Abstract: An apparatus for removing a solid object from a body canal or vessel includes a coil of wire configured to slidably receive a guide wire and a sack having a mouth and a closed bottom opposite the sack. A resilient frame is connected between the coil of wire and the sack for biasing the mouth of the sack open around the coil of wire. The resilient frame is positionable between a collapsed state where the mouth of the sack is closed against the bias of the resilient frame and a deployed state where the mouth of the sack is biased open by the resilient frame.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical instrument used in minimally invasive procedures performed under either direct, endoscopic, fluoroscopic, or other visualization. The surgical instrument includes a frame which can be retracted into and extended from a sheath to form a loop and a sack having a mouth that is attached to the loop. The sack is used to encircle and capture foreign objects in body canals, cavities or organs. The wire frame is formed of a shape-memory-effect alloy wire in a super elastic state and previously trained to form the loop, the loop forming when the said wire frame is extended beyond the sheath. An invertor is connected to a closed end of the sack for urging the closed end of the sack toward the mouth of the sack.

Abstract: A vascular filter for capturing and removing emboli includes a sack having a mouth and a closed bottom opposite the mouth. A guide wire is received through the mouth of the sack and projected through the closed bottom of the sack. The closed bottom of the sack is connected to the projection of the guide wire therethrough. A collapsible frame is connected between the guide wire and the mouth of the sack. The collapsible frame biases the mouth of the sack open around the guide wire. A tube slidably receives the guide wire coaxially therein. The collapsible frame is moveable via the guide wire between outside the tube where the mouth of the sack is biased open by the collapsible frame and inside the tube where the mouth of the sack is closed, and vice versa.