire device is comprised of a single filament. 
     
     
         15 . A filter device according to  claim 13 , wherein the blocking section is shaped as a curved surface proximal to the opening. 
     
     
         16 . A filter device according to  claim 13 , wherein the anchoring section is configured with a curved tip at an end of the anchoring section where the anchoring section abuts the wall. 
     
     
         17 . A filter device according to  claim 13 , wherein the device is made from at least one of a metal, a shape memory alloy and a polymer. 
     
     
         18 . A filter device according to  claim 13 , wherein the device is adapted for eluting a pharmaceutical after implantation. 
     
     
         19 . A filter device according to  claim 13 , wherein the device is at least one of bioabsorbable and biodegradable. 
     
     
         20 . A filter device according to  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the blocking section and anchoring section are configured to prevent bio-film growth.