US6562058B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Intravascular filter system
Assignee: Rubicon Medical Inc
•
Filing: 2001-03-02
•
Granted: 2003-05-13
•
Expires: 2021-03-02
Abstract
Abstract A removable intravascular filter system traps emboli and other solid materials in connection with intravascular medical procedures such as the placement of a stent or a catheter balloon. The system involves a hollow guidewire and an actuating wire movable within the guidewire to actuate the filter membrane. Embodiments of the filter system include biased closed and biased open filter configurations, and are easily routed through a patient's artery and deployed. Optionally, the actuating wire can be removed and a substitute wire can be inserted into the hollow guidewire. Control mechanisms can help the operator limit movement of the actuating wire during deployment and/or collapse of the filter membrane. Preferred filter membranes are configured to maximize both blood flow and emboli capture.
Inventors
- 👤 Jacques Seguin
- 👤 Jean-Claude Laborde
- 👤 Georg Bortlein
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 02:18
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/22; A61B17/221; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/01; A61F2002/018; A61F2230/00; A61F2230/0002; A61F2230/0004; A61F2230/0006; A61F2230/0063; A61F2230/0067; A61F2230/0073; A61F2230/008; A61F2230/0093
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 73
Claim 1
Independent Claim
88 words
A removable filter system for trapping solid materials in a vessel of a patient, comprising: a filter assembly; a hollow guidewire having a lumen, a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said distal end of said guidewire is connected to said filter assembly; and an actuating wire movable longitudinally through said lumen of said guidewire and engageable and disengageable with said filter assembly to actuate at least one of deployment and collapse of said filter assembly, wherein said actuating wire is not affixed to said filter assembly.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
88 words
A removable filter system for trapping solid materials in a vessel of a patient, comprising: a filter assembly; a hollow guidewire having a lumen, a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said distal end of said guidewire is connected to said filter assembly; and an actuating wire movable longitudinally through said lumen of said guidewire and engageable and disengageable with said filter assembly to actuate at least one of deployment and collapse of said filter assembly, wherein said actuating wire is not affixed to said filter assembly.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The filter system of claim 1 , wherein said filter assembly comprises a biased open filter membrane that can be forced into a closed position by advancing said actuating wire through said lumen and against a distal end of said filter assembly.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
55 words
The filter system of claim 1 , wherein said filter assembly comprises a biased closed filter membrane that can be forced into an open position by advancing said actuating wire through said lumen and into said filter assembly, and forming a three-dimensional configuration of a distal end of said actuating wire in said filter assembly.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
130 words
A removable filter system for trapping solid materials in a vessel of a patient, comprising: a filter assembly comprising a filter membrane, biased in an open position and having a distal end and a proximal end; a hollow guidewire, having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said distal end of said hollow guidewire is connected to said proximal end of said filter assembly; and an actuating wire having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said filter assembly collapses to a closed position as said actuating wire is advanced through said hollow guidewire and into said distal end of said filter assembly, and wherein said filter assembly deploys into the open position as said actuating wire is retracted away from said distal end of said filter assembly.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
130 words
A removable filter system for trapping solid materials in a vessel of a patient, comprising: a filter assembly comprising a filter membrane, biased in an open position and having a distal end and a proximal end; a hollow guidewire, having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said distal end of said hollow guidewire is connected to said proximal end of said filter assembly; and an actuating wire having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said filter assembly collapses to a closed position as said actuating wire is advanced through said hollow guidewire and into said distal end of said filter assembly, and wherein said filter assembly deploys into the open position as said actuating wire is retracted away from said distal end of said filter assembly.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
The filter system of claim 4 , wherein said filter assembly comprises a plurality of ribs expanding radially from said distal end to said proximal end of said filter assembly and providing a structural support for said filter membrane.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter system of claim 5 , wherein said filter assembly is composed of a shape memory alloy.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The filter system of claim 6 , wherein said shape memory alloy is a nickel titanium alloy.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The filter system of claim 4 , wherein said membrane is composed of a polymeric material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The filter system of claim 4 , wherein said membrane has a mesh structure.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The filter system of claim 4 , wherein said membrane has is composed of a polymeric material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The filter system of claim 4 , wherein said membrane is composed of a nickel titanium alloy.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
The filter system of claim 10 , wherein said membrane has laser-cut openings.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
The filter system of claim 11 , wherein said membrane has laser-cut openings.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
19 words
The filter system of claim 13 , wherein said filter assembly is cut from a single sheet of material.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
31 words
The filter system of claim 4 , wherein said filter membrane has a convex fold where said membrane engages said vessel wall and a concave fold distal to said convex fold.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
The filter system of claim 15 , wherein said filter membrane has at least one longitudinal fold.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
46 words
The filter system of claim 4 , further comprising a handle; said handle comprising a locking mechanism wherein said actuating wire and said hollow guidewire can be connected at said hollow guidewire proximal end, thereby securing said filter assembly in either the deployed or retracted position.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
The filter system of claim 17 , further comprising a substitute wire that can be inserted in said guidewire upon removal of said actuating wire.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
151 words
A removable filter system for trapping solid materials in a vessel of a patient, comprising: a filter assembly comprising a filter membrane, biased in a closed position and having a distal end and a proximal end; a hollow guide wire having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said distal end of said hollow guidewire is attached to said proximal end of said filter assembly; and an actuating wire having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said distal end of said actuating wire is constrained within said hollow guidewire, and wherein said distal end of said actuating wire changes shape to deploy said filter assembly into an open position when said distal end of said actuating wire extends beyond said distal end of said hollow guidewire into said filter assembly; said filter assembly returning to the closed position upon retraction of said actuating wire into said hollow guidewire.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
151 words
A removable filter system for trapping solid materials in a vessel of a patient, comprising: a filter assembly comprising a filter membrane, biased in a closed position and having a distal end and a proximal end; a hollow guide wire having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said distal end of said hollow guidewire is attached to said proximal end of said filter assembly; and an actuating wire having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said distal end of said actuating wire is constrained within said hollow guidewire, and wherein said distal end of said actuating wire changes shape to deploy said filter assembly into an open position when said distal end of said actuating wire extends beyond said distal end of said hollow guidewire into said filter assembly; said filter assembly returning to the closed position upon retraction of said actuating wire into said hollow guidewire.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
39 words
The filter system of claim 19 , wherein said filter assembly comprises a plurality of ribs expanding radially from said distal end to said proximal end of said filter assembly and providing a structural support for said filter membrane.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
57 words
The filter system of claim 19 , wherein at least a portion of said actuating wire is split along its axis, forming an incision, said actuating wire expanding outward to engage and deploy said filter assembly in the open position when said distal end of said actuating wire extends beyond said distal end of said hollow guidewire.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
14 words
The filter system of claim 19 , wherein said membrane has a mesh structure.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
16 words
The filter system of claim 19 , wherein said membrane is composed of a polymeric material.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
13 words
The filter system of claim 23 , wherein said membrane has laser-cut openings.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
17 words
The filter system of claim 19 , wherein said membrane is composed of a nickel titanium alloy.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter system of claim 25 , wherein said membrane is cut from a single sheet of material.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
31 words
The filter system of claim 19 , wherein said filter membrane has a convex fold where said membrane engages said vessel wall and a concave fold distal to said convex fold.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
17 words
The filter system of claim 27 , wherein said filter membrane has at least one longitudinal fold.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter system of claim 19 , wherein said actuating wire is composed of a shape memory alloy.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
17 words
The filter system of claim 29 , wherein said shape memory alloy is a nickel titanium alloy.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
46 words
The filter system of claim 19 , further comprising a handle; said handle comprising a locking mechanism wherein said actuating wire and said hollow guidewire can be connected at said hollow guidewire's proximal end, thereby securing said filter assembly in either the deployed or retracted position.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
The filter system of claim 19 , wherein said distal end of said actuating wire assumes a spiral shape upon said actuating wire extending beyond said distal end of said hollow guidewire.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
32 words
The filter system of claim 19 , wherein said distal end of said actuating wire assumes a lasso shape upon said actuating wire extending beyond said distal end of said hollow guidewire.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
88 words
A method of trapping solid materials in a vessel of a patient, comprising: inserting a hollow guidewire having a lumen and a distal end connected to a proximal end of a filter assembly into said vessel while said filter assembly is in a closed position, to position said filter assembly in said vessel; and deploying said filter assembly into an open position in said vessel by longitudinally moving an actuating wire through said lumen of said guidewire, wherein said actuating wire is not affixed to said filter assembly.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
88 words
A method of trapping solid materials in a vessel of a patient, comprising: inserting a hollow guidewire having a lumen and a distal end connected to a proximal end of a filter assembly into said vessel while said filter assembly is in a closed position, to position said filter assembly in said vessel; and deploying said filter assembly into an open position in said vessel by longitudinally moving an actuating wire through said lumen of said guidewire, wherein said actuating wire is not affixed to said filter assembly.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 34 , wherein said filter assembly is biased open when at rest, and is forced into said closed position by advancing said actuating wire relative to said lumen and against a distal end of said filter assembly.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 34 , wherein said filter assembly is biased closed when at rest, and is forced into said open position by advancing said actuating wire relative to said lumen and into said filter assembly where a distal end of said actuating wire assumes a three-dimensional configuration that forces said filter assembly into said open position.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
100 words
An intravascular filter, comprising: a cage comprising a plurality of ribs extending from a proximal end of said cage to a distal end of said cage, said ribs being constrained against radial movement to a vessel wall at said distal end of said cage and being radially movable into contact with said vessel wall at said proximal end of said cage; and a filter membrane supported within said cage, said filter membrane including a proximal portion that includes radial convexities extending radially outward between said ribs to contact said vessel wall when said intravascular filter is in a deployed condition.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
100 words
An intravascular filter, comprising: a cage comprising a plurality of ribs extending from a proximal end of said cage to a distal end of said cage, said ribs being constrained against radial movement to a vessel wall at said distal end of said cage and being radially movable into contact with said vessel wall at said proximal end of said cage; and a filter membrane supported within said cage, said filter membrane including a proximal portion that includes radial convexities extending radially outward between said ribs to contact said vessel wall when said intravascular filter is in a deployed condition.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
38 words
An intravascular filter according to claim 37 , said filter membrane including a distal portion that includes radial concavities extending radially inward between said ribs to assist in controlled folding of said intravascular filter for positioning or removal.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
38 words
An intravascular filter according to claim 38 , wherein said proximal portion of said filter membrane is axially convex and said distal portion of said filter membrane is frustoconical when said intravascular filter is in said deployed condition.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
24 words
An intravascular filter according to claim 38 , said filter membrane including a transition area where said radial convexities transition into said radial concavities.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
25 words
An intravascular filter according to claim 40 , wherein said transition area is at a meeting point of said proximal portion and said distal portion.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
41 words
An intravascular filter comprising a filter membrane, said filter membrane, when in a deployed condition, including a proximal portion that is axially convex, and a distal portion that is frustoconical or tubular and of a smaller diameter than said proximal portion.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
41 words
An intravascular filter comprising a filter membrane, said filter membrane, when in a deployed condition, including a proximal portion that is axially convex, and a distal portion that is frustoconical or tubular and of a smaller diameter than said proximal portion.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
96 words
An intravascular filter system, comprising: a hollow guidewire having an axially extending lumen; an actuating wire extending within said lumen; and a filter assembly that can be deployed and/or collapsed by said actuating wire; and a control mechanism for controlling an extent of axial movement of said actuating wire through said lumen; wherein said control mechanism comprises: at least one projection on at least one of an interior surface of said guidewire and an exterior surface of said actuating wire, and at least one mating indentation on the other of said guidewire and said actuating wire.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
96 words
An intravascular filter system, comprising: a hollow guidewire having an axially extending lumen; an actuating wire extending within said lumen; and a filter assembly that can be deployed and/or collapsed by said actuating wire; and a control mechanism for controlling an extent of axial movement of said actuating wire through said lumen; wherein said control mechanism comprises: at least one projection on at least one of an interior surface of said guidewire and an exterior surface of said actuating wire, and at least one mating indentation on the other of said guidewire and said actuating wire.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
34 words
An intravascular filter system according to claim 43 , wherein said at least one indentation comprises a groove with a distal terminus that prevents further axial movement of said projection in a distal direction.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
59 words
An intravascular filter system according to claim 44 , wherein said spiral groove is on an interior surface of said guidewire and said projection is on an exterior surface of said actuating wire, and a proximal end of said groove is located at a proximal edge of said guidewire to permit withdrawal of said actuating wire from said guidewire.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
33 words
An intravascular filter system according to claim 44 , wherein said groove includes at least one feature that identifies a preferred distance of axial movement of said actuating wire in a proximal direction.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
16 words
An intravascular filter system according to claim 46 , wherein said groove has a spiral shape.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
23 words
An intravascular filter system according to claim 46 , wherein said preferred distance is a distance required to deploy and/or collapse said filter.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
58 words
An intravascular filter system according to claim 43 , wherein at least one said indentation or projection is located at a proximal end portion of said guidewire, and a first said mating projection or indentation is located at a position on said actuating wire corresponding to an advanced position of said actuating wire relative to said filter assembly.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
45 words
An intravascular filter system according to claim 49 , wherein a second said mating projection or indentation is located at a position on said actuating wire corresponding to a position of said actuating wire wherein said actuating wire is retracted relative to said filter assembly.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
47 words
An intravascular filter system according to claim 50 , further comprising a stop that prohibits distal movement of said actuating wire beyond a fully advanced position relative to said filter assembly, but said actuating wire is not completely constrained from being fully retracted from said guide wire.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
71 words
A device for controlling movement of an actuating wire through a lumen of a hollow guidewire, comprising: a first, axially constrained gripper configured to grip a proximal portion of said hollow guidewire; a second, axially movable gripper configured to grip a portion of said actuating wire extending out of said proximal portion of said hollow guidewire; and a control member for moving said axially movable gripper over a predetermined axial distance.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
71 words
A device for controlling movement of an actuating wire through a lumen of a hollow guidewire, comprising: a first, axially constrained gripper configured to grip a proximal portion of said hollow guidewire; a second, axially movable gripper configured to grip a portion of said actuating wire extending out of said proximal portion of said hollow guidewire; and a control member for moving said axially movable gripper over a predetermined axial distance.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
94 words
A device for controlling movement of an actuating wire through a lumen of a hollow guidewire, comprising: a first, axially constrained gripper configured to grip a proximal portion of said hollow guidewire; a second, axially movable gripper configured to grip a portion of said actuating wire extending out of said proximal portion of said hollow guidewire; and a control member for moving said axially movable gripper over a predetermined axial distance; wherein each said gripper comprises a pair of gripper elements with a space between them for holding the respective guidewire or actuating wire.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
94 words
A device for controlling movement of an actuating wire through a lumen of a hollow guidewire, comprising: a first, axially constrained gripper configured to grip a proximal portion of said hollow guidewire; a second, axially movable gripper configured to grip a portion of said actuating wire extending out of said proximal portion of said hollow guidewire; and a control member for moving said axially movable gripper over a predetermined axial distance; wherein each said gripper comprises a pair of gripper elements with a space between them for holding the respective guidewire or actuating wire.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device according to claim 53 , wherein said control member comprises a rotatable knob operably connected to said second gripper.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
31 words
A device according to claim 53 , further comprising a housing configured to clamp said pairs of gripper elements onto said respective guidewire and actuating wire when said housing is closed.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device according to claim 55 , wherein said housing includes at least one clamp for holding said housing closed.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
38 words
A device according to claim 56 , wherein said housing further includes at least one hinge for allowing said housing to open and be placed onto said guidewire and said actuating wire from the side of said wires.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
59 words
A filter assembly comprising: a filter membrane; a distal end and a proximal end; said assembly having ribs expanding radially from said distal end to said proximal end defining a filter cage and providing structural support for said filter membrane, wherein said filter cage and said filter membrane are formed from a single sheet of a shape memory alloy.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
59 words
A filter assembly comprising: a filter membrane; a distal end and a proximal end; said assembly having ribs expanding radially from said distal end to said proximal end defining a filter cage and providing structural support for said filter membrane, wherein said filter cage and said filter membrane are formed from a single sheet of a shape memory alloy.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
14 words
The filter assembly of claim 58 , wherein said membrane has laser cut openings.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
58 words
A filter assembly comprising: a filter membrane; a distal end and a proximal end; said assembly having ribs expanding radially from said distal end to said proximal end defining a filter cage and providing structural support for said filter membrane, wherein said filter cage and said filter membrane are formed from a single sheet of a polymeric material.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
58 words
A filter assembly comprising: a filter membrane; a distal end and a proximal end; said assembly having ribs expanding radially from said distal end to said proximal end defining a filter cage and providing structural support for said filter membrane, wherein said filter cage and said filter membrane are formed from a single sheet of a polymeric material.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
66 words
A filter assembly comprising: a filter membrane; a distal end and a proximal end; said assembly having ribs expanding radially from said distal end to said proximal end defining a filter cage and providing structural support for said filter membrane, wherein said filter cage and said filter membrane are formed from a single sheet of a polymeric material; wherein said filter membrane has laser cut openings.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
66 words
A filter assembly comprising: a filter membrane; a distal end and a proximal end; said assembly having ribs expanding radially from said distal end to said proximal end defining a filter cage and providing structural support for said filter membrane, wherein said filter cage and said filter membrane are formed from a single sheet of a polymeric material; wherein said filter membrane has laser cut openings.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3996938A
Cited
US4926858A
Cited
US4650466A
Cited
US5067489A
Cited
US4991602A
Cited
US5329942A
Cited
US5108419A
Cited
US5160342A
Cited
US5053008A
Cited
US5490859A
Cited
US5836868A
Cited
US5354310A
Cited
US5897567A
Cited
WO1996001591A1
Cited
US5795322A
Cited
US5951585A
Cited
US5769816A
Cited
US5980555A
Cited
US5989281A
Cited
US6136016A
Cited
US6117154A
Cited
US6013093A
Cited
US5695519A
Cited
US5810874A
Cited
US6096053A
Cited
US5935139A
Cited
US5976172A
Cited
US5669933A
Cited
US6074357A
Cited
WO1998033443A1
Cited
US5941869A
Cited
US6053932A
Cited
US5814064A
Cited
US6001118A
Cited
US6086605A
Cited
US5957949A
Cited
US6042598A
Cited
US6027520A
Cited
US5910154A
Cited
US5911734A
Cited
US5954745A
Cited
US6059814A
Cited
US5941896A
Cited
US6066149A
Cited
WO1999023976A1
Cited
WO1999044510A1
Cited
US6152946A
Cited
DE19811364A1
Cited
US6152947A
Cited
WO2000016705A1
Cited
WO2000049970A1
Cited
US6146396A
Cited
US6068645A
Cited
US6129739A
Cited
US6142987A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2006-05-12 | 2006-11-11 | 2007-05-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-05-12 | 2010-11-11 | 2011-05-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-05-12 | 2014-11-11 | 2015-05-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |