Apparatus and method for the intravascular ultrasound-guided placement of a vena cava filter
US6440077B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 9, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 9, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2230/0067
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for the intravascular placement of a vena cava filter includes an outer sheath, an intravascular ultrasound catheter with an ultrasonic imaging element, a guide wire, and the vena cava filter that is to be deployed. The outer sheath, ultrasound catheter, and guide wire share a common central axis. The ultrasound catheter is enclosed by and is moveable relative to the outer sheath, and the guide wire is enclosed by and is moveable relative to the ultrasound catheter. In the stored position, the filter is secured between the outer sheath and the ultrasound catheter. When the apparatus is introduced into a vein, the ultrasound catheter provides real-time imaging of the vein for identifying the appropriate location for placement of the filter. Once such a location has been identified, the outer sheath is drawn back relative to the ultrasound catheter, exposing the legs of the filter, allowing the legs of the filter to spring free and attach themselves to the wall of the vein.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.