Blood filter devices, systems, and methods of using the same to detect the presence of a thrombus within said filter devices

Blood filter devices, systems, and methods of using the same to detect the presence of a thrombus within said filter devices. A device of the present disclosure for detecting a thrombus or other blood particulate matter of a threshold size within a vessel can comprise a filter having a head and a plurality of legs extending distally therefrom, configured to capture the thrombus or other blood particulate matter of at least a threshold size, and at least one impedance element positioned distal to the head and configured to detect a presence of the thrombus or other blood particulate matter of at least a threshold size within the filter by obtaining data within a bloodstream when the filter is positioned within the bloodstream.

BACKGROUND

Vena cava filters are commonly used in the medical field to attempt to trap venous thrombi and to prevent them from entering and embolizing in the lungs. In an ideal situation, the vena cava filter would only be used as long as necessary, namely only as long as it would take to trap the one or more thrombi of particular and potential concern.

In view of the foregoing, it would be advantageous to have a mechanism to noninvasively detect a thrombus, or other blood particulate matter of a sufficient size, within a vena cava filter so to potentially minimize the implantation period.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a device, comprising a filter comprising a head and a plurality of legs extending therefrom, configured to capture a thrombus or other blood particulate matter of at least a threshold size, and at least one additional item configured to detect a presence of the thrombus or other blood particulate matter of at least a threshold size within the filter by obtaining data within a bloodstream when the filter is positioned within the bloodstream.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a device, wherein the at least one additional item comprises at least one impedance element, wherein the data comprises impedance data, wherein the at least one impedance element is configured to obtain the impedance data within a blood stream, and wherein the impedance data would indicate the presence of the thrombus or other blood particulate matter of at least a threshold size within the filter.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a device, wherein the at least one additional item comprises at least one pressure sensor, wherein the data comprises pressure data, wherein the at least one pressure sensor is configured to obtain the pressure data within a blood stream, and wherein the pressure data would indicate the presence of the thrombus or other blood particulate matter of at least a threshold size within the filter.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a device, wherein the at least one additional item comprises at least one fiber-optic sensor, wherein the data comprises light data, wherein the at least one fiber-optic sure sensor is configured to obtain light data within a blood stream, and wherein the light data would indicate the presence of the thrombus or other blood particulate matter of at least a threshold size within the filter.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a device, wherein the device is at least partially coated with a coating comprising a fibroblast growth factor inhibitor.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a system, comprising a device, comprising a filter comprising a head and a plurality of legs extending therefrom, configured to capture a thrombus or other blood particulate matter of at least a threshold size, and at least one additional item configured to detect a presence of the thrombus or other blood particulate matter of at least a threshold size within the filter by obtaining data within a bloodstream when the filter is positioned within the bloodstream; and a console configured to wirelessly obtain the data from the filter.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a system, wherein the console is configured to obtain the data from the filter indicative of the thrombus or other blood particulate matter of at least a threshold size being caught within the filter.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a system, wherein data can be transmitted from the device to the console and from the console to the device.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a system, comprising a device, comprising a filter comprising a head and a plurality of legs extending therefrom, configured to capture a thrombus or other blood particulate matter of at least a threshold size, and at least one additional item configured to detect a presence of the thrombus or other blood particulate matter of at least a threshold size within the filter by obtaining data within a bloodstream when the filter is positioned within the bloodstream; and a sheath having a distal balloon positioned thereon, the sheath configured to be positioned around at least part of the filter within a blood vessel, wherein the balloon is configured for inflation within the blood vessel, wherein the inflation causes the balloon to inflate outward toward the blood vessel and proximally along the sheath.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a device for detecting a thrombus or other blood particulate matter of a threshold size within a vessel, comprising a filter having a head and a plurality of legs extending distally therefrom, configured to capture the thrombus or other blood particulate matter of at least a threshold size; and at least one impedance element positioned distal to the head and configured to detect a presence of the thrombus or other blood particulate matter of at least a threshold size within the filter by obtaining data within a bloodstream when the filter is positioned within the bloodstream.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a device, wherein the at least one impedance element comprises an excitation electrode configured to generate an electric field within the bloodstream when the filter is positioned within the bloodstream of a vessel. The present disclosure includes disclosure of a device, wherein the at least one impedance element comprises a detection electrode configured to detect conductance data within the bloodstream when the filter is positioned within the bloodstream of a vessel.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a device, wherein the at least one impedance element comprises a combination excitation and detection electrode configured to both excite an electric field and detect conductance data within the electric field in the bloodstream when the filter is positioned within the bloodstream of a vessel. The present disclosure includes disclosure of a device, wherein the device further comprises at least one pressure sensor configured to obtain pressure data within a bloodstream, and wherein the pressure data indicates presence of the thrombus or other blood particulate matter of at least a threshold size within the filter.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a device, wherein the device further comprises at least one fiber-optic sensor configured to obtain light data within a bloodstream, and wherein the light data indicates presence of the thrombus or other blood particulate matter of at least a threshold size within the filter. The present disclosure includes disclosure of a device, further comprising a sheath having a distal balloon positioned thereon, the sheath configured to be positioned around at least part of the filter within a blood vessel, wherein the balloon is configured for inflation within the blood vessel, wherein the inflation causes the balloon to inflate outward toward the blood vessel and proximally along the sheath.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a device, wherein the device is at least partially coated with a coating comprising one or more fibroblast growth factor inhibitors. The present disclosure includes disclosure of a device, wherein the legs form a generally conical configuration and further comprise barbs on the distal ends thereof, the barbs configured for detachable engagement with vessel walls to hold the filter in place within the bloodstream of the vessel.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a system for detecting a thrombus or other blood particulate matter of a threshold size within a vessel, comprising a device, comprising a filter having a head and a plurality of legs extending distally therefrom, configured to capture the thrombus or other blood particulate matter of at least a threshold size; and at least one impedance element positioned distal to the head and configured to detect a presence of the thrombus or other blood particulate matter of at least a threshold size within the filter by obtaining data within a bloodstream when the filter is positioned within the bloodstream; and a console operably coupled to the device, configured to wirelessly obtain data from the device, based the data received from the at least one impedance element positioned within the bloodstream of a vessel.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a system, wherein the system further comprises a sheath having a distal balloon positioned thereon, the sheath configured to be positioned around at least part of the filter within a blood vessel, wherein the balloon is configured for inflation within the blood vessel, wherein the inflation causes the balloon to inflate outward toward the blood vessel and proximally along the sheath.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a system, wherein the device may further comprise a filter transmitter/receiver, and wherein the console may further comprise a console transmitter/receiver, the filter transmitter/receiver operably coupled to the console transmitter/receiver to both transmit and receive the data detected by the at least one impedance element to and from the console.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a system, wherein the filter transmitter/receiver and the console transmitter/receiver are operably coupled via a bidirectional radio frequency link.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a system, further comprising a display operably coupled to the console, the display configured to visually or audibly provide the data received from the at least one impedance element positioned within the bloodstream of a vessel.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a system, further comprising a remote computer operably coupled to the console, wherein the remote computer, the console, and the device can communicate with one another through a wireless network.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a system, wherein the device is at least partially coated with a coating comprising a fibroblast growth factor inhibitor.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a system, wherein the at least one impedance element comprises a combination excitation and detection electrode configured to both excite an electric field and detect conductance data within the electric field in the bloodstream when the filter is positioned within the bloodstream of a vessel.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a system, wherein the device further comprises at least one sensor configured to obtain data within a bloodstream, and wherein the sensor data indicates presence of the thrombus or other blood particulate matter of at least a threshold size within the filter.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a method for safely removing a blood filter device from within a blood vessel, comprising the steps of surrounding at least part of the blood filter device with a sheath retrieval device, the blood filter device configured to capture a thrombus or other blood particulate matter of at least a threshold size, the blood filter device comprising a head and a plurality of legs extending therefrom, and at least one impedance element positioned distal to the head and configured to detect a presence of the thrombus or other blood particulate matter of at least a threshold size within the blood filter device by obtaining data within a bloodstream when the blood filter device is positioned within the bloodstream; and inflating a balloon positioned on a distal end of the sheath retrieval device, wherein inflating the balloon within the blood vessel causes the balloon to inflate outwardly toward the blood vessel and proximally along the sheath, wherein the balloon at least partially surrounds the blood filter device; and retracting the blood filter device up into the sheath retrieval device while the balloon provides continuous pressure against the blood vessel walls to safely detach the legs of the blood filter device from the blood vessel walls of a patient.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a method, wherein the step of surrounding at least part of the blood filter device further comprises inserting a catheter having a sheath retrieval device into the blood vessel of the patient.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a system for detecting a thrombus or other blood particulate matter within a vessel, comprising a device, comprising a filter comprising a head and a plurality of legs extending therefrom, configured to capture a thrombus or other blood particulate matter of at least a threshold size, and at least one additional item configured to detect a presence of the thrombus or other blood particulate matter of at least a threshold size within the filter by obtaining data within a bloodstream when the filter is positioned within the bloodstream; and a sheath having a distal balloon positioned thereon, the sheath configured to be positioned around at least part of the filter within a blood vessel, wherein the balloon is configured for inflation within the blood vessel, wherein the inflation causes the balloon to inflate outward toward the blood vessel and proximally along the sheath.

An overview of the features, functions and/or configurations of the components depicted in the various figures will now be presented. It should be appreciated that not all of the features of the components of the figures are necessarily described. Some of these non-discussed features, such as various couplers, etc., as well as discussed features are inherent from the figures themselves. Other non-discussed features may be inherent in component geometry and/or configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1shows an embodiment of a prior-art vena cava filter. As shown therein, filter100comprises a head102having a plurality of legs104extending therefrom, whereby the plurality of legs104form a general conical configuration. Barbs106may optionally be present at distal ends of legs104so that when filter100is implanted within a vein or other vessel, for example, barbs106could gently engage venous tissue to hold filter100in place. Particulates within the blood stream of sufficient size so to be caught/trapped by filter100, such as a blood clot (thrombus) or other blood particulate matter, such as cholesterol, plaque, etc., of sufficient size to be caught/trapped by filter100, could then be caught/trapped by filter100at or near head102of filter100, such as at or near apex108of filter100, as shown inFIG. 1(whereby apex108is defined as an area just distal to head102of filter100, where legs104contact head102, and being the location where a thrombus or other blood particulate matter would ultimately be caught by filter100).

It is noted that in various filter100devices of the present disclosure, a head102may not be a separate element from legs104. For example, a location where legs104meet at a location of filter100may be referred to as head102.

An exemplary filter100of the present disclosure is shown inFIG. 2. As shown inFIG. 2, filter100is a “smart” filter in that it contains components, or is otherwise configured, to allow a medical professional, for example, to noninvasively determine whether or not a thrombus or other blood particulate matter is present within (caught/trapped by) said filter100after implantation into the bloodstream.

As shown inFIG. 2, an exemplary filter100of the present disclosure comprises one or more impedance elements200positioned upon or otherwise configured as part of filter. For example, impedance elements200could comprise metallic elements or impedance electrodes that are configured as part of an overall system to determine impedance. The impedance of blood, or a general impedance range of blood, differs from the impedance of a blood clot (thrombus), or an impedance range of thrombi. As such, changes in impedance can indicate the presence of a thrombus, or other blood particulate matter of a sufficient size so to be caught by filter100, within filter100, as referenced in further detail herein.

Such a method to determine the presence of a thrombus or other blood particulate matter of s sufficient size to be caught by filter100within filter100would therefore be based upon a detected change in impedance. For example, and after implantation of filter100, impedance data could be obtained from filter100over time or otherwise as desired. For example, and should a thrombus not be caught by filter100until five days after implantation has elapsed, said impedance data would be relatively steady over those initial five days, and then a notable change in impedance would be detected, indicative of the capturing of said thrombus.

Impedance elements200may be excitation electrodes, detection electrodes, or combination excitation/detection electrodes. Excitation electrodes (exemplary impedance elements200) can be used to generate an electric field, and detection electrodes (also exemplary impedance elements200) can detect, using impedance (or conductance, depending on the preference in terminology), within said electric field. For example, if a combination of excitation electrodes and detection electrodes (exemplary impedance elements200) were operated within the bloodstream, as generally referenced herein, constant or relatively constant impedance data would be obtained over time if only blood is present at said impedance elements200. Should a thrombus or other blood particulate matter of s sufficient size to be caught by filter100be caught/captured by filter100and be within the electric field, said impedance elements200could then effectively detect the presence of said thrombus and/or other particulate matter, as a change in impedance would occur based on said presence, as compared to, for example, the lack thereof (only standard blood flow, as referenced above). Said details on use of excitation electrodes and/or detection electrodes (exemplary impedance elements200) within the blood stream to obtain conductance/impedance data using impedance, for example, may be as described within U.S. Pat. No. 7,454,244 to Kassab et al., the contents of which are incorporated into the present disclosure by reference in their entirety.

In various filter embodiments100of the present disclosure, filter100itself may be configured for use as an impedance element200. In such an embodiment, filter100may operate as an impedance element200, and one or more additional impedance elements200may be present upon said filter100.

In various embodiments of filters100having impedance elements200of the present disclosure, the electric field can be generated by impedance elements200of the filter100or other impedance elements200positioned away from the filter100within or outside of the body, such as within another part of the body outside of the bloodstream or within the bloodstream away from filter100, or outside of the body, such as on the skin, for example.

The one or more impedance elements200could be coupled to one or more legs104of filter100at or near head102, such as shown inFIG. 2. Conversely, the one or more impedance elements200could be coupled to head102of filter100, such as shown inFIG. 3. In various embodiments, one or more impedance elements200could be coupled to one or more legs104and/or to head102of filter100.

FIG. 4shows another embodiment of an exemplary filter100of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG. 4, filter100comprises one or more pressure sensors400configured to detect pressures (obtain pressure data) within a bloodstream of a patient. For example, and should pressure sensor be operated over time during typical blood flow (for a particular patient, for example), the pressure data obtained by pressure sensor(s)400would have a steady pulse form. Should a thrombus or other blood particulate matter of a sufficient size to be caught by filter100be caught/captured by filter100and contact one or more pressure sensors400, the pressure data obtained by said pressure sensor(s)400would damp out the pulse form and become less pulsatile or even flat line indicative of a thrombus on the transducer tip. This dampening of pressure is well known when a clot forms around the tip of a catheter during pressure measurements that requires flushing to restore the pulsatility of the pressure waveform. Pressure sensors400of the present disclosure can be coupled to or otherwise integrated with one or more legs104of filter100and/or head102of filter100, as may be desired.

FIG. 5shows another embodiment of an exemplary filter100of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG. 5, filter100comprises one or more fiber-optic sensors500configured to detect a thrombus or other blood particulate matter using light. Fiber-optic sensors500can be coupled to filter100and when operated, are configured to detect blood particulate matter above a certain size threshold, such as larger than a red blood cell or a set number of red blood cells. Should a thrombus or other blood particulate matter of a sufficient size so to be caught by filter100be caught by filter100within a sensing range of one or more fiber-optic sensors500, data obtained by said fiber-optic sensor(s)500would be different than data obtained by the same fiber-optic sensor(s)500when a thrombus or other blood particulate matter of a sufficient size so to be caught by filter100is absent from filter100.

As referenced herein, impedance elements200, pressure sensors400, and/or fiber-optic sensors500can be positioned along filter100so that said items contact head102of filter100and/or contact one or more legs104of filter100, as may be desired, at head102, just distal to head102(such as at apex108), or distal to apex108.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7show depictions of data collected over time, by way of example for discussion purposes (asFIGS. 6 and 7do not depict data actually collected). The data depiction inFIG. 6Awould represent, for example, relatively constant data obtained over time, and a change in the intensity of said data upon and after a thrombus, or other blood particulate matter of a sufficient size so to be caught by filter100, is caught by filter100. For example,FIG. 6could depict impedance data collected over time, such as by operating one or more impedance elements200of the present disclosure, with a notable change in impedance upon capture of a thrombus by filter100, as said thrombus would have different impedance properties as compared to blood.FIG. 6Acould also depict light data collected over time, such as by operating one or more fiber-optic sensors500of the present disclosure, with a notable change in said light data upon capture of a thrombus by filter100when said thrombus is within a detection range of said fiber-optic sensors500.FIG. 6Bcould represent, for example, a steady pulse form of pressure data obtained over time using one or more pressure sensors200, which dampens, or even potentially flat lines, when a thrombus, or other or other blood particulate matter of a sufficient size so to be caught by filter100, is caught by filter100and impedes the ability of pressure sensor(s)200to obtain pressure data.

The data depiction inFIG. 7could represent, for example, a temporary change impedance, such as when a thrombus would be temporarily detected by impedance elements200positioned away from apex108, for example, such that the thrombus would enter filter100, pass through a detection range of impedance elements200, and then be caught within apex108of filter. The data depiction inFIG. 7could also represent, for example, a temporary change in pressure, such as when a thrombus would temporarily contact a pressure sensor400positioned away from apex108, for example, such that the thrombus would enter filter100, briefly contact pressure sensor400, and then be caught within apex108of filter. The data depiction inFIG. 7could also represent, for example, a temporary change in light data obtained by fiber-optic sensors, such as when a thrombus would be temporarily detected using fiber-optic sensor(s)500positioned away from apex108, for example, such that the thrombus would enter filter100, briefly be detected by fiber-optic sensor(s)500, and then be caught within apex108of filter.

FIG. 8shows a block component diagram of an exemplary system800of the present disclosure. An exemplary system800of the present disclosure comprises a filter100having one or more impedance elements200, pressure sensors400, and/or fiber-optic sensors500positioned thereon and/or coupled thereto, and a console802(such as a computer or another piece of equipment having a processor804coupled to a storage medium806, whereby the storage medium can store instructions (software) accessible using processor804to operate console802as desired). Console802, in various embodiments, would be configured to obtain one or more of impedance data from impedance elements200, pressure data from pressure sensors400, and/or light data from fiber-optic sensors500, of filter100, when filter100is implanted within a mammalian body (such as within a mammalian vein). Said data (depicted as the jagged line inFIG. 8) can be obtained directly by said impedance elements200, pressure sensors400, and/or fiber-optic sensors500, and/or by way of a filter transmitter/receiver150in communication therewith, such as also coupled to filter100, whereby filter transmitter/receiver150is configured to transmit said data to console802, such as being received by a console transmitter/receiver808, for example. As data is obtained from filter100by console802, said data can be stored within storage medium806(such as hard drive, flash drive, solid state drive, optical drive, etc.), be used by processor804as desired, and/or displayed using a display810coupled to or otherwise in communication with console802. Display810can be a video display, an audio mechanism (such as a speaker), etc., namely some sort of item that could be operated to alert a user that the data has been received, and in particular, for example, alert a user that the data indicates that a thrombus, or other blood particulate matter of a sufficient size so to be caught by filter100, is caught by/within filter100. Once this has occurred, a medical professional may wish to remove, clean, and/or replace said filter100, as may be desired. Should a particular goal be to limit the amount of time a filter100is present within a vein, such a filter100and/or system800, as referenced herein, could be used and operated to detect a thrombus, or other blood particulate matter of a sufficient size so to be caught by filter100, as soon as it is captured by filter100, allowing said filter100to be removed with the knowledge that it has caught a thrombus/other matter, so to avoid potential complications and/or long-term implants.

An exemplary telemetry system (system800), such as shown inFIG. 8, allows wireless excitation of the various sensors (such as impedance element(s)200, pressure sensor(s)400, and/or fiber-optic element(s)500) and transmission of the data obtained from the same telemetrically. System800can include a bidirectional radio frequency link (such as depicted as the jagged line inFIG. 8, for example) that allows the implant (filter100) to send data to console802and to accept commands/instructions from console802, such as via software stored on storage medium806) to perform various tasks. Said instructions can be received by filter transmitter/receiver150, as shown inFIG. 8, which can also be used to transmit data back to console802. System800can be controlled or otherwise operated by a base station decoder/controller812, such as shown inFIG. 8and in communication with console transmitter/receiver808and/or processor804) that decodes the data stream sent by the implant (filter100) into analog signals. System800can also convert the data into a digital data stream that can be sent via Ethernet, for example, to a remote computer or iPhone for storage and/or analysis.

FIG. 9shows portions of an exemplary system800, whereby console802and filter100can effectively communicate with one another directly or through a network900. Data can be sent to console802from filter100, from filter100to console802, from console802to a remote computer950in wired or wireless communication with console802, and/or to console802from remote computer950in wired or wireless communication with console802, as may be desired. Remote computer950could be, for example, a laptop, tablet, smartphone (such as an iPhone or Android device), laptop, or even another console802.

In use, when a filter (such as filter100or prior art filters) remain within a blood vessel for an extended period of time, such as more than several months, they tend to become encapsulated with fibrotic ingrowth, which can not only hinder blood flow, but can also make removal of said filter quite difficult. Depending on the extent of fibrotic ingrowth, removal of the filter may require a surgical procedure versus an intravascular procedure.

To address potential fibrotic ingrowth and inhibit or limit the same, exemplary filters100of the present disclosure can be partially or completely coated with a coating1000, such as shown inFIG. 10. Coatings1000, in various embodiments, can comprise one or more fibroblast growth factor (FGF) inhibitors1002that can release said inhibitors over time. In at least one embodiment, at least portions of the arms104of an exemplary filter100that would ultimately contact a blood vessel (such as a vein) can be coated with coating1000so to release an FGF inhibitor1002over time. Exemplary FGF inhibitors1002(also referred to as fibrosis inhibitors) of the present disclosure may include, but are not limited to, Suramin (8,8′-{Carbonylbis[imino-3,1-phenylenecarbonylimino(4-methyl-3,1-phenylene)carbonylimino]}di(1,3,5-naphthalenetrisulfonic acid) or other polyanionic polysulfated or polysulfonated compounds such as suradistas (sulfonated distamycin A derivatives), for example.

In cases where a barbs106of legs104of filter100would penetrate and migrate into a vessel wall, a sheath used to retract the filter100can at times almost invert the inferior vena cavae (IVC) (an exemplary vein1100) when filter100is pulled therethrough, as said barbs106coupled with the pulling can exert a relatively large force on a pliable venous wall. Procedurally, a filter (such as filter100) would be positioned within a vein1100, such as shown inFIG. 11A, and allowed to remain therein for a desired amount time so to capture a thrombus or other material1120. To remove the filter (such as a filter100), a retrieval system1150would be used, such as shown inFIG. 11B, with said system1150comprising a retrieval device1152positioned within a sheath1154. Retrieval device1152would engage head102of filter100, or an engagement portion1110at, near, or of head102of filter100, and after said engagement, sheath1154could be advanced, or otherwise sheath1154would move relative to retrieval device1152, so to encapsulate filter within sheath1154, such as shown inFIG. 11C. Retrieval system1150can then be removed from vein1100, taking filter100out of vein1100as well. As noted above, barbs106can engage vein1100, or fibrotic tissue can engage legs104or barbs106of filter100, and retrieving filter100such as shown inFIGS. 11B and 11Cand referenced above, can cause undesired stress (force) against the wall of vein1100, which can lead to potentially serious complications during removal.

To address this problem, a balloon1200on a distal external portion of sheath1154that can be inflated to apply tension to the IVC (vein1100) wall during retraction, so to concentrate the force on the tips of the filter (barbs106of filter100) where needed without unduly stretching the IVC wall. Current sheaths used to remove filters, such as shown inFIGS. 11B and 11C) do not use or include balloons1200, and as such, sheaths1154of the present disclosure that incorporate balloons1200therein would be novel and would provide a novel “push and pull” anchor mechanism for easier filter100retrieval.

FIG. 12Ashows a sheath1154advanced within a vein1100so that sheath1154encapsulates some/most of filter100. Barbs106of legs104of filter100generally would remain attached to vein1100, although advancement of sheath1154around filter100, such as shown inFIG. 12A, may cause one or more barbs106to detach. Once sheath1154is positioned as desired, a sheath balloon1200positioned at or near a distal end of sheath1154can be inflated, such as shown inFIG. 12B(partial inflation) andFIG. 12C(fully inflated or more inflated than inFIG. 12B), whereby balloon1200inflates outward toward vein1100and proximally along sheath1154, such as shown inFIGS. 12B and 12C. In at least one embodiment, balloon1200is configured to extend at or about 10 cm, or more or less, along sheath1154. Inflation of balloon1200can occur via an inflation lumen1202, such as shown inFIGS. 12A-12C, defined within or outside of sheath1154. Inflation of balloon1200, such as shown inFIG. 12C, provides tension against vein1100, so that when a retrieval device1152engages filter100to retrieve the same through sheath1154, a much more focal application of force would be used to retract filter100and prevent vein1100from substantially deforming. For example, and as noted above, barbs106would pull vein1100inward, and if a balloon1200is used and inflated, balloon1200would counter that pulling and help vein1100remain in position while filter100is being removed from vein1100.

The aforementioned filters100, wireless systems800, and sheaths1154would be well received in the medical marketplace.

While various embodiments of blood filter devices, systems, and methods of using the same to detect the presence of a thrombus within said filter devices have been described in considerable detail herein, the embodiments are merely offered as non-limiting examples of the disclosure described herein. It will therefore be understood that various changes and modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting with respect to the content thereof.

Further, in describing representative embodiments, the present disclosure may have presented a method and/or a process as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth therein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described, as other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps disclosed herein should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure. In addition, disclosure directed to a method and/or process should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written. Such sequences may be varied and still remain within the scope of the present disclosure.