Patent ID: 6596011
Filing Date: 2003-07-22
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
An emboli extraction catheter and vascular filter system for insertion into a lumen of a vessel, said system comprising:a) a guidewire having a proximal end and a distal end; b) a vascular filter attached near said distal end of said guidewire, said filter comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a plurality of struts extending therebetween, said filter further comprising a porous flexible filter membrane, with said porous flexible filter membrane connected to said filter distal portion and said plurality of struts, said porous filter membrane having a length less than the length of said plurality of struts, said vascular filter having a smaller first diameter for insertion into said lumen, and a second larger diameter for expanding to substantially equal the diameter of said lumen and to be placed in generally sealing relationship with said lumen; c) actuating means for causing said vascular filter to move from said smaller first diameter to said larger second diameter and back to said smaller first diameter; d) a flexible catheter having an outer diameter and an inner diameter, a proximal end and a distal end, a proximal portion and a distal portion, and an inner lumen, with said proximal end of said guidewire slidably insertable into said distal end of said catheter wherein said distal end of said catheter comprises a plurality of longitudinal slits; e) a radio-opaque tip near said distal end of said catheter; and f) a hub permanently attached to said proximal end of said catheter, said hub having an outer diameter and an inner diameter, a proximal end and a distal end, and an inner lumen, said hub further comprising a sideport and means for maintaining a seal on the guidewire, said lumen of said hub being in fluid communication with said lumen of said catheter; wherein said vascular filter and said catheter slits engage one another upon retraction of said filter into said catheter during aspiration of said catheter.