Abstract: A covered self-expanding vascular occlusion device and a method of making and using the device. The device comprises a braided wire member with at least two axially spaced securing members affixed to the braided wire member and a thin film covering at least half of the device. The braided member can be moved between a larger diameter ball-like shape or conical shape in its relaxed position, and a smaller diameter cylindrical shape in its stretched position. The film covering is applied to the device by first stretching a portion of film to form a shape similar to a portion of a device to be covered by the film, then inserting the device into the shape formed in the film so that the film covers at least half of the device, and trimming the film to separate the covered device from the remaining film. The device is used by installing it on the end of a tubular introducer where it is held in its relaxed position until needed.

Abstract: A covered self-expanding vascular occlusion device and a method of making and using the device. The device comprises a braided wire member with at least two axially spaced securing members affixed to the braided wire member and a thin film covering at least half of the device. The braided member can be moved between a larger diameter ball-like shape or conical shape in its relaxed position, and a smaller diameter cylindrical shape in its stretched position. The film covering is applied to the device by first stretching a portion of film to form a shape similar to a portion of a device to be covered by the film, then inserting the device into the shape formed in the film so that the film covers at least half of the device, and trimming the film to separate the covered device from the remaining film. The device is used by installing it on the end of a tubular introducer where it is held in its relaxed position until needed.

Abstract: A covered self-expanding vascular occlusion device and a method of making and using the device. The device comprises a braided wire member with at least two axially spaced securing members affixed to the braided wire member and a thin film covering at least half of the device. The braided member can be moved between a larger diameter ball-like shape or conical shape in its relaxed position, and a smaller diameter cylindrical shape in its stretched position. The film covering is applied to the device by first stretching a portion of film to form a shape similar to a portion of a device to be covered by the film, then inserting the device into the shape formed in the film so that the film covers at least half of the device, and trimming the film to separate the covered device from the remaining film. The device is used by installing it on the end of a tubular introducer where it is held in its relaxed position until needed.

Abstract: An introducer for introducing an expandable implantable device into a catheter includes an outer tube and an inner core which slides in the outer tube. A first end of the core has a tubular configuration with a slit which allows it to expand radially to grip an end of the device. The first end of the core holding the device is pulled into a first end of the outer tube which further tightens the grip on the device. The second end of the core, which extends beyond the second end of the outer tube, may have a handle attached or be bent to prevent the core from moving and releasing the device. The core preferably has a metal wire inside of it. The device remains in its relaxed condition attached to the introducer at the first end of the outer tube and mostly outside of it until use. The outer tube may have a rigid transparent cup-shaped shield member attached at its first end and extending beyond it to protect the device and allow the device to be viewed on the introducer.

Abstract: A covered self-expanding vascular occlusion device and a method of making and using the device. The device comprises a braided wire member with at least two axially spaced securing members affixed to the braided wire member and a thin film covering at least half of the device. The braided member can be moved between a larger diameter ball-like shape or conical shape in its relaxed position, and a smaller diameter cylindrical shape in its stretched position. The film covering is applied to the device by first stretching a portion of film to form a shape similar to a portion of a device to be covered by the film, then inserting the device into the shape formed in the film so that the film covers at least half of the device, and trimming the film to separate the covered device from the remaining film. The device is used by installing it on the end of a tubular introducer where it is held in its relaxed position until needed.

Abstract: An introducer for introducing an expandable implantable device into a catheter includes an outer tube and an inner core which slides in the outer tube. The distal end of the core has a tubular configuration with a slit which allows it to expand radially to grip an end of the device. The distal end of the core holding the device is pulled into the distal end of the outer tube which further tightens the grip on the device. A handle is then preferably attached to the proximal end of the core which extends beyond the proximal end of the outer tube to prevent the core from moving distally and releasing the device. The device remains in its relaxed condition attached to the introducer and mostly outside of it until use. At that time the core is moved proximally which pulls the device inside the outer tube and into its stretched condition as it does so.