BIODEGRADABLE VASCULAR FILTER

1 . A biodegradable vascular filter system, which comprises, in combination:

a self-expanding apparatus which undergoes a phase change enabling it to move from a first, compacted position to a second, expanded position, operatively connected with;

a plurality of polymeric string-like members, which members expand from a slackened to a tensioned state in conjunction with the phase change of the associated apparatus;

wherein the system when emplaced in at least one of a vessel and a body lumen and is effective for trapping thrombi traveling therethrough.

2 . The biodegradable vascular filter system of claim 1 the apparatus further comprising a plurality of strut members which are radially elongated in the first compacted position.

3 . The biodegradable vascular filter system of claim 2 , the apparatus further comprising an attachment between each of said polymeric string members and at least one of the plurality of strut members.

4 . The biodegradable vascular filter system of claim 3 , further comprising at least a supplemental restraining mechanism that maintain the self-expanding apparatus in the first position until a desired release time.

5 . The biodegradable vascular filter system of claim 3 , wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one shape memory alloy selected from the group consisting of Nitinol® and other biocompatible metals.

6 . The biodegradable vascular filter system of claim 4 , wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one polymer system selected from the group consisting of LGPA and other polymers which dissolve at a predetermined time.

7 . The biodegradable vascular filter system of claim 3 , wherein the apparatus further comprises Nitinol® struts and a plurality of string-like members comprised of LGPA.

8 . A process for mitigating insult and injury by thrombus comprising, in combination:

providing a vascular filter device further comprising a shape memory alloy skeleton operatively linked to a biodegradable polymer;

emplacing the vascular filter device at a desired location upstream of at least one of a surgical and an interventional procedure site;

performing at least one of a surgical and an interventional procedure; and

leaving the vascular filter device in situ.

9 . The process of claim 8 , wherein the shape memory alloy is Nitinol® and the polymer system consists essentially of LGPA.

10 . A method for treating at least one of pulmonary embolism and a disease state characterized by generation of thrombus, which comprises the steps of:

operatively disposing a filter in accordance with claim 7 within a desired vessel of a patient;

causing the filter to expand from a first compacted to a second expanded position;

capturing at least of emboli and thrombi for a desired period of time; and

having the web or matrix dissolve.

11 . A method for treating of claim 10 , wherein the vessel is the vena cava.

12 . A method for treating of claim 10 , wherein the vessel is the aorta.

13 . A method for treating of claim 10 , wherein the vessel is among the peripheral vasculature.