Blood filter
AssigneeVascular Science Inc.
InventorsThomas J. Bachinski, David S. Goldsteen, Daniel J. Sullivan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A bodily fluid filter has an elastic tubular framework and a plurality of filter filaments extending from the surface of the tubular framework in toward the longitudinal axis to trap objects to be filtered. The elastic framework is deformable to facilitate deployment and removal, but resumes its operational shape once deployed. The filter can be installed intralumenally and/or remotely if desired.
Claims41
A bodily fluid filter comprising:
- a tubular framework of a first elastic material having a longitudinal axis, and forming a tubular bodily fluid flow passageway having a tubular wall;
- and
- a plurality of filaments extending from said tubular framework into said tubular blood flow passageway for trapping solid objects flowing in said bodily fluid flow passageway without obstructing said bodily fluid flow.
A method of making a bodily fluid filter comprising:
- forming a tubular framework of a first elastic material;
- affixing a proximal end of each of a plurality of filaments to said tubular framework extending into said tubular blood flow passageway for trapping solid objects flowing in said bodily fluid flow passageway without obstructing said bodily fluid flow;
- setting said framework;
- and
- covering said framework with a web of a second elastic material.
A method of installing a bodily fluid filter in a tubular body conduit through which a bodily fluid flows, said bodily fluid filter having a tubular framework of a first elastic material having a first diameter and a longitudinal axis, and forming a tubular bodily fluid flow passageway having a tubular wall, and a plurality of filaments extending from said tubular framework into said tubular blood flow passageway for trapping solid objects flowing in said bodily fluid flow passageway without obstructing said bodily fluid flow, said method comprising:
- elastically deforming said bodily fluid filter into an elongated tube of a second diameter smaller than said first diameter;
- inserting said elongated tube axially into position in said tubular body conduit;
- and
- releasing said bodily fluid filter from said elastic deforming.
Apparatus for installing a bodily fluid filter in a tubular body conduit through which a bodily fluid flows, said bodily fluid filter having a tubular framework of a first elastic material having a first diameter and a longitudinal axis, and forming a tubular bodily fluid flow passageway having a tubular wall, and a plurality of filaments extending from said tubular framework into said tubular blood flow passageway for trapping solid objects flowing in said bodily fluid flow passageway without obstructing said bodily fluid flow, said apparatus comprising:
- a substantially cylindrical surface over which said bodily fluid filter can be elastically deformed into an elongated tube, said elongated tube having a second diameter smaller than said first diameter and being substantially concentric with said surface;
- and
- a releasable retainer for releasably retaining said bodily fluid filter on said surface.
Apparatus for installing a bodily fluid filter in a tubular body conduit through which a bodily fluid flows, said bodily fluid filter having a tubular framework of a first elastic material having a first diameter and a longitudinal axis, and forming a tubular bodily fluid flow passageway having a tubular wall, and a plurality of filaments extending from said tubular framework into said tubular blood flow passageway for trapping solid objects flowing in said bodily fluid flow passageway without obstructing said bodily fluid flow, said apparatus comprising:
- a tube in which said bodily fluid filter can be inserted, said tube having an inner surface and a second diameter smaller than said first diameter, such that said bodily fluid filter expands against said inner surface to retain said bodily fluid filter in said tube;
- and
- a releasable retainer for releasing said bodily fluid filter from engagement with said inner surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.