Abstract: Various systems and methods of deploying an implantable medical device to a target location of a body vessel are disclosed. A delivery system can include a tubular body defining a longitudinal axis. The tubular body can include a lumen extending therethrough, a sidewall surrounding the lumen, and a feature formed from the sidewall. The feature can include an aperture. A pull wire can be extended through the lumen. The delivery system can include an implantable medical device that includes a locking portion. The locking portion can include an opening. The feature can be positioned within the opening of the locking portion. A distal end of the pull wire can pass through the aperture of the feature to secure the implantable medical device to the delivery system.

Abstract: Delivery and detachment system for an implantable intravascular device, the system including a securement wire in a passageway of an inner support tube. Imposed on the securement wire is a controlled friction force established within an intentional friction zone created by: (i) reflow of an outer sleeve through side port opening(s) in the inner support tube and into the passageway; or (ii) the securement wire having bend(s) creating an associated point(s) of direct physical contact with the inner wall of the inner support tube. During delivery of the implantable intravascular treatment device to a target site, the imposed controlled friction force minimizing movement of the securement wire relative to the inner support tube, and upon reaching the target site, a force being applied to overcome the imparted controlled friction force and releasing the implantable intravascular device.

Abstract: A detachment system configured to deliver an implantable medical device to a target location of a body vessel includes a generally hollow distal tube and an engagement system. The distal tube can have an inner lumen having a first diameter therethrough and a narrowed portion positioned on at least a portion of the distal tube and having a second diameter lesser than the first diameter. The engagement system can be slidably disposed within the inner lumen and have a detachment feature connected to the implantable medical device and a locking member engaging the detachment feature and interfacing with the narrowed portion of the distal tube. The locking member is configured to deploy the implantable medical device when the locking member is displaced from the narrowed portion of the distal tube.

Abstract: A process is provided which is particularly suitable for manufacturing medical guidewires. The resulting products have a weld that has good pull strength and is of minimum brittleness even when one of the components being welded together is a fine wire of material that is susceptible to damage and severe deterioration when subjected to harsh heating conditions. The invention is particularly suitable when that material is a Nitinol alloy. The process supports the other component to be welded such as a coil within a collet such that a substantial portion of it projects beyond the collet and is not supported thereby. A heat source renders this projecting portion molten, after which the other component made of Nitinol, for example, is embedded into the molten mass, usually still under the influence of the heat source, to thereby effect a joining which, after cooling, provides the improved weld without imparting brittleness to either component.

Abstract: The guidewire extension wire and connector assembly comprises: a guidewire extension wire having a distal end portion including, extending toward a distal end of the guidewire extension wire, a break-away neck, a reduced-in-diameter stub section and a larger-in-diameter distal stub end; an inner sleeve having an inner end fixed to the guidewire extension wire proximally of the break-away neck and an outer end extending to the larger-in-diameter distal stub end; an outer sleeve having an inner end thereof fixed to the larger-in-diameter distal stub end; and, a fixing mechanism within an outer end of the outer sleeve adapted to engage a generally cylindrical reduced-in-diameter proximal stub end of an initially inserted guidewire.