Abstract: The invention provides flow directed catheters and methods which are useful in introducing various fluids to a target site within a body lumen. In one exemplary embodiment, a flow directed catheter is provided which comprises a catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one axial lumen. At least one jet is in fluid communication with the axial lumen. The jet is angled toward the proximal end of the catheter body so that a fluid which is flowed through the axial lumen exits the jet to distally propel the catheter body.

Abstract: An embolic element comprises a filament composed of a shape memory material having an unexpanded coil configuration and an expanded random matrix configuration. The embolic element may be delivered to a blood vessel treatment site in its coiled configuration over a delivery wire through a guide catheter. Usually, the coiled embolic element will be disposed over a helical section of the delivery wire prior to release. In that way, proper positioning of the embolic element may be confirmed prior to release. The embolic element is then expanded to its enlarged configuration by heating or otherwise exposing to a temperature over the transition temperature of the shape memory material.