Patent ID: 7077854
Filing Date: 2006-07-18
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for filtering fluid flowing in a blood vessel during an endovascular procedure, the method comprising the steps of: providing a vascular filter including an expandable frame and filter material disposed on an elongate member, the expandable frame being constrained in a collapsed condition; placing an elongate rail within a blood vessel across a treatment site to a location downstream thereof; advancing the vascular filter along the rail to the location downstream of the treatment site; expanding the expandable frame to an enlarged condition across the blood vessel, the vascular filter being slidable with respect to the rail; performing an endovascular procedure at the treatment site, the vascular filter capturing embolic material released during the procedure; advancing a retrieval member endovascularly to the location downstream of the treatment site, said retrieval member including an expandable member adapted to frictionally engage the vascular filter; securing the vascular filter to the retrieval member; and withdrawing the vascular filter and retrieval member from the blood vessel.