The present invention relates to a safety cartridge for a medical filter which can be inserted through a percutaneous access point, via a catheter or introducer, and placed in a blood vessel or other body passage. Filters may have features which are not longitudinally symmetrical, such as anchors or barbs which angle toward one end, or a retrieval hook at only one end. Depending on the physician's selection of the access point, the filter may be introduced to a desired site for treatment from opposing directions. However, it is desirable to introduce the filter with the desired alignment (inserting the desired end in first) regardless of where the selected access point is, and accordingly regardless of which direction of approach to the desired site. As a result, it is desirable to provide a safety cartridge. Cartridges hold filters in an initial compressed shape during storage and insertion into the patient. A safety cartridge may have labels and/or indicators corresponding to which approach direction is selected, showing which end of the cartridge, and so which end of the filter inside the cartridge, to insert first into a catheter or introducer. A safety cartridge may have uniquely shaped first and second ends, which match insertion port(s) on a catheter or introducer which correspond to the selected approach direction. Accordingly, the safety cartridge assists proper orientation of the filter during delivery and treatment.
