Abstract: This is a composite guidewire for use with a catheter for accessing a targeted site in a lumen system of a patient's body. The guidewire core or guidewire section may be of a stainless steel or a high elasticity metal alloy, preferably a Ni—Ti alloy, also preferably having specified physical parameters. The composite guidewire assembly is especially useful for accessing peripheral or soft tissue targets. The invention includes multi-section guidewire assemblies having super-elastic alloy or stainless steel ribbon braided reinforcements along a least a portion of the core. A variation of the inventive guidewire includes a braid and a tie layer (and one or more lubricious polymers on the tie layer exterior) to enhance the guidewire's suitability for use within catheters and within the interior of vascular lumen.

Abstract: This is a composite guidewire for use with a catheter for accessing a targeted site in a lumen system of a patient's body. The guidewire core or guidewire section may be of a stainless steel or a high elasticity metal alloy, preferably a Ni—Ti alloy, also preferably having specified physical parameters. The composite guidewire assembly is especially useful for accessing peripheral or soft tissue targets. The invention includes multi-section guidewire assemblies having super-elastic alloy or stainless steel ribbon braided reinforcements along a least a portion of the core. A variation of the inventive guidewire includes a braid and a tie layer (and one or more lubricious polymers on the tie layer exterior) to enhance the guidewire's suitability for use within catheters and within the interior of vascular lumen.

Abstract: This is a device for bridging the neck of either an aneurysm in the vasculature and stabilizing the presence of vaso-occlusive devices (such as helically wound coils) in that aneurysm. The closure patch may be delivered either from the exterior of the distal end of a catheter or delivered from the catheter lumen. It is preferably implanted by the severance of an included electrolytically severable joint. The retainer assembly itself typically has a number of radially projecting elements which are, in turn, attached to a scrim-like fabric, preferably collagen-coated Dacron, extending among the various radially projecting elements. The closure patch is intended to be resident within the aneurysm after it is deployed. After deployment, the aneurysm may be at least partially filled with vaso-occlusive devices such as helically wound coils.

Abstract: This is a catheter assembly and a section of that catheter assembly. That catheter assembly may be used in accessing a tissue target within the body, typically a target which is accessible through the vascular system. Central to the invention is the use of a braided metallic reinforcing member, typically of super-elastic alloy ribbon, situated within the catheter body in such a way to create a catheter having an exceptionally thin wall, controlled stiffness, high resistance to kinking, and complete recovery in vivo from kinking situations. The braid may have a single pitch or may vary in pitch along the axis of the catheter or catheter section. The braided ribbon reinforcing member typically is placed between a flexible outer tubing member and an inner tubing member to produce a catheter section which is very flexible but highly kink resistant.

Abstract: This invention is in the general field of surgical instruments. It relates specifically to catheters which may be used in cardiovascular and endovascular procedures to deliver diagnostic, therapeutic, or vaso-occlusive agents to a target site within a human or animal body which is accessible by a system of natural passageways within that body. The catheters are coated in such a way that they are exceptionally slippery and the coating is very durable. The invention also relates to methods of coating the catheters and to methods of applying lubricious coatings.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus for the formation of occlusions in spaces in the human body, occluding such as thrombi in arteries, veins, aneurysms, vascular malformations and arteriovenous fistulas. In particular, it deals with a one piece assembly having an improved electrolytically erodable link to an occlusive member and further having an incorporated return electrode in the assembly. The occlusion-forming member is introduced to and is intended to remain at the desired occlusion site. The invention also relates to the joint itself. The invention further includes a method for introduction and electrolytic separation of the device.

Abstract: This is an implant for placement in the human body and an assembly for so placing that implant. Most desirably, it is an implant for use in the vasculature of the human body and is used to occlude some space in that vasculature as a portion of a treatment regimen. The implant itself is preferably a component of a deployment device using an electrolytically severable joint. The implant is electrically isolated from the electrolytically severable joint by a highly resistive or insulative layer. Such isolation and minimization of the conductive pathway from the placement apparatus to the body's fluids appears to enhance the susceptibility of the electrolytic joint to quick erosion and detachment of the implant from the deployment media. Although the implant itself is preferably a vaso-occlusive device, it may instead be a stent, a vena cava filter, or other implant which may be installed in this manner.

Abstract: This is an implant for placement in the human body and an assembly for so placing that implant. Most desirably, it is an implant for use in the vasculature of the human body and is used to occlude some space in that vasculature as a portion of a treatment regimen. The implant itself is preferably a component of a deployment device using an electrolytically severable joint. The implant is electrically isolated from the electrolytically severable joint by a highly resistive or insulative layer. Such isolation and minimization of the conductive pathway from the placement apparatus to the body's fluids appears to enhance the susceptibility of the electrolytic joint to quick erosion and detachment of the implant from the deployment media. Although the implant itself is preferably a vaso-occlusive device, it may instead be a stent, a vena cava filter, or other implant which may be installed in this manner.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus for the formation of occlusions in spaces in the human body, occluding such as thrombi in arteries, veins, aneurysms, vascular malformations and arteriovenous fistulas. In particular, it deals with a one piece assembly having an improved electrolytically erodable link to an occlusive member and further having an incorporated return electrode in the assembly. The occlusion-forming member is introduced to and is intended to remain at the desired occlusion site. The invention also relates to the joint itself. The invention further includes a method for introduction and electrolytic separation of the device.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus for the formation of occlusions in spaces in the human body, occluding such as thrombi in arteries, veins, aneurysms, vascular malformations and arteriovenous fistulas. In particular, it deals with a one piece assembly having an improved electrolytically erodable link to an occlusive member and further having an incorporated return electrode in the assembly. The occlusion-forming member is introduced to and is intended to remain at the desired occlusion site. The invention also relates to the joint itself. The invention further includes a method for introduction and electrolytic separation of the device.

Abstract: This is an artificial occlusion kit for implanting and retaining an artificial occlusion device in a body space adjacent to and extending from a body lumen in a mammal. The includes at least one occlusion device and a retaining device for blocking the migration of the occlusion device out of the occlusion site. The retaining device is radially expandable at a retaining site adjacent the body space to be occluded to a diameter that is sufficient to engage the body lumen wall at the retaining site and form a barrier across the entrance zone of the body space to be occluded. The expanded retaining device also forms a lumen for flow through body lumen at the retaining site. At least one semi-penetrable space may also be provided in the retaining device, allowing introduction of occlusion devices into the body space to be occluded, but preventing subsequent migration of the occlusion devices out of the body space.

Abstract: This is a balloon catheter having braided layer which extends generally from the proximal end of the catheter to a location distal of the balloon. In particular, it is desirable that the shaft of the catheter proximal of the balloon be stiffest at the proximal section and least stiff just proximal of the balloon. Although the catheter may be a single lumen catheter using some type of a core wire to act as a valve for inflation and deflation of the balloon, it is within the scope of the invention to include either a separate inflation/deflation lumen or one incorporated into the various concentric polymeric layers used to make up the proximal shaft. Particularly preferred is the use of an elastic, compliant balloon.

Abstract: This invention is in the general field of surgical instruments. It relates specifically to catheters which may be used in cardiovascular and endovascular procedures to deliver diagnostic, therapeutic, or vaso-occlusive agents to a target site within a human or animal body which is accessible by a system of natural passageways within that body. The catheters are coated in such a way that they are exceptionally slippery and the coating is very durable. The invention also relates to methods of coating the catheters and to methods of applying lubricious coatings.

Abstract: This invention is in the general field of surgical instruments. It relates specifically to catheters which may be used in cardiovascular and endovascular procedures to deliver diagnostic, therapeutic, or vaso-occlusive agents to a target site within a human or animal body which is accessible by a system of natural passageways within that body. The catheters are coated in such a way that they are exceptionally slippery and the coating is very durable. The invention also relates to methods of coating the catheters and to methods of applying lubricious coatings.

Abstract: This is an artificial occlusion kit for implanting and retaining an artificial occlusion device in a body space adjacent to and extending from a body lumen in a mammal. The includes at least one occlusion device and a retaining device for blocking the migration of the occlusion device out of the occlusion site. The retaining device is radially expandable at a retaining site adjacent the body space to be occluded to a diameter that is sufficient to engage the body lumen wall at the retaining site and form a barrier across the entrance zone of the body space to be occluded. The expanded retaining device also forms a lumen for flow through body lumen at the retaining site. At least one semi-penetrable space may also be provided in the retaining device, allowing introduction of occlusion devices into the body space to be occluded, but preventing subsequent migration of the occlusion devices out of the body space.

Abstract: This is an implant for placement in the human body and an assembly for so placing that implant. Most desirably, it is an implant for use in the vasculature of the human body and is used to occlude some space in that vasculature as a portion of a treatment regimen. The implant itself is preferably a component of a deployment device using an electrolytically severable joint. The implant is electrically isolated from the electrolytically severable joint by a highly resistive or insulative layer. Such isolation and minimization of the conductive pathway from the placement apparatus to the body's fluids appears to enhance the susceptibility of the electrolytic joint to quick erosion and detachment of the implant from the deployment media. Although the implant itself is preferably a vaso-occlusive device, it may instead be a stent, a vena cava filter, or other implant which may be installed in this manner.

Abstract: This is a catheter suitable for accessing a tissue target within the body, typically a target which is accessible through the vascular system. Central to the concept of the catheter is the use of a reinforcing member wound within the catheter body in such a way to create a catheter having an exceptionally thin wall, excellent kink-resistance, and controlled stiffness. The catheter assembly desirably is constructed of: (a) an inner, polymeric, lubricious liner, (b) a first, helically wound coil over at least the more distal portions of the inner liner, (c) a second, helically wound coil exterior to the first coil located at least on the more proximal portion of the assembly, and (d) one or more outer polymeric coverings exterior to the second coil. Further polymeric layers may also be placed between the outer polymeric covering and the helically wound coils. The outer polymeric covering may be composed of a series of different polymeric compositions to provide suitably differing flexibilities to the assembly.

Abstract: This is a catheter assembly and a section of that catheter assembly. That catheter assembly may be used in accessing a tissue target within the body, typically a target which is accessible through the vascular system. Central to the invention is the use of a braided metallic reinforcing member, typically of super-elastic alloy ribbon, situated within the catheter body in such a way to create a catheter having an exceptionally thin wall, controlled stiffness, high resistance to kinking, and complete recovery in vivo from kinking situations. The braid may have a single pitch or may vary in pitch along the axis of the catheter or catheter section. The braided ribbon reinforcing member typically is placed between a flexible outer tubing member and an inner tubing member to produce a catheter section which is very flexible but highly kink resistant.

Abstract: This is an artificial occlusion kit for implanting and retaining an artificial occlusion device in a body space adjacent to and extending from a body lumen in a mammal. The includes at least one occlusion device and a retaining device for blocking the migration of the occlusion device out of the occlusion site. The retaining device is radially expandable at a retaining site adjacent the body space to be occluded to a diameter that is sufficient to engage the body lumen wall at the retaining site and form a barrier across the entrance zone of the body space to be occluded. The expanded retaining device also forms a lumen for flow through body lumen at the retaining site. The retaining device may be placed in the body temporarily or permanently. At least one semi-penetrable space may also be provided in the retaining device, allowing introduction of occlusion devices into the body space to be occluded, but preventing subsequent migration of the occlusion devices out of the body space.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus for the formation of occlusions in spaces in the human body, occluding such as thrombi in arteries, veins, aneurysms, vascular malformations and arteriovenous fistulas. In particular, it deals with a one piece assembly having an improved electrolytically erodable link to an occlusive member and further having an incorporated return electrode in the assembly. The occlusion-forming member is introduced to and is intended to remain at the desired occlusion site. The invention also relates to the joint itself. The invention further includes a method for introduction and electrolytic separation of the device.