A method of removing an implanted vessel filter by a femoral approach comprising the steps of providing a catheter, inserting a curved device into the catheter to a position proximal of the tip, advancing the catheter tip through the femoral vein and past a cranial end of the filter, inserting the curved device into the catheter tip to move the catheter tip to a more curved position, and inserting a filter grasping device though the curved device and catheter tip to exit a distal portion to grasp the filter.