Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides improved systems and methods for intraluminal delivery of implantable occlusive elements, particularly hydratable polymeric filaments. In particular, the systems and methods of the present invention minimize or avoid clumping or clogging a delivery catheter. This is accomplished by utilization of a reinforcing member or sheath that provides an advancing axial force along or over a length of the occlusive element. When the reinforcing member or sheath is pulled in a proximal direction, the occlusive element is advanced to a target site, which may comprise an aneurysm, vasculature of a tumor, arterio-venous malformations, fistulas, or burst blood vessels.

Abstract: This is directed to containers and methods for holding and delivering vaso-occluding materials such as hydrogel particles and filaments. The vaso-occlusive materials may be held in the container in a hydrated or unhydrated state. The container includes a fluid ingress port and a fluid egress port that are respectively fluidly connectable with a fluid source and a delivery catheter. The container further includes at least one chamber or passageway extending therebetween. The passageway may be straight, curved, spiral, helical, narrow or otherwise shaped. The chamber may also have sections of varying cross section such as a ramped section. The shapes of the passageways of the container help organize ejection of the vaso-occluding materials minimizing contamination and clumping. Methods for holding and introducing the materials are also provided.

Abstract: A device for delivering an occlusion element, or other medical device, which includes a fluid dissolvable bond. The occlusion element is coupled to the delivery element with the fluid dissolvable bond. The bond may be dissolved by delivering a fluid through the delivery element either through the delivery element itself or through a tube positioned in the delivery element.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.

Abstract: A device for delivering an occlusion element, or other medical device, which includes a fluid dissolvable bond. The occlusion element is coupled to the delivery element with the fluid dissolvable bond. The bond may be dissolved by delivering a fluid through the delivery element either through the delivery element itself or through a tube positioned in the delivery element.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.

Abstract: An intravascular filter having a filament which expands a filter element. The filament is a coil which is stretched to reduce the diameter of the coil for introduction. The filter element is preferably biased toward the closed position and is opened by the coil when tension is released on the coil. The filament slides along the internal surface of the filter element so that the filter element may assume intermediate positions.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.

Abstract: A system for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel includes an obstruction engaging element and an expandable capture element. The capture element preferably has a flexible cover and an expandable support structure. The engaging element engages the obstruction and moves the obstruction into the capture element. The capture element protects the obstruction when the obstruction is moved into the catheter.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.

Abstract: A system for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel includes an obstruction engaging element and an expandable capture element. The capture element preferably has a flexible cover and an expandable support structure. The engaging element engages the obstruction and moves the obstruction into the capture element. The capture element protects the obstruction when the obstruction is moved into the catheter.

Abstract: A delivery system for placement of implantable occlusive devices allows placement of the devices place at selected treatment sites in the vascular system. Occlusive filaments produced from gel polymers are delivered by apparatus comprising various grippers, engagers, and couplers that are capable of holding onto the often slippery occlusive devices and of releasing and selectively severing them at desired treatment sites within the human body.

Abstract: The invention is also directed to a device for treating an aneurysm which has a cover covering the neck of the aneurysm and a lateral portion extending into the aneurysm. The invention is also directed to a cover which is used to cover the neck of the aneurysm thereby isolating the aneurysm from the parental vessel.

Abstract: Containers for holding and delivering vaso-occluding materials, such as hydrogel particles and filaments include a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port that are respectively fluidly connectable with a fluid source and a delivery catheter. The vaso-occlusive materials may be held in the container in a hydrated or unhydrated state. The container further includes at least one chamber or passageway extending therebetween. The passageway may be straight, curved, spiral, helical, narrow or otherwise shaped. The chamber may also have sections of varying cross section such as a ramped section. The shapes of the passageways of the container help organize ejection of the vaso-occluding materials minimizing contamination and clumping.

Abstract: The devices and methods of the invention are directed to various aspects of removing obstructions in a blood vessel. A power source may be provided to facilitate advancement of the device and engagement with the obstruction. The obstruction removal device may have alternating large and small sections or may have one or more loops. In another aspect, the obstruction removal device may have alternating sections wound with filament and substantially exposed sections.

Abstract: This is a balloon catheter having at least two lumens. One of the lumens is a large working lumen. The balloon catheter is especially useful as a guide catheter or micro catheter and may be used in a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. In particular, it has value in treating neurovascular embolic strokes in combination with other devices which are delivered to the stroke site through that working lumen. The remainder of the lumens typically are used to inflate and to deflate the balloon.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.

Abstract: This is a balloon catheter having at least two lumens. One of the lumens is a large working lumen. The balloon catheter is especially useful as a guide catheter and may be used in a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. In particular, it has value in treating neurovascular embolic strokes in combination with other devices which are delivered to the stroke site through that working lumen. The remainder of the lumens typically are used to inflate and to deflate the balloon. It is highly preferable that the balloon or inflatable member be situated in a recess in the outer wall of the inventive catheter. Additionally, the distal end of the catheter past the balloon is preferably tapered. The catheter has a very low profile as compared to other catheters of the neurovascular balloon catheter genre. It may include other features such as variable stiffness along the axis of the device and anti-kinking components. The balloon is preferably compliant in nature.