Abstract: An intravascular medical device including an elongated member configured to be advanced along a vascular path of a patient, the elongated member having opposite first and second ends, the first end and second ends both being adapted for intravascular insertion, and the first end having a different structure than the second end. The elongated member has sufficient flexibility to be advanced through a human vasculature. Preferably, the first and second ends are adapted to have different operating characteristics. Depending on the operating characteristics needed for a particular procedure, a physician can insert either the first end portion or the second end portion of the elongated member into the patient's vasculature.

Abstract: A balloon and novel method of making and using the balloon is provided. In the method, a two-step forming process is provided, which overcomes the traditional brittleness exhibited by polymers when used below Tg. Selection criteria for polymeric materials that may yield medical balloons with desirable balloon strength and flexibility when processed according to the invention is also provided.

Abstract: A settable, magnetically guideable embolic material for occluding vascular defects, the material comprising: prolamine, ethanol, a magnetically responsive material, and a radio-opaque material.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating vascular defects. A catheter having a selectively energizeable coil on its distal end. The catheter is particularly adapted for the delivery of magnetic embolic materials. The coil can be energized to aid in the magnetic navigation of the catheter, to help retain magnetic material in the catheter, to draw ejected magnetic material back into the catheter. A catheter can also be used to deliver a magnetic patch that can be magnetically applied to a vascular defect such as an aneurysm.

Abstract: Embolic compositions for treating vascular defects such as aneurysms include a mixture of a biocompatible polymer material, a biocompatible solvent, and preferably also an adhesive. The compositions preferably further comprise magnetic particles for controlling the delivery of the embolic agent. These magnetic particles preferably lose magnet strength over time, so that they do not interfere with subsequent magnetic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The compositions preferably also include radiopaque particles, which may be the magnetic particles, to facilitate imaging the embolic material.

Abstract: A magnetic embolic agent for magnetic placement in a vascular defect includes a bicompatible polymer, a solvent, an adhesive, and magnetic particles.