Abstract: A stent configured for implantation in a body lumen, includes: a tubular structure having a first end, a second end, and a tubular body, the tubular body comprising a plurality of elongate portions, the first end of the tubular structure having a plurality of crown elements; and a plurality of tabs coupled to the first end of the tubular structure; wherein the elongate portions comprise a first zigzag portion forming a first ring element, the first ring element having a first ring end, and a second ring end opposite from the first ring end, wherein the first ring end of the first ring element has a first set of peaks, and wherein the second ring end of the first ring element has a second set of peaks; and wherein the peaks in the first set are flat or are rectilinear.

Abstract: An implant delivery system includes a delivery catheter and a delivery mechanism slidably disposed in a lumen of the delivery catheter. The delivery mechanism includes an annular channel and a compressible annular bushing disposed within the annular channel. The annular bushing is configured for being placed between a compressive profile and an expanded profile. The implant delivery system further includes an implant coaxially disposed between the delivery catheter and the delivery mechanism. The delivery catheter lumen is sized to maintain an engagement element of the implant within the annular channel and to urge the annular bushing into the compressive profile. The implant constrains a distal tip of the delivery mechanism to assume a straight geometry. The distal tip is configured for assuming a curved geometry when the implant is deployed from the delivery catheter.

Abstract: An implant delivery system includes a delivery catheter and a delivery mechanism slidably disposed in a lumen of the delivery catheter. The delivery mechanism includes an annular channel and a compressible annular bushing disposed within the annular channel. The annular bushing is configured for being placed between a compressive profile and an expanded profile. The implant delivery system further includes an implant coaxially disposed between the delivery catheter and the delivery mechanism. The delivery catheter lumen is sized to maintain an engagement element of the implant within the annular channel and to urge the annular bushing into the compressive profile. The implant constrains a distal tip of the delivery mechanism to assume a straight geometry. The distal tip is configured for assuming a curved geometry when the implant is deployed from the delivery catheter.

Abstract: An implant delivery system comprises a delivery catheter and a delivery mechanism slidably disposed in a lumen of the delivery catheter. The delivery mechanism comprises an annular channel and a compressible annular bushing disposed within the annular channel. The annular bushing is configured for being placed between a compressive profile and an expanded profile. The implant delivery system further comprises an implant coaxially disposed between the delivery catheter and the delivery mechanism. The delivery catheter lumen is sized to maintain an engagement element of the implant within the annular channel and to urge the annular bushing into the compressive profile. The implant constrains a distal tip of the delivery mechanism to assume a straight geometry. The distal tip is configured for assuming a curved geometry when the implant is deployed from the delivery catheter.

Abstract: An implant delivery system comprises a delivery catheter and a delivery mechanism slidably disposed in a lumen of the delivery catheter. The delivery mechanism comprises an annular channel and a compressible annular bushing disposed within the annular channel. The annular bushing is configured for being placed between a compressive profile and an expanded profile. The implant delivery system further comprises an implant coaxially disposed between the delivery catheter and the delivery mechanism. The delivery catheter lumen is sized to maintain an engagement element of the implant within the annular channel and to urge the annular bushing into the compressive profile. The implant constrains a distal tip of the delivery mechanism to assume a straight geometry. The distal tip is configured for assuming a curved geometry when the implant is deployed from the delivery catheter.

Abstract: An embodiment is a catheter comprising a first elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and a first lumen therethrough, a wire having a proximal end and a distal end at least partially disposed in the first elongate shaft, the distal end extending distally from the first elongate shaft, and a motion control apparatus connected to the proximal end of the wire, further comprising a device attached to the distal end of the wire for changing the shape of an embolus, wherein the device is configured to change the shape of the embolus to unclog a distal catheter lumen.

Abstract: A stent comprises a tubular member having openings therein and having a plurality of interconnected members and one or more frangible restraining members. The frangible restraining members break upon partial expansion of the stent. Thereafter, the stent self-expands.

Abstract: A stent delivery system comprises a stent having a first connector disposed on a stent proximal end, and a pusher wire having a second connector disposed on a pusher wire distal end, wherein the first and second connectors are configured to releasably attach to each other.

Abstract: A braided stent comprises a filament having at least one circular zone and at least two non-circular zones. Embodiments of the braided stent have a proximal segment, a middle segment, and a distal segment, wherein a porosity of the middle segment is lower than, a respective porosity of the proximal and distal segments. In one embodiment, a radial pressure of the middle segment is separately controlled to be different from, e.g., less than, a radial pressure of the distal segment. In another embodiment, a stiffness of the middle segment is separately controlled to be different from, e.g., less than, a stiffness of the distal segment.

Abstract: A stent assembly comprises an expandable stent having a first stent backbone which extends from the proximal end of the stent to the distal end of the stent. The stent comprises a first stent back bone oriented in a direction which is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stent, and a plurality of interconnected first stent members and second stent members. Each of the first stent members is oriented in a substantially longitudinal direction in the unexpanded state and the expanded state. Each of the second stent members is oriented in a substantially longitudinal direction in the unexpanded state and oriented in a substantially circumferential direction in the expanded state. The first stent backbone has a greater column strength than that of the plurality of interconnected stent members.

Abstract: An embolus extractor including elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The embolus extractor may include primary struts coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The struts may define a proximally disposed mouth. Additional secondary struts may be coupled along the elongate shaft to enhance the thrombus containing ability of the embolus extractor.

Abstract: An embolus extractor including elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The embolus extractor may include primary struts coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The struts may define a proximally disposed mouth. Additional secondary struts may be coupled along the elongate shaft to enhance the thrombus containing ability of the embolus extractor.

Abstract: Electrolytically detachable implantable devices and methods of delivering the same to a treatment site. An assembly includes an implantable device, such as a vaso-occlusive coil, a conductive deployment mechanism, such as a conductive pusher or wire, and a temporary connection between the deployment mechanism and the coil in the form of an electrolytically detachable junction. The detachable junction includes fine wires, e.g., stainless steel wires having a small diameter of about 0.00001? to about 0.0025?, for example, about 0.0005?. The pusher or wire is used to deliver the implantable device through a catheter and to a desired location or treatment site. After the implantable device is properly positioned, electrical current is applied to the fine wires, thereby simultaneously disintegrating the fine wires and leaving the coil at the treatment site.

Abstract: A medical system comprises an implant assembly including an elongated pusher member, an implantable device (e.g., a vaso-occlusive device) mounted to the distal end of the pusher member, and an electrolytically severable joint disposed on the pusher member, wherein the implantable device detaches from the pusher member when the severable joint is severed, the medical system comprising an electrical power supply coupled to the implant assembly, and configured for conveying a time varying signal having net positive electrical energy to the severable joint to detach the implantable device from the pusher member.

Abstract: A medical system comprises a power supply coupled to an implant assembly, the power supply configured for detecting an energy delivery type of the implantable assembly and delivering electrical energy to the implant assembly in a mode corresponding to the detected energy delivery type, thereby electrolytically severing the joint. In another embodiment, a power supply is provided for use with a medical device having an elongated member and a terminal disposed on a proximal end of the elongated member. The power supply including power delivery circuitry, an electrical contact coupled to the power delivery circuitry, a port configured for receiving the proximal end of the elongated member, and an electrically insulative compliant member configured for urging the electrical terminal into contact with the electrical contact when the proximal end of the elongated member is received into the port.

Abstract: A stent comprises a tubular member having openings therein and having a plurality of interconnected members and one or more frangible restraining members. The frangible restraining members break upon partial expansion of the stent. Thereafter, the stent self-expands.

Abstract: An embodiment is a catheter comprising a first elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and a first lumen therethrough, a wire having a proximal end and a distal end at least partially disposed in the first elongate shaft, the distal end extending distally from the first elongate shaft, and a motion control apparatus connected to the proximal end of the wire, further comprising a device attached to the distal end of the wire for changing the shape of an embolus, wherein the device is configured to change the shape of the embolus to unclog a distal catheter lumen.

Abstract: An embolus extractor including elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The embolus extractor may include first and second struts coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The struts may define a proximally disposed mouth.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for navigating a subarachnoid space in a vertebrate organism including percutaneously introducing a device into the spinal subarachnoid space at an entry location. Navigation of the spinal subarachnoid space is disclosed for the purpose of reaching a desired location in the subarachnoid space or the intracranial space, including areas in and around the spinal cord and brain. Once a desired location is reached, methods and devices for cooling or heating the desired location to cause physiologic changes are suggested.

Abstract: This is an implant for placement in the human body and an assembly for so placing that implant. Most desirably, it is an implant for use in the vasculature of the human body and is used to occlude some space in that vasculature as a portion of a treatment regimen. The implant itself is preferably a component of a deployment device using an electrolytically severable joint. The implant component is at least partially covered with a highly resistive or insulative covering. The highly resistive or insulative layer or covering appears to enhance the susceptibility of the electrolytic joint to quick erosion and thus detachment of the implant. Although the implant itself is preferably a vaso-occlusive device, it may instead be a stent, a vena cava filter, or other implant which may be installed in this manner. The implant may be independently coated with insulative or resistive material or may be formed using a material with such as tantalum, which forms such an insulator or resistor in situ.