TEMPORARY FILTER RETRIEVAL APPARATUS AND METHOD
A temporary vena cava filter retrieval apparatus includes an introducer sheath for establishing access into a vessel via a patient access site and a retrieval sheath having a diameter sufficiently small to pass through the introducer sheath and sufficiently large to accommodate a partially or fully uncollapsed filter.
1 . A filter retrieval apparatus, comprising:
a. an introducer sheath for establishing percutaneous access to a patient's blood vessel; and
b. a retrieval sheath passable through the introducer sheath and capable of accommodating an at least partially uncollapsed filter therein.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the retrieval sheath includes a side lumen.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further including a catheter body having a filter attached to a distal end thereof.
4 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein a proximal end of the catheter body passes through the side lumen of the retrieval sheath.
5 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the introducer sheath has a generally conical shape.
6 . The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the introducer sheath is disposed in the patient at a depth such that the diameter of the introducer sheath at an access site sufficiently large to accommodate the retrieval sheath therein.
7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the introducer sheath further comprises a frangible section adapted to break apart during insertion of the retrieval sheath therethrough.
8 . The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the frangible section of the introducer sheath resides within the patient's vasculature during use thereof.
9 .- 14 . (canceled)