Abstract: A filter device positionable within a blood vessel for trapping blood clots in that vessel, the filter device comprising a head with a plurality of divergent legs each secured at its proximal end, to the head, each leg having a hook arranged at its distal end.Each leg has a radially outwardly directed radius of curvature to create a conical configuration to the filter assembly, while distributing the stress concentration along the length of the bend, so that the elastic limit of the material, stainless steel in this embodiment, is not exceeded, and which permits compact delivery of the filter, and adequate radially directed force to permit slight hook penetration of a vessel wall.

Abstract: A filter device positionable within a blood vessel for trapping blood clots in that vessel, the filter device comprising a head with a plurality of divergent legs each secured at its proximal end, to the head, each leg having a hook arranged at its distal end. The distal end includes a reversely bent portion of the leg which itself is bent radially outwardly, ending in the shape of a sharp point. The reversely bent portion of the leg comprises a pad to minimize the depth of penetration of the hook.A further embodiment of the leg shows a radially outwardly directed radius of curvature to create a conical configuration to the filter assembly, while distributing the stress concentration along the length of the bend, so that the elastic limit of the material, stainless steel in this embodiment, is not exceeded, and which permits compact delivery of the filter, and adequate radially directed force to permit slight hook penetration of a vessel wall.

Abstract: A stent delivery system to facilitate introduction and placement of a stent, including a catheter having an expansible distal portion constructed and arranged for expanding the outer diameter of the catheter from a contracted state to an expanded state; a stent positioned around the distal portion of the catheter, having a contracted condition and being expansible to an expanded condition, and being sized in the contracted condition to closely surround the catheter in the contracted state, the stent having an end portion defining a margin lying over the expansible portion of the catheter; a sleeve in the region of the distal portion of the catheter positioned around the catheter having a first end fixed to the catheter and a second end defining a margin lying over the margin of the stent; the sleeve fixing the end of the stent on the catheter when the catheter is in the contracted state, the catheter and stent cooperatively constructed and arranged to cause expansion of the catheter from its contracted state