Abstract: An implant assembly comprises an elongated pusher member, and an implantable device (e.g., a vaso-occlusive device) mounted to the distal end of the pusher member. The implant assembly further comprises an electrolytically severable joint disposed on the pusher member, wherein the implantable device detaches from the pusher member when the severable joint is severed, and a return electrode carried by the distal end of the pusher member (e.g., a coil disposed about the pusher member) in proximity to, but electrically isolated from, the severable joint. The implant assembly further comprises a terminal carried by the proximal end of the pusher member in electrical communication with the severable joint.

Abstract: A stent configured for implantation in a body lumen includes a plurality of radially expandable circumferential segments, and an axially expandable connecting member connecting adjacent circumferential segments of the plurality. The stent has a relaxed, axially contracted configuration in which the connecting member is contracted axially and each circumferential segment is nested with at least one adjacent circumferential segment. The stent also has a delivery, axially expanded configuration in which the connecting member is expanded axially, and an axial distance between adjacent circumferential segments of the plurality is greater than when the stent is in its relaxed configuration.

Abstract: A vaso-occlusive device delivery assembly includes a pusher assembly having proximal and distal ends, a conductive sacrificial link disposed at the distal end of the pusher assembly, and a vaso-occlusive device secured to the pusher assembly by the sacrificial link. The pusher assembly includes first and second conductors extending between the proximal and distal ends thereof. The sacrificial link is electrically coupled between the first and second conductors, such that the first conductor, sacrificial link and second conductor form an electrical circuit, and, when a disintegration current is applied through the sacrificial link through the first and second conductors, the sacrificial link thermally disintegrates, thereby releasing the attachment member and vaso-occlusive device from the pusher assembly.

Abstract: A vaso-occlusive device delivery assembly includes a pusher assembly and a vaso-occlusive device detachably coupled to the pusher assembly by an attachment member is frictionally secured within a lumen of the pusher assembly. A heat generating member is disposed in the pusher assembly lumen, along with a pressure generating material, such that, when heat is generated by the heat generative device, the pressure generating material increases a pressure in the pusher assembly lumen, thereby dislodging the attachment member from the pusher assembly and detaching the vaso-occlusive device from the pusher assembly.

Abstract: A vaso-occlusive device delivery assembly includes a pusher assembly having a proximal end, a distal end, and a pusher lumen extending therebetween; a vaso-occlusive device; and a tubular member mechanically connecting the pusher assembly to the vaso-occlusive device, the tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, a tube lumen extending therebetween, and a detach zone, wherein the proximal end of the tubular member extends into the pusher assembly lumen at the distal end of the pusher assembly. A heat generating member is disposed in the tube lumen, such that, when activated, the heat generating member generates heat that melts or otherwise thermally degrades the tubular member at the detach zone, thereby detaching the vaso-occlusive device from the pusher assembly.

Abstract: A delivery wire assembly for delivery of an occlusive device to a location in a patient's vasculature includes a delivery wire conduit having a proximal tubular portion connected to a distal coil portion, and a conduit lumen extending through the proximal tubular portion and the distal coil portion. The delivery wire assembly also includes a core wire disposed in the conduit lumen and having a distal end coupled to an occlusive device. The distal coil portion of the delivery wire assembly includes a plurality of zones and the plurality of zones decrease in stiffness distally along the length of the distal coil portion of the delivery wire assembly.

Abstract: A medical assembly for delivering an implant comprising a tubular resilient implant defining an inner lumen, the implant comprising a plurality of engaging members extending proximally an end thereof, the implant having a delivery configuration, and a released configuration, and a delivery assembly for delivering the implant, the delivery assembly comprising an outer tubular member extending through the inner lumen of the implant, the outer tubular member having a plurality of slots receiving therethrough the engaging members, with the implant being disposed in its delivery configuration on an outer surface of the outer tubular member, an inner tubular member coaxially disposed within the outer tubular member and movable relative to the outer tubular member, the inner tubular member having a first axial position that restrains the engaging members, and a second axial position to thereby release the implant from the delivery assembly.

Abstract: A multilayer stent configured for implantation in a body lumen, including a tubular outer layer comprising a first plurality of struts defining an outer layer mesh pattern extending between first and second ends of the outer layer, and a tubular inner layer comprising a second plurality of struts defining an inner layer mesh pattern extending between first and second ends of the inner layer. The inner-layer is at least partially disposed within the outer layer, wherein at least a portion of the inner layer is attached to, or integrally formed with, at least a portion of the outer layer.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes an elongate delivery member; a self-expanding proximal bumper disposed on a distal region of the delivery member in a radially contracted configuration, where the proximal bumper is biased to expand to a radially expanded configuration; a self-expanding stent disposed over the delivery member in a radially contracted configuration distal of the proximal bumper; and a sheath disposed over the stent, proximal bumper, and delivery member, and configured to constrain the proximal bumper and stent in their radially contracted configurations, where the proximal bumper, when in its radially expanded configuration, has a cross-sectional dimension greater than an inner diameter of the sheath, such that the proximal bumper contacts the sheath and prevents movement of the stent proximal of the proximal bumper, and such that, as the delivery member is moved distally relative to the sheath, the proximal bumper pushes the stent in a distal direction.

Abstract: A device for the non-invasive treatment of a vascular defect. The device includes at least one occlusive member having a first unexpanded configuration and a second expanded configuration and at least one securement member for securing the vaso-occlusive device to a support structure at the location of the vascular defect.

Abstract: A method of making a variably reinforced elongate medical device includes braiding a reinforcing sleeve from a first strand including a first material and a second strand including a second material, exposing a portion of the braided reinforcing sleeve to a selected environmental stimulus or contacting the portion of the braided reinforcing sleeve with a selected substance, to thereby substantially modify the first strand in the respective exposed or contacted portion, and removing the substantially modified first strand from the respective exposed or contacted portion of the braided reinforcing sleeve, while the second strand is retained in the respective exposed or contacted portion.

Abstract: Devices for occluding an aneurysm are provided. In particular, the device include an upper member that sits against the dome of the aneurysm, a lower member that sits in the neck of the aneurysm, and a means of adjusting the overall dimensions of the device. Also provided are methods of making and using these devices.

Abstract: A tubular catheter support member comprises a plurality of annular segments stacked along a longitudinal axis of the catheter, and a plurality of beams connecting respective annular segments in the stack, wherein the beams meet the respective annular segments at oblique angles, and wherein the beams collectively form a helix around the longitudinal axis of the catheter.

Abstract: A stent delivery system having rapid exchange capabilities for delivering a self-expandable stent. The system includes a delivery catheter and a sheath positionable in the lumen of the delivery catheter. The delivery catheter includes an elongate shaft extending distally from a hub assembly. The elongate shaft includes a lumen extending therethrough and a guidewire port providing access to the lumen at a location intermediate the proximal and distal ends of the elongate shaft. The sheath is positionable in the lumen of the delivery catheter such that the sheath extends across the guidewire port to close off the guidewire port to allow a stent to be passed through the sheath from proximal of the guidewire port to distal of the guidewire port.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis cover may be attached to the distal end of a delivery device. The cover may be generally cylindrical in shape and may have a lumen through it. An endoprosthesis may then be covered as it is delivered to a treatment site.

Abstract: A device for bridging a neck of an aneurysm, comprises a junction region, one or more radially extending array elements secured to the junction region, each array element having an unfolded shape and a delivery shape; and a cover attached to the junction region, and extending over the delivery shape of the array elements, wherein each array element is attached at one end to the junction region and the array elements are constructed and arranged to unfold the cover when assuming their unfolded shape, and wherein the device further comprises a tip, and each array element is attached at another end to the tip, the tip comprising an opening through which a vaso-occlusive device or occlusion fluid may be delivered.

Abstract: Implantable medical endoprosthesis delivery systems and articles are provided.

Abstract: A stent comprises at least one stent member woven to form a substantially tubular body that defines a flow path. The tubular body comprises a first region and a second region. In the first region the at least one stent member defines a plurality of first region openings and in the second region at least one first portion of the at least one member and at least one second portion of the at least one member are engaged together to form at least one primary strand. The at least one primary strand defines a plurality of second region openings. The at least one of the plurality of second region openings is in fluid communication with the flow path. The plurality of second region openings provide the second region with a greater porosity than the first region.

Abstract: A thin film device, such as an intravascular stent, is disclosed. The device is formed of a seamless expanse of thin-film (i) formed of a sputtered nitinol shape memory alloy, defining, in an austenitic state, an open, interior volume, having a thickness between 0 5-50 microns, having an austenite finish temperature Af below 37° C.; and demonstrating a stress/strain recovery greater than 3% at 37° C. The expanse can be deformed into a substantially compacted configuration in a martensitic state, and assumes, in its austenitic state, a shape defining such open, interior volume. Also disclosed is a sputtering method for forming the device.

Abstract: A device for bridging a neck of an aneurysm, comprises a junction region, one or more radially extending array elements secured to the junction region, each array element having an unfolded shape and a delivery shape; and a cover attached to the junction region, and extending over the delivery shape of the array elements, wherein each array element is attached at one end to the junction region and the array elements are constructed and arranged to unfold the cover when assuming their unfolded shape, and wherein the device further comprises a tip, and each array element is attached at another end to the tip, the tip comprising an opening through which a vaso-occlusive device or occlusion fluid may be delivered.