Temporary filter retrieval apparatus and method

Abstract

A temporary vena cava filter retrieval apparatus includes an introducer sheath for establishing access into a vessel via a patient access site and a retrieval sheath having a diameter sufficiently small to pass through the introducer sheath and sufficiently large to accommodate a partially or fully uncollapsed filter.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention pertains generally to the field of vascular filters for capturing embolic material in the blood flow. More particularly, the present invention relates to withdrawal of a temporary vena cava filter (“VCF”) disposed near the distal end of a catheter having a catheter body and an outer sheath concentrically disposed over the catheter body.[0002]The accepted standard of care for patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) is anticoagulant therapy. Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are reserved for those patients who fail anticoagulant therapy, or have a complication or contraindication to anticoagulant therapy. Until the early 1970's, the only method of IVC interruption was surgical, either by clipping, ligation, or plication. The first clinical experience of an endoluminally-placed device to interrupt IVC flow was reported by Mobin-Uddin et al. in 1969. However, it was not until the introduction of a stainless steel umbrella-type fil...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a temporary venous filter retrieval apparatus and method that can be used to remove uncollapsed filters from a patient's blood vessel. The apparatus includes a retrieval sheath that can be delivered over a catheter attached to the filter, which can then be enveloped and removed from the patient. The apparatus can be used in both femoral and jugular approaches, but may require different positioning of the filter depending on the approach. The invention addresses the potential for embolic material to inhibit the filter's collapse and provides an alternative to the outer sheath for retrieval.

Problems solved by technology

Despite the efficacy of anticoagulant therapy in the management of VTE, there are certain situations and conditions in which the benefits of anticoagulation are outweighed by the risks of instituting such a therapy.

Currently these devices are not approved for use in the United States.

The time limit of retrievability is in part dependant on the rate of endothelialization of the device, which typically occurs within 2 weeks.

However, differences in design may extend the time period in which the filter may be safely retrieved.

However, misplacement of an SVC filter is theoretically more likely than with an IVC filter because of the relatively short target area for deployment.

VCF placement frequently occurs concomitantly with central access line placement or in critically ill patients that already have a central access line in place.

Heretofore, however, there have been few devices which combine the function of a central access catheter and a removable VCF.

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