Patent ID: 8734481

Claim:
A filter for use within the lumen of a blood vessel that includes a plurality of interconnected intraluminal filter elements adapted to flexibly convert between a filter configuration and an open configuration, the filter comprising: a removable filter head including, a retainer; and a stopper movable between a first position and a second position relative to the removable filter head and the retainer; wherein the retainer and the stopper cooperate at the first position to secure the plurality of interconnected intraluminal filter elements into the filter configuration and wherein the movement of the stopper to the second position releases the plurality of interconnected intraluminal filter elements to the open configuration; and a catch fixedly attached to the stopper and adapted to mechanically release the stopper from the retainer in response a releasing force, wherein the releasing force is provided by a snare catheter positioned adjacent to the catch and the removable filter head.