US6080178A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vena cava filter
Assignee: W.L. Gore and Associates Inc
•
Filing: 1999-09-28
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Granted: 2000-06-27
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Expires: 2019-09-28
Abstract
Abstract A vena cava filter and placement set includes features which can be visualized solely utilizing sonography. A method of implanting a vena cava filter employs sonography to enable the surgeon to direct the filter to a desired location and ensure that the filter is properly deployed.
Inventors
- 👤 Allen J. Meglin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 21:29
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/01; A61F2/0105; A61F2002/016; A61F2230/00; A61F2230/0002; A61F2230/0028; A61F2230/005; A61F2230/0058; A61F2230/0063; A61F2230/0067; A61F2230/0069; A61F2250/00; A61F2250/0058; A61F2250/0096; A61F2250/0098
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
66 words
A filter, implantable in a blood vessel solely by sonographic visualization, comprising: one or more wires arranged to trap blood clots without substantially interfering with normal blood flow; and an echogenic feature on at least one wire located in a position which during deployment of the filter remains fixed relative to one end thereof, so the filter position can be accurately determined solely by sonographic visualization.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
66 words
A filter, implantable in a blood vessel solely by sonographic visualization, comprising: one or more wires arranged to trap blood clots without substantially interfering with normal blood flow; and an echogenic feature on at least one wire located in a position which during deployment of the filter remains fixed relative to one end thereof, so the filter position can be accurately determined solely by sonographic visualization.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The filter of claim 1, wherein the echogenic feature comprises: a bead.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The filter of claim 1, wherein the echogenic feature comprises: a tube.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
65 words
The filter of claim 3, wherein a marker wire passes through the echogenic tube, the marker wire further comprising: a plurality of echogenic markers on the marker wire, whereby correct visualization in a sonogram of a true longitudinal slice along the filter axis is readily ascertainable by presence in the sonogram of the tube in its entirety and each of the plurality of echogenic markers.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The filter of claim 3, wherein correct visualization in a sonogram of a true longitudinal slice along the filter axis is readily ascertainable by presence in the sonogram of the tube in its entirety.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The filter of claim 1, wherein the one or more wires are arranged to define a cone-shaped basket attached to the echogenic feature at a vertex.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The filter of claim 6, wherein the wire is further arranged to define a substantially coplanar flower, the echogenic feature attached thereto at a center thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The filter of claim 7, further comprising an outer ring of wire connecting a base of the cone to an outer position of the flower.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The filter of claim 6, further comprising: a plurality of echogenic markers substantially at a periphery of a base of the cone.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The filter of claim 6, further comprising: a plurality of loops of wire at a periphery of the basket, whereby the basket is axially aligned thereby during deployment thereof.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The filter of claim 6, wherein the basket is defined by substantially radially extending wires.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
The filter of claim 6, wherein the basket is defined by a mesh of wires extending in both radial directions and directions transverse the radial directions.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
The filter of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of echogenic markers substantially at a periphery of the filter, whereby deployment thereof can be visualized.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
69 words
A method of implanting a blood filter in a blood vessel, comprising steps of: moving a blood filter having an echogenic feature located in a position which during deployment of the filter remains fixed relative to one end thereof through the blood vessel to an implantation site in the blood vessel; and during the step of moving, visualizing the echogenic feature of the filter and the implantation site sonographically.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
69 words
A method of implanting a blood filter in a blood vessel, comprising steps of: moving a blood filter having an echogenic feature located in a position which during deployment of the filter remains fixed relative to one end thereof through the blood vessel to an implantation site in the blood vessel; and during the step of moving, visualizing the echogenic feature of the filter and the implantation site sonographically.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 14, further comprising: adjusting a sonographic transducer to correctly visualize in a sonogram a true longitudinal slice along the filter axis, which is readily ascertainable by presence in the sonogram of at least one echogenic feature of the filter.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
76 words
A caval filter placement set, comprising: a guide wire; a dilator; a sheath for introducing the filter; and a caval filter including one or more wires arranged to trap blood clots without substantially interfering with normal blood flow; and an echogenic feature on at least one wire located in a position which during deployment of the filter remains fixed relative to one end thereof, so the filter position can be accurately determined solely by sonographic visualization.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
76 words
A caval filter placement set, comprising: a guide wire; a dilator; a sheath for introducing the filter; and a caval filter including one or more wires arranged to trap blood clots without substantially interfering with normal blood flow; and an echogenic feature on at least one wire located in a position which during deployment of the filter remains fixed relative to one end thereof, so the filter position can be accurately determined solely by sonographic visualization.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
The filter of claim 16, the sheath further comprising an echogenic feature at a distal end thereof.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
The filter of claim 16, the dilator further comprising an echogenic feature at a distal end thereof.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
13 words
The filter of claim 16, the guide wire further comprising plural echogenic features.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
The filter of claim 19, wherein the guide wire has a hooked end which can engage a renal vein when positioned in the cava.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-06-27 | 2003-12-27 | 2004-06-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-06-27 | 2007-12-27 | 2008-06-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-06-27 | 2011-12-27 | 2012-06-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |