Patent ID: 7041117
Filing Date: 2006-05-09
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for retrieving a vena cava filter from a blood vessel, comprising the steps of: providing a vena cava filter retrieval device, the device including a tubular sheath, a shaft slidable within the sheath, and means for retrieving a filtering device attached to the shaft; advancing the retrieval device through a blood vessel to a location adjacent a vena cava filter, the vena cava filter including a hub, the hub defining a narrow portion of the filter, and a plurality of arms extending from the hub, the arms defining a wide portion of the filter; extending the shaft out from a distal end of the sheath so that the means for retrieving a filtering device engages the narrow portion; retracting the filter into the sheath; and wherein means for retrieving a filtering device includes a plurality of distal members and wherein the step of extending the shaft out from a distal end of the sheath so that the means for retrieving a filtering device engages the hub includes engaging the distal members with the hub.