Abstract: A device for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the walls of a vessel in a patient's body, comprising: a filter element being expandable from a collapsed configuration when the filter element is restrained to an expanded configuration when the filter element is unrestrained, and an elongate support member, the filter being carried on a portion of the elongate support member, wherein the filter element has proximal and distal portions and a central portion, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximal facing opening, and wherein the proximal portion of the filter element comprises a radiopaque element in the form of a discontinuous loop extending around a portion of a perimeter of the proximal facing opening, the discontinuous loop having a gap and the gap being proximate to the elongate support member.

Abstract: An intraluminal apparatus including a catheter and device is positionable at a junction of afferent and efferent vessels of a bifurcation having an aneurysm. After positioning the device to substantially conform the device to the shape of the junction, the device acts as a scaffolding to inhibit herniation of objects out of the aneurysm and the device permits perfusion to the efferent vessels. Positioning the device may include deployment and optional release from a catheter. Embolic material may be inserted in the aneurysm before or after positioning the device. The device may have a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of filaments extending between and coupled at the proximal end and the distal end. The device may include a central filament configured to reshape the device. The distal end of the device may include a covering. The device may be football shaped, pumpkin shaped, or acorn shaped.

Abstract: A generally spherical vascular remodeling device is permanently positionable at a junction of afferent and efferent vessels of a bifurcation having an aneurysm. After positioning the device at the junction to substantially conform the device to the shape of the junction, the device acts as a scaffolding to inhibit herniation of objects out of the aneurysm and the device permits perfusion to the efferent vessels. Positioning the device may include deployment and mechanical or electrolytic release from a catheter. Embolic material may be inserted in the aneurysm before or after positioning the device. The device may have a first end, a second end substantially opposite to the first end, and a plurality of filaments extending between and coupled at the first end and the second end. Such devices may be football shaped, pumpkin shaped, or twisted. The device may include a plurality of loops forming a generally spherical shape.

Abstract: A device for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the walls of a vessel in a patient's body, comprising: a filter element being expandable from a collapsed configuration when the filter element is restrained to an expanded configuration when the filter element is unrestrained, and an elongate support member, the filter being carried on a portion of the elongate support member, wherein the filter element has proximal and distal portions and a central portion, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximal facing opening, and wherein the proximal portion of the filter element comprises a radiopaque element in the form of a discontinuous loop extending around a portion of a perimeter of the proximal facing opening, the discontinuous loop having a gap and the gap being proximate to the elongate support member.

Abstract: A generally spherical vascular remodeling device is permanently positionable at a junction of afferent and efferent vessels of a bifurcation having an aneurysm. After positioning the device at the junction to substantially conform the device to the shape of the junction, the device acts as a scaffolding to inhibit herniation of objects out of the aneurysm and the device permits perfusion to the efferent vessels. Positioning the device may include deployment and mechanical or electrolytic release from a catheter. Embolic material may be inserted in the aneurysm before or after positioning the device. The device may have a first end, a second end substantially opposite to the first end, and a plurality of filaments extending between and coupled at the first end and the second end. Such devices may be football shaped, pumpkin shaped, or twisted. The device may include a plurality of loops forming a generally spherical shape.

Abstract: A generally spherical vascular remodeling device is permanently positionable at a junction of afferent and efferent vessels of a bifurcation having an aneurysm. After positioning the device at the junction to substantially conform the device to the shape of the junction, the device acts as a scaffolding to inhibit herniation of objects out of the aneurysm and permits perfusion to the efferent vessels. Positioning the device may include deployment and mechanical or electrolytic release from a catheter. Embolic material may be inserted in the aneurysm before or after positioning the device. The device may have a first end, a second end substantially opposite to the first end, and a plurality of polymer filaments extending between and coupled at the first end and the second end. Such devices may be football shaped, pumpkin shaped, or twisted. The device may include a plurality of polymer loops forming a generally spherical shape.

Abstract: A generally spherical vascular remodeling device is permanently positionable at a junction of afferent and efferent vessels of a bifurcation having an aneurysm. After positioning the device at the junction to substantially conform the device to the shape of the junction, the device acts as a scaffolding to inhibit herniation of objects out of the aneurysm and permits perfusion to the efferent vessels. Positioning the device may include deployment and mechanical or electrolytic release from a catheter. Embolic material may be inserted in the aneurysm before or after positioning the device. The device may have a first end, a second end substantially opposite to the first end, and a plurality of polymer filaments extending between and coupled at the first end and the second end. Such devices may be football shaped, pumpkin shaped, or twisted. The device may include a plurality of polymer loops forming a generally spherical shape.

Abstract: Intravascular implant delivery systems and methods are described. One such system carries an implant by retaining an engagement member engaging the implant in a position proximal of an aperture at a distal end of the delivery system. The engagement member is retained proximal to the aperture by a cord that obstructs the movement of the engagement member through the aperture. The engagement member is free to rotate and move within an area defined by the delivery system, allowing the implant to react to forces imparted to the implant by the movement of the delivery system and implant through a delivery catheter. Once the implant is in a desired implant position, the cord is moved away from an aperture and the engagement member is allowed to move away from the delivery system.

Abstract: A vaso-occlusive device is provided for reducing blood flow in a patient. The device can include a coil, a stretch resistant member, and a plurality of fibers. The coil can define a lumen and be sized for insertion to a point of use in a vascular network of the patient. The stretch resistant member can have a first end fixedly attached to the first end of the coil. Further, the plurality of fibers can be configured with each of the fibers in direct contact with the stretch resistant member.

Abstract: Intravascular implant delivery systems and methods are described. One such system carries an implant by retaining an engagement member engaging the implant in a position proximal of an aperture at a distal end of the delivery system. The engagement member is retained proximal to the aperture by a cord that obstructs the movement of the engagement member through the aperture. The engagement member is free to rotate and move within an area defined by the delivery system, allowing the implant to react to forces imparted to the implant by the movement of the delivery system and implant through a delivery catheter. Once the implant is in a desired implant position, the cord is moved away from an aperture and the engagement member is allowed to move away from the delivery system.

Abstract: A generally spherical vascular remodeling device is permanently positionable at a junction of afferent and efferent vessels of a bifurcation having an aneurysm. After positioning the device at the junction to substantially conform the device to the shape of the junction, the device acts as a scaffolding to inhibit herniation of objects out of the aneurysm and permits perfusion to the efferent vessels. Positioning the device may include deployment and mechanical or electrolytic release from a catheter. Embolic material may be inserted in the aneurysm before or after positioning the device. The device may have a first end, a second end substantially opposite to the first end, and a plurality of polymer filaments extending between and coupled at the first end and the second end. Such devices may be football shaped, pumpkin shaped, or twisted. The device may include a plurality of polymer loops forming a generally spherical shape.

Abstract: An intraluminal apparatus including a catheter and device is positionable at a junction of afferent and efferent vessels of a bifurcation having an aneurysm. After positioning the device to substantially conform the device to the shape of the junction, the device acts as a scaffolding to inhibit herniation of objects out of the aneurysm and the device permits perfusion to the efferent vessels. Positioning the device may include deployment and optional release from a catheter. Embolic material may be inserted in the aneurysm before or after positioning the device. The device may have a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of filaments extending between and coupled at the proximal end and the distal end. The device may include a central filament configured to reshape the device. The distal end of the device may include a covering. The device may be football shaped, pumpkin shaped, or acorn shaped.

Abstract: The invention provides for vaso-occlusive coils comprising fibers.

Abstract: The invention provides for vaso-occlusive coils comprising fibers.

Abstract: A generally spherical vascular remodeling device is permanently positionable at a junction of afferent and efferent vessels of a bifurcation having an aneurysm. After positioning the device at the junction to substantially conform the device to the shape of the junction, the device acts as a scaffolding to inhibit herniation of objects out of the aneurysm and the device permits perfusion to the efferent vessels. Positioning the device may include deployment and mechanical or electrolytic release from a catheter. Embolic material may be inserted in the aneurysm before or after positioning the device. The device may have a first end, a second end substantially opposite to the first end, and a plurality of filaments extending between and coupled at the first end and the second end. Such devices may be football shaped, pumpkin shaped, or twisted. The device may include a plurality of loops forming a generally spherical shape.

Abstract: Novel methods for embolizing blood vessels which are particularly suited for treating aneurysms are provided. The presently disclosed methods provide for the embolization of aneurysms wherein occlusion of the neck of the aneurysm during embolization by a flow arresting device such as balloon is not required. In one embodiment, the compositions employed in the methods of this invention comprise a biocompatible polymer, a biocompatible solvent and a biocompatible contrast agent wherein the viscosity of this composition is at least about 1000 centistokes at 40° C. and, preferably, at least about 2500 centistokes at 40° C.

Abstract: The invention provides for vaso-occlusive coils comprising fibers.

Abstract: This invention is directed to compositions for embolizing vascular sites. The compositions described herein comprise fumed silica as a rheological modifier. The fumed silica imparts high viscosity to the compositions under static conditions but allows the compositions to flow readily under shear conditions. This invention is also directed to methods for treatment of aneurysms, arteriovenous fistulae, arteriovenous malformations, tumors, and other vascular diseases using the compositions described herein. Other uses are disclosed as well. Kits of parts including those compositions and devices which can deliver these composition are also described.

Abstract: Novel methods for embolizing blood vessels which are particularly suited for treating aneurysms are provided. The presently disclosed methods provide for the embolization of aneurysms wherein occlusion of the neck of the aneurysm during embolization by a flow arresting device such as balloon is not required. In one embodiment, the compositions employed in the methods of this invention comprise a biocompatible polymer, a biocompatible solvent and a biocompatible contrast agent wherein the viscosity of this composition is at least about 1000 centistokes at 40° C. and, preferably, at least about 2500 centistokes at 40° C.