Retractable temporary vena cava filter

Abstract

An intravascular catheter filter system which includes more particularly, the intravascular catheter filter system includes an outer cylindrical tubing having an inner lumen, an intermediate cylindrical tubing slidably received by the outer cylindrical tubing and an inner cylindrical member slidably received by the intermediate cylindrical tubing. The system also includes an expandable filter element comprised of a plurality of arcuate, elongate, flexible strips having proximal ends attached to the distal end of the outer cylindrical tubing and being positioned adjacent to each other so as to be of a generally cylindrical configuration. The flexible strips are normally biased outwardly from the center of the cylindrical configuration such that the strips form a generally bulbus configuration. A cylindrical filter retaining member is disposed on the distal end of the intermediate cylindrical tubing. The retaining member includes a cylindrical slot for receiving the distal tips of the flexible strips of the filter element. A locking member is disposed on the distal end of the inner cylindrical member for normally locking the distal tips of the flexible strips into the cylindrical slot of the retaining member, and upon movement of the inner cylindrical member relative to the intermediate cylindrical tubing, unlocking the distal tip of the flexible strips from the cylindrical slot in the retaining member to thereby assist in the removal of the catheter filter from a vessel.