Patent ID: 8062326
Filing Date: 2011-11-22
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A vessel filter comprising a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, a first region and a second region, the filter movable between a collapsed position for delivery to a vessel and an expanded position for placement within the vessel, the first region having a filter portion having a converging region to direct particles toward a center of the filter, the first region including a plurality of spaced apart elongated struts extending from the distal end portion and a plurality of connecting struts extending at an angle from the elongated struts to join adjacent elongated struts, the second region being flared in the expanded position to have a transverse dimension increasing toward a second end portion opposite the filter portion, the second region including a vessel engaging portion at the second end portion including a plurality of hooks at the proximal end portion of the filter, the first region having a spacer positioned at the distal end portion and spaced distally of the elongated struts, the spacer being formed from a spiral cutout in the first region of the filter, wherein in the collapsed position, the spacer forms a tubular portion having a spiral cut therein and in the expanded position, the spacer unravels such that the spacer extends radially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the filter, the spacer having a first end extending from the first region of the filter, a second free end, and a loop portion extending between the first end and second free end, the spacer terminating in the second free end.