Abstract: An endovascular system employs a lever structure to deploy an embolic device at a target site in the vasculature of a patient. The endovascular system comprises an elongate tubular member provided with a lever structure and an elongate detachment wire to assert an effort to the proximal portion of a lever member outwardly, thereby generating a load to the distal portion of the lever member inwardly to allow the lever structure to engage and secure the embolic device. The elongate detachment wire is disengageable from the lever structure to remove the effort asserted to the proximal portion of the lever member, thereby removing the load off the distal portion of the lever member to allow the lever structure to disengage and release the embolic device.

Abstract: A delivery system employs a hold-release structure to deploy an implant at a target site in the vasculature of a patient. The hold-release structure may include two or more grasping members configured to close and exert an inward clamping force to hold the implant when the grasping members are constrained in a tubular member. The grasping members can open when unconstrained allowing the implant to be released. Alternatively, the hold-release structure may include two or more radially expandable members configured to exert an outward radial force when constrained by the tubular member allowing the hold-release structure to hold the implant against the tubular member. The radially expandable members can be configured to create a friction force on the implant allowing the hold-release structure to move the implant relative to the tubular member.

Abstract: Expandable implants for repair of a defect in an intervertebral disc or in a cancellous bone fracture, and methods and apparatuses for delivering the same into the defect. The implants [generally comprise a compressed form having a size adapted for insertion into the defect, and a composition that allows the implant to expand from the compressed form into an expanded form after the implant is inserted into the defect. The expanded form of the implant has a configuration that fills the defect. The composition used to make the implant can include a shape memory alloy (SMA), Elasthane™ polyetherurethane, or any other suitable material. Further, multiple implants can be used to repair a single defect. The implants can be inserted into the defect by various types of insertion devices, including a needle that provides for percutaneous delivery.

Abstract: Expandable implants for intervertebral disc repair, and methods and apparatuses for delivering the same into the disc. The present implants can also be used for repair of bone fractures. The implants generally comprise a compressed form having a size adapted for insertion into a defect in the intervertebral disc, and a composition that allows the implant to expand from the compressed form into an expanded form after the implant is inserted into the defect. The expanded form of the implant has a configuration that fills the defect in the disc. The defect in the disc can be an annular defect that resulted from repair of a herniation of the disc, or a nucleus that needs to be repaired. The composition used to make the implant can comprise a shape memory alloy (SMA) or any other suitable material.