Abstract: The invention relates to a device for medical use which is capable of being introduced into a duct of a living human or animal body, said device comprising a biocompatible flexible rod which has an axis along which it extends, free of stress, in a rectilinear manner, said rod having a length along this axis, a distal end and a proximal end. This device is characterised in that in order that the rod should remain substantially at a specific implantation location in the duct it is equipped with at least one means for absorbing axial stresses which is disposed along the axis thereof and is distinct therefrom whilst being connected thereto, such that its proximal end is not substantially displaced axially once the rod has reached the specific implantation location in the duct.

Abstract: A subcutaneous locating device for a blood filter is provided with a tubular component or catheter which can be perforated and is adapted so as to be implanted in a patient's body. The device comprises an external casing having a principal passage in order to receive therethrough a tubular component and a radial stud mounted so as to slide in the casing in order to perforate the tubular component and lock the casing along the latter under the control of an operator.

Abstract: A method for removably implanting in an implantable zone of a human body, preferably a vein, a divisible and flexible stem is disclosed. The stem includes a distal end and a proximal end, and may further includes a medical apparatus or implant fixed to one end of the stem. The method includes forming an access route to an implantation zone in a human body, followed by introducing a medical apparatus or implant into the body through the access route with the distal end of the stem first so as to implant the apparatus in the implantation zone, the stem having a length sufficient to extend along the route. The method further includes providing a locating member on a proximal end of the stem, the member being adapted to being disposed subcutaneously for locating the stem through the skin of the patients body. Thereafter, the locating member and the proximal end of the stem are disposed subcutaneously in the body in proximity to the access route.

Abstract: A method for removably implanting a blood filter in a vein of the human body makes use of apparatus that includes an elastic guide wire onto which there can be fitted a semi-rigid tubular mandrel (itself fitted into a thin-walled tubular sheath). A catheter is provided in the form of an easily divisible flexible tube whose distal end permanently bears the blood filter, and whose proximal end is intended to receive a locating member which will be confined under the skin of the patient. After temporary implanting of the filter, a removable strengthening cable can be inserted in a removable manner in the catheter in order to displace the filter along the sheath during its positioning in a vein, in particular in the inferior vena cava of a patient. This filter can be easily removed after a certain period, when the risks of pulmonary embolism are no longer feared.

Abstract: This device comprises an elastic guide wire onto which is fitted a semi-rigid tubular mandrel which is in turn fitted into a thin-walled tubular sheath. A catheter in the form of an easily divisible flexible tube has a distal end that permanently holds a blood filter. The catheter's proximal end receives a locating member that can be confined under the skin of a patient to insure that no infection develops. After the filter is temporarily implanted, a removable strengthening cable can be inserted into the catheter to advance the filter along the sheath to a chosen position in a vein, in particular the inferior vena cava, of the patient. The locating member makes it easy to remove the filter whenever the risk of pulmonary embolism is no longer present.