Vena cava filter with bidirectional retrieval

A method for retrieving an intravascular filter from a patient's vena cava through the patient's femoral vein, the method comprising:

• percutaneously inserting a retrieval assembly into the patient's vasculature through the patient's femoral vein, the retrieval assembly comprising a retrieval sheath and a control member;
• advancing the retrieval assembly through the patient's vasculature to a retrieval position proximal to the intravascular filter in the patient's vena cava, the intravascular filter comprising:
• a plurality of primary struts having first and second ends, the first ends being attached together along a longitudinal axis to define a downstream end of the filter, the primary struts extending upstream from the first ends to the second ends;
• a lattice portion substantially cylindrically disposed about the longitudinal axis, the lattice portion having upstream and downstream edges, the second ends of the primary struts adjoining the downstream edge;
• a plurality of secondary struts having third and fourth ends, the third ends adjoining the upstream edge of the lattice portion, the secondary struts extending upstream from the third ends to the fourth ends, the fourth ends being attached together along the longitudinal axis to define an upstream end of the filter;
• a first coupling element disposed at the downstream end of the filter for jugular vein retrieval;
• and
• a second coupling element disposed at the upstream end of the filter for femoral vein retrieval;
• attaching the control member to the second coupling element to hold the intravascular filter in position;
• advancing the retrieval sheath distally over the intravascular filter;
• and
• removing the retrieval assembly and the intravascular filter from the patient's vasculature.