| abstract |
A thrombus filter configured for placement within a blood vessel lumen defined by a blood vessel wall. The thrombus filter includes a body member, and a plurality of wires. Each wire has a joined end and a free end. The joined end of each wire is fixedly attached to the distal portion of the body member. Each wire radiates away from the body member along a generally helical path of expanding diameter. The shape of each wire may be generally described as a spiral, or a helix of expanding diameter. The wires radiate away from the body member to form a generally conical filtering portion which includes a plurality of open cells. The thrombus filter may be removed using minimally invasive methods when such removal becomes desirable. A method of removing the thrombus filter is disclosed. |