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 method for retrieving a venous filter disposed on a catheter body, comprising:
a. threading an introducer sheath over the proximal end of the catheter body.
b. inserting a first end of the introducer sheath into a patient access site and into the patient's vasculature;
c. severing a proximal portion of the catheter body while maintaining hemostasis;
d. threading a retrieval sheath over the proximal end of the catheter body;
e. advancing the retrieval sheath into the patient's vasculature through the introducer sheath and toward a distal end of the catheter body proximate the venous filter;
f. enveloping the venous filter into a distal end of the retrieval sheath thereby capturing the venous filter within the retrieval sheath; and
g. concurrently withdrawing the retrieval sheath, the venous filter and the catheter body from the patient.
2 . The method of claim 1 , further including the step of removing the introducer sheath.
3 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising expanding the non-split rapid exchange retrieval sheath over the uncollapsed venous filter.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the retrieval sheath further includes a side lumen.
5 . The method of claim 4 , further including the step of passing a proximal portion of the catheter body through the side lumen of the retrieval sheath.
6 . The method of claim 5 , wherein step (d) further includes the step of advancing the retrieval sheath along the catheter body toward the venous filter.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the introducer sheath has a generally conical shape.
8 . The method of claim 7 , further comprising disposing the introducer sheath at a depth such that the diameter of the introducer sheath at an access site is sufficiently large to accommodate the retrieval sheath therein.
9 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising breaking apart a frangible section of the introducer sheath during insertion of the retrieval sheath therethrough.
10 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the frangible section of the introducer sheath resides within the patient's vasculature during use thereof.
11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the uncollapsed venous filter is inhibited from being fully collapsed.
12 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the uncollapsed venous filter is partially collapsed.