Venous filters
Inventors
Neeman, Ziv • Wood, Bradford J.
Assignees
US Department of Health and Human Services
Publication Number
US-7867245-B2
Publication Date
2011-01-11
Expiration Date
2025-02-08
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Abstract
Venous filters having at least two struts (110) each having a connected end and a non-connected end, wherein each of the struts includes a strut portion and an anchor portion (116), and wherein the strut portion and the anchor portion are attached via an electrolytically active thread (221, 222); and a head (118) that connects the connected ends of the struts, wherein the strut portion can be separated from the anchor portion at least in part by the application of an electrical current. The invention also includes a venous filter having at least two struts, wherein each of the struts includes a temperature sensitive portion and an anchor portion; wherein the anchor portion is separated from the temperature sensitive portion at least in part by changing the temperature around at least the temperature sensitive portion. Also included is a venous filter having a web (650) of dissolvable material; and at least two anchors (618), wherein the at least two anchors are configured to retain the web within a mammalian blood vessel.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to venous filters designed to remove clots from blood in mammalian veins, with a particular emphasis on filters that are removable. The core innovation includes venous filters having at least two struts, each with connected and non-connected ends, consisting of a strut portion and an anchor portion that are attached via an electrolytically active thread. The strut portion can be separated from the anchor portion at least in part by applying an electrical current, enabling removal of the filter with minimized damage to the vessel wall.
The invention also includes venous filters where each strut has a temperature sensitive portion and an anchor portion; the anchor portion is separable from the temperature sensitive portion at least in part by changing the temperature around the temperature sensitive portion. This mechanism allows the filter to be dislodged from a vessel wall by altering its mechanical properties through temperature changes, facilitating safer removal.
Additionally, the invention provides venous filters comprising a web of dissolvable material with at least two anchors configured to retain the web within a mammalian blood vessel. These filters gradually dissolve in situ, eliminating the need for removal and addressing complications related to long-term filter implantation.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes two independent claims presenting distinct inventive features regarding venous filters.
Venous filter with electrolytically active thread for separable strut and anchor portions
A venous filter comprising at least two struts each having connected and non-connected ends, with each strut including a strut portion and an anchor portion that fit together via positive and negative threads. At least one of the threads comprises an electrolytically active thread that erodes quickly upon application of an electrical current, permitting separation of the strut portion from the anchor portion. A head connects the connected ends of the struts.
Venous filter with temperature sensitive portion enabling separation by temperature change
A venous filter comprising at least two struts each having connected and non-connected ends, where each strut includes a strut portion, a temperature sensitive portion made of a temperature sensitive material distinct from the anchor portion, and an anchor portion. The temperature sensitive portion is located between the strut portion and the anchor portion and facilitates separation of the anchor portion from the temperature sensitive portion at least in part by changing the temperature around the temperature sensitive portion. A head connects the connected ends of the struts.
The patented venous filters feature novel mechanisms for safe removal, including electrolytically active threads that allow electrical erosion and temperature sensitive portions facilitating separation by temperature changes, enhancing retrievability and reducing vessel wall damage.
Stated Advantages
Venous filters can be removed with minimal or no damage to the vessel wall by allowing separation of strut and anchor portions.
Dissolvable filters eliminate the need for surgical removal by gradually dissolving within the blood vessel.
Temperature sensitive portions allow controlled alteration of mechanical properties to ease filter removal.
Electrolytically active threads erode quickly under electrical current, enabling safer filter dislodgement.
Documented Applications
The venous filters are used to capture venous emboli in mammalian veins, particularly in the inferior vena cava, to prevent pulmonary embolism.
Temporary placement in veins during periods of increased risk for pulmonary embolism, including perioperative protection and treatment of deep venous thrombosis.
Placement in specific veins such as the infrarenal IVC or superior vena cava, as required.
Applicable for patient classes including pediatric, multi-trauma, burn, orthopedic, oncologic, immobilized patients, and patients with contraindications to anticoagulation.
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