Abstract: A method and device used for treating an aneurysm of a patient. A framework for supporting one or more embolization elements is introduced into the patient's aneurysm. A stent, connected to the framework is introduced into a vessel leading into and communicating with the aneurysm, with the stent being compressed against the inner wall of the vessel for anchoring the framework. One or more embolization elements are introduced through the framework into the aneurysm, and in this manner the framework maintains the one or more embolization elements within the aneurysm. In the illustrative embodiment, the embolization element comprises an embolic coil, the stent comprises a helical coil, and the framework and helical coil are connected so as to be introduced into the patient simultaneously.

Abstract: An embolic coil deployment system for placing a coil at a preselected site within a vessel of the human body. The deployment system includes a heating element at the distal end of a delivery member and a heat responsive coupling for holding the coil during positioning of the coil and activation means for releasing the coil at a desired position within the vessel.

Abstract: An improved balloon catheter seal which may be used for attaching an inflatable balloon to a catheter body, especially when the balloon and catheter body are formed from dissimilar materials. The seal is formed by applying a layer of adhesive material between the inflatable balloon and the catheter body, and crimping a retaining ring over each seal junction. The invention is especially useful when joining a compliant balloon made from silicone to a catheter body made from polyurethane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device for placement at a predetermined location within a passageway of the human body, and more particularly, relates to a flexible expandable embolization device which may be delivered by a catheter to a pre-selected position within a blood vessel to thereby embolize a blood vessel or a blood vessel defect, such as an aneurysm or fistula.

Abstract: An aneurysm embolization device and deployment system for use in occluding the flow of blood at a preselected position within a vessel of the human body comprising a headpiece and a plurality of spherical members linked together with a central connecting member, which, when deployed the embolization device occludes the flow of blood in a high volume or wide neck aneurysm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing a medical agent, such as an embolic coil into a vessel, or aneurysm, by utilizing a stabilizing catheter to retain or support a medical agent deployment device.

Abstract: An intravascular embolization device and deployment system in which the embolization device may be collapsed and placed within a catheter for delivery by the deployment system to a preselected site within a vessel. After placement the embolization device returns to its initial preformed configuration within the vessel.

Abstract: A cryoablation catheter having an expandable cooling chamber in which the cooling fluid, preferably a gas, serves to expand the expandable cooling chamber while simultaneously cooling the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cryoablation catheter, comprising an outer tubular body with a closed distal end to form a fluid cooling chamber and an inner tubular member having a proximal end adapted to receive fluid suitable for cryoablation and a distal end coupled to a fluid expansion nozzle wherein the inner tubular member is movable in an axial direction to thereby change the position of the nozzle within the fluid cooling chamber.

Abstract: A medical guidewire which is comprised of an elongated corewire having a tapered distal section and a coiled wire spring positioned over the distal section and extending onto and bonded to the uniform corewire section proximal the tapered section. The turns of the corewire spring which are bonded to the periphery of the uniform section of the corewire are very widely spaced apart to thereby lock onto the corewire and thereby resist the detachment of the coiled wire spring from the corewire.

Abstract: An endovascular aneurysm occlusion device comprising a detachable balloon assembly. The balloon assembly is comprised of an outer balloon and an inner balloon. The outer balloon is formed from a porous material. The occlusion device is expanded within an aneurysm and adhesive material is injected into and perfused through the outer balloon. The adhesive material forms a bond between the aneurysm, the outer balloon, and the inner balloon. The inner balloon is then deflated, which acts to reduce the size of the aneurysm.

Abstract: A medical device for placing a very small embolic coil at a preselected location within a vessel comprising a positioning catheter having a distal tip for retaining a headpiece with an attached embolic coil such that when the catheter is pressurized with a fluid the distal tip of the catheter expands outwardly to release the headpiece and coil at the preselected position.

Abstract: A medical device for placing an embolic coil at a preselected location within a vessel comprising a positioning catheter having a distal tip for retaining the embolic coil which when pressurized with a fluid expands outwardly to release the coil at the preselected position.

Abstract: A vascular stent for opening blood vessel occlusions and for providing support to damaged areas of blood vessel sites includes a proximal end defining a first lumen opening. The helical stent is constructed from a resilient material and has a body portion extending from the proximal end to define a lumen. A distal end defines a second lumen opening a predetermined axial distance from the first lumen opening. The stent is maintained in a stretched linear state when in a catheter for delivery to a vascular site, and resiliently expands into a relaxed helical shape when released from the catheter. Various embodiments of the present invention are disclosed, including a stent made of a wire having a flattened cross-section, a helical wire stent having a flat ribbon to span between adjacent loops of wire, multiple intertwined stents in the same blood vessel.

Abstract: An improved balloon catheter which may be used for angioplasty or for placing a reinforcing stent into a human vessel which has a variable stiffness catheter portion for guiding the catheter through the vasculature. The catheter portion of the balloon catheter includes a relatively stiff shaft portion which is reinforced with braided layer and more flexible distal portion which is reinforced with a single helically wire coil so that the relatively stiff shaft portion may be advanced along a guidewire and the more flexible distal portion may be guided through the tortuous vasculature.

Abstract: An embolic coil deployment system for placing a coil at a preselected site within a vessel of the human body. The deployment system includes retaining jaws at the distal end of a catheter for holding the coil during positioning of the coil and activation means for releasing the jaws for placement of the coil at a desired position within the vessel.

Abstract: An embolic coil deployment system for placing a coil at a preselected site within a vessel of the human body. The deployment system includes a heating element at the distal end of a delivery member and a heat responsive coupling for holding the coil during positioning of the coil and activation means for releasing the coil at a desired position within the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device for placing an intravascular stent at a preselected location within a vessel of the human body, and more particularly, relates to a catheter having a distal tip for retaining the stent in order to transport the stent to a preselected position within the vessel and a control mechanism for releasing the stent at the preselected position.

Abstract: A medical device for placing an embolic coil at a preselected location within a vessel comprising a positioning catheter having a distal tip for retaining the embolic coil which when pressurized with a fluid expands outwardly to release the coil at the preselected position and including an embolic coil having a relatively flexible proximal portion which resists stretching.

Abstract: An embolic coil which may be placed at a preselected location within a vessel comprising a helically wound coil in which various combinations of adjacent turns are spot welded together to create a stretch resistant coil of a preselected flexibility.