Patent ID: 6932832

Claim:
A blood filter mechanism for use in a vascular lumen comprising: an implantable filter having an active state and an inactive state; said filter, when in said active state, being positioned to catch blood clots while said filter is implanted in the vascular lumen; and said filter, when in said inactive state, being positioned to pass blood clots while said filter is implanted in the vascular lumen; a switching mechanism to switch said filter from said active state to said inactive state; wherein said switching mechanism includes a breakable element holding said filter in a position to intercept particles in blood flowing in the vascular lumen to establish said active state; and an endovascular device having a sharp portion capable of cutting said breakable element and a hook portion capable of grabbing said breakable element; said filter switched from said active state to said inactive status by breaking said breakable element; wherein said breakable element is removed from said filter after said breakable element is broken.