Embolus blood clot filter utilizable with a single delivery system or a single retrieval system in one of a femoral or jugular access

A blood filter system, comprising:

• a) a tubular member having a first end, intermediate end and a second end, the tubular member extending along a longitudinal axis, the first end having an inner surface exposed to the longitudinal axis, the inner surface surrounding a tubular member bore;
• b) a first filter structure comprising at least two elongated members;
• c) a second filter structure comprising at least two elongated members;
• d) one or more first links connected between elongated members of the first filter structure at a longitudinal middle section of the elongated members, portions of the one or more first links extending inwardly from the elongated members;
• e) one or more second links connected between elongated members of the second filter structure, at a longitudinal middle section of the elongated members portions of the one ore more second links extending inwardly from the elongated members;
• f) wherein each filter structure diverges from the longitudinal axis in opposite directions in a first expanded configuration of the filter structures having a first diameter, and each filter structure is collapsible into second collapsed configuration having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter;
• g) a retrieval member movably mounted in the tubular member between retracted and extended positions;
• and
• h) wherein in the extended position, the retrieval member is connectable to a filter structure by engaging a link at a position outside of the tubular member bore.

A method of retrieving a blood filter from the circulatory system of a patient comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a retrieval device and a retrieval sheath for retrieving a filter comprising a first filter structure comprising at least two elongated members, a second filter structure comprising at least two elongated members, one or more first links connected between elongated members of the first filter structure at a longitudinal middle section of the elongated members, portions of the one or more first links extending inwardly from the elongated members, and one or more second links connected between elongated members of the second filter structure at a longitudinal middle section of the elongated members, portions of the one or more second links extending inwardly from the elongated members;
• b) wherein in step “a” each filter structure diverges from the longitudinal middle section in opposite directions in a first expanded configuration of the filter structures having a first diameter, and each filter structure is collapsible into a reduced diameter shape in a second configuration having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter;
• c) wherein
• the filter structures are engaged against a vessel wall of an implantation site;
• and
• d) retrieving the filter by forming an access to the implantation site via a selected vessel and retrieving the filter with the retrieval device into the retrieval sheath by connecting the retrieval device with one or more of the links.