Patent ID: 7749244

Claim:
A retrieval system in combination with an un-tethered intravascular device, the combination comprising: (a) a hookable element connected to the un-tethered intravascular device, said hookable element including a threaded portion for temporary interconnection with a delivery system, and at least one projection projecting towards the un-tethered intravascular device; (b) a retrieval catheter having a distal end for insertion to a position close to the intravascular device, said distal end having a longitudinal central axis; and (c) a retrieval device deployed within, and advanceable beyond, said retrieval catheter, said retrieval device including a plurality of wire portions, said plurality of wire portions being configured such that, when said retrieval device is advanced to extend beyond said distal end of said retrieval catheter, each of said wire portions opens into a substantially planar loop in a plane parallel to, and lying substantially on, said longitudinal central axis, said plane of each of said loops being rotated about said longitudinal central axis relative to said planes of others of said loops, such that, when said retrieval device is advanced beyond said distal end and moved towards the intravascular device, said hookable element passes between said wire portions so as to lie within at least one of said loops, and when said retrieval device is withdrawn, at least one of said wire portions is engageable on said at least one projection so as to catch said hookable element and to allow withdrawal of the intravascular device.