Methods for maintaining a filtering device within a lumen

Abstract

In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of filtering blood flow in a lumen by positioning an open loop filter support structure within a lumen; maintaining a position of the open loop filter support structure within the lumen using radial force generated by the open loop filter support structure; and filtering blood flow in the lumen using a filter supported by the open loop filter support structure. In one aspect, there is also applying radial force generated by the open loop filter support structure along the axial dimension of the lumen. In another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of providing a filter across a lumen flow path by providing a filter support structure having a first end, a crossover section, and a second end; and fixing the position of the filter support structure within the lumen by positioning the first end against a first portion of the lumen and positioning the second end against a second portion of the lumen; and using the filter support structure to provide a filter across the lumen flow path. In one aspect, the ends do not pierce the lumen surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 641,327, filed Jan. 3, 2005, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 668,548, filed Apr. 4, 2005; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 673,980, filed Apr. 21, 2005 each of which is incorporated herein by reference and, this application is related to the following copending patent applications filed herewith: application Ser. No. 11 / 325,251 entitled “Retrievable Endoluminal Filter”; application Ser. No. 11 / 325,611 entitled “Coated Endoluminal Filter”; application Ser. No. 11 / 325,230 entitled “Endoluminal Filter”; application Ser. No. 11 / 325,622 entitled “Endoluminal Filter”; application Ser. No. 11 / 325,229 entitled “Spiral Shaped Filter”; application Ser. No. 11 / 325,273 entitled “Filter Delivery Methods”; application Ser. No. 11 / 325,247 entitled “Lumen Filtering Methods”; International Patent Application Serial No. PCT / US06 / 00087 entitled “Retrievable Endoluminal Filte...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of filtering blood flow in a lumen by positioning an open loop filter support structure within a lumen; maintaining a position of the open loop filter support structure within the lumen using radial force generated by the open loop filter support structure; and filtering blood flow in the lumen using a filter supported by the open loop filter support structure. In one aspect, In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a maintaining a position of the open loop filter support structure within the lumen is performed without piercing the surface of the lumen. In one aspect, maintaining a position of the open loop filter support structure within the lumen is performed without perforating the lumen.

Problems solved by technology

This condition is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can cause a potentially fatal condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).

While effective at preventing PE, these methods were associated with significant mortality and morbidity (see, e.g., Kinney T B, Update on inferior vena cava filters, JVIR 2003; 14:425-440, incorporated herein by reference).

Operative mortality associated with all of these surgical treatments remained high and therefore limited their applicability.

These reported problems include tilting which makes it difficult to recapture the device and compromises filtration capacity.

Hooks 30, 40, 50, 60 used to secure these devices have been reported to perforate the vessel wall, cause delivery complications, and fracture.

All of these described devices share the common limitation that they can be retrieved from only one end.

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