Vena Cava Filter Retrieval Device with Strut Engagement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vascular filter retrieval devices face difficulties in removing filters that have become off-centered or tilted within the vena cava, leading to endotheliosis and potential permanent implantation, especially when the filter hook becomes calcified, making retrieval challenging or impossible.
Innovation Solution
A retrieval device comprising a catheter with a deployable loop and a strut engaging member that can wrap around or hook the filter struts, allowing for the advancement of a catheter over the filter and collapse of its legs, facilitating removal without causing vessel trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a snare retrieval device is used to catch the removal hook on the filter, then the filter can be retrieved, but the filter may become off-centered or tilted making the hook lie close to or against the vessel wall, resulting in endotheliosis and potential permanent implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a catheter as an intermediary device that advances over the filter struts and hub to provide stable support and control during retrieval. This mediator prevents the filter from becoming off-centered or tilted, keeping the removal hook properly positioned and avoiding endotheliosis of the vessel wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is advanced over the filter struts before the snare engages the removal hook. This preliminary positioning stabilizes the filter in a centered orientation, ensuring the hook remains accessible and preventing subsequent tilting that would cause endotheliosis during the retrieval process.
2Strength
If the filter hook becomes calcified, then the filter structure strengthens, but retrieval of the filter becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the engagement function from the removal hook alone and distributes it across multiple filter struts. The catheter engages with multiple struts simultaneously, so even if the hook is calcified, the retrieval force is applied through the struts which remain accessible and engageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the filter, engages with multiple struts for retrieval, and maintains proper positioning. This multi-functionality ensures retrieval is possible even when the primary hook mechanism fails due to calcification.
3Loss of time
If the filter is removed after a short time, then the medical condition is addressed, but the filter may become endotheliosed to the vessel wall making removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is advanced over the filter struts in advance of the removal process, stabilizing the filter and preventing endotheliosis even during short-term implantation. This preliminary support ensures the filter remains easily removable regardless of how long it has been in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter acts as a mediator between the retrieval device and the filter, providing continuous support that prevents the filter from adhering to the vessel wall. This intermediary support maintains ease of removal throughout the entire implantation period.
Data Source
AI summary
A vascular filter retrieval device and methods of using the same are disclosed. In particular, some embodiments disclose a vascular filter retrieval device having a strut engaging member coupled to a loop. A retrieval device with an elongate member coupling a strut engaging member and loop are also disclosed. The present disclosure also provides a device having an orienting member arranged to extend at least partially around a vascular filter and orient a strut engaging member with a portion of the vascular filter. Other embodiments are disclosed.