Abstract: This is a device for bridging the neck of either a wide-necked or narrow-necked aneurysm in the vasculature. In general, it is a device used to stabilize the presence of vaso-occlusive devices (such as helically wound coils) in the aneurysm. The device preferably is delivered by a core wire which terminates in an electrolytically severable joint. The core wire will often be insulated. The retainer assembly itself is also attached to the electrolytic joint and typically has a number of array elements which are intended to be resident within the aneurysm after the device is deployed from the distal end of a catheter. After deployment of this retainer, the aneurysm is at least partially filled with a vaso-occlusive device such as helically wound coils.

Abstract: A system for recanalizing an occluded blood vessel including a centering catheter employed to center an ablative guide wire within the blood vessel as the guide wire traverses the occlusion. The centering catheter includes a catheter body with an operative lumen through which the ablative guide wire is slidingly disposed. The centering catheter further includes a distally disposed centering mechanism that, when activated, centers the ablative guide wire within the blood vessel as it traverses the occlusion. The centering mechanism can comprise various embodiments including a single inflatable balloon or segmented inflatable balloon, which is in fluid communication with an inflation lumen. An airless preparation lumen may be disposed within the inflation lumen for ease of centering catheter preparation. The ablative guide wire includes insulation that is preferably formed of heat shrink tubing, which is stretched prior or concurrently with the heating process.