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 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: 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 very small diameter intravascular stent device which may be used to occlude or partially occlude an aneurysm in the human brain which is comprised of a thin-walled skeletal cylindrical tube formed of S-shaped or sinusoidal elements which, when compressed, nest tightly with each other.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for retrieving embolic coils used for treating an aneurysm of a patient. The method comprises the steps of providing a wire device that is pushable through a microcatheter and has a flexible distal portion comprising distal collapsible arms with a latch member carried by one of the arms. The microcatheter is introduced into a patient's vessel leading to the aneurysm. The wire device, distal end first, is introduced into the microcatheter whereby the arms collapse while they are within the microcatheter. The distal end of the wire device is pushed through the microcatheter whereby the arms open when they extend out of the distal end of the microcatheter. The latch member is manipulated so that it engages an embolic coil to be retrieved. The latch-engaged embolic coil and wire device are withdrawn through the catheter, whereby the arms become collapsed as the arm is withdrawn through the catheter, securing the latch and the embolic coil.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing medical devices of a size sufficiently small to be passed through the vasculature of the body, and more particularly through the small vessels of the brain. The method includes the steps of laser cutting a pattern of apertures in the surface of a tubular workpiece, radially compressing the tubular workpiece to reduce the outer dimensions of the workpiece and heat setting the reduced diameter workpiece to form the very small medical device.

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: A medical device for placing an embolic coil at a preselected location within a vessel comprising a positioning catheter having a distal section for retaining the embolic coil and an aperture for purging air from the device. The aperture is sized to allow air under fluid pressure to freely escape from within the catheter but to highly restrict the flow of more viscous fluids. At higher fluid pressures, the wall of the distal section expands outwardly to release the coil.

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. The headpiece has a passageway which extends through the headpiece to permit air to be purged from the catheter prior to insertion of the catheter into the vessel.

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 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 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.