Vascular filter system and method of deployment and retrieval of a vascular filter

Abstract

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 therethrough 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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A vascular filter system comprising:
 a) a vascular filter comprising:
 i) a barb tether having a barb release feature; 
 ii) a plurality of attachment barbs coupled to the barb tether; 
 iii) a filter web comprising a filter strand forming filter openings,
 wherein the filter web portion is coupled to the barb tether; 
 
   b) a deployment sheath having a distal end opening;   c) a plurality of tensors, each of said plurality of tensors comprising:
 i) an extended end; 
 ii) a tensor coupler attached to said extended end;
 wherein the plurality of tensors are retained within the deployment sheath; 
 wherein the tensor couplers are coupled with the barb release feature; 
 wherein each of the tensor couplers are detachably attached to the barb release feature; and 
 wherein the plurality of tensors are shape memory material and wherein each are configured to extend radially outward from the distal end opening of the deployment sheath to press the barb tether, and attachment barbs coupled thereto, against a vessel wall. 
 
   
     
     
         2 . The vascular filter system of  claim 1 , wherein the barb tether forms an attachment ring. 
     
     
         3 . The vascular filter system of  claim 1 , further comprising a stylet extending along the tensor to the tensor coupler and configured to release the tensor coupler from the barb tether. 
     
     
         4 . The vascular filter system of  claim 3 , wherein the tensor coupler extends at least partially around the barb release feature and wherein the stylet is configured to open the tensor coupler when tension is applied to release the tensor coupler from the barb release feature. 
     
     
         5 . The vascular filter system of  claim 4 , wherein the barb release feature comprises a shape of the barb tether configured to fit within the tensor coupler. 
     
     
         6 . The vascular filter system of  claim 5 , wherein the barb tether is a portion of an attachment ring. 
     
     
         7 . The vascular filter system of  claim 5 , wherein the barb tether extends from the attachment ring. 
     
     
         8 . The vascular filter system of  claim 3 , wherein the barb release feature extends at least partially around the tensor coupler and wherein the stylet is configured to pull the tensor coupler from the barb release feature when tension is applied to release the tensor coupler from the barb release feature. 
     
     
         9 . The vascular filter system of  claim 1 , wherein the filter web comprises a bioresorbable filter strand. 
     
     
         10 . The vascular filter system of  claim 1  wherein the filter web consists essentially of a bioresorbable filter strand. 
     
     
         11 . The vascular filter system of  claim 1 , wherein the filter openings have a dimension of no more than 10 mm. 
     
     
         12 . The vascular filter system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of attachment barbs are metallic. 
     
     
         13 . The vascular filter system of  claim 1 , wherein the filter web consists essentially of a bioresorbable filter strand, and wherein the plurality of attachment barbs are metallic. 
     
     
         14 . The vascular filter system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of attachment barbs comprises an insert end and a barb portion. 
     
     
         15 . The vascular filter system of  claim 1 , comprising a radiopaque material on the attachment ring. 
     
     
         16 . The vascular filter system of  claim 1 , comprising a radiopaque material on the attachment barb. 
     
     
         17 . The vascular filter system of  claim 1 , comprising a radiopaque material on the filter web. 
     
     
         18 . The vascular filter system of  claim 1 , wherein a web comprises a first portion of a plurality of filter strands having a higher dissolving rate than a second portion of a plurality of filter strands. 
     
     
         19 . The vascular filter system of  claim 1 , wherein the filter web consists of a spirographic loop. 
     
     
         20 . The vascular filter system of  claim 19 , wherein the spirographic loop consists of a single continuous strand.