Abstract: Methods for treating a cerebral aneurysm may include advancing a resilient self-expanding implant coupled to a pusher within a microcatheter to the cerebral aneurysm within the patient's vasculature. The implant may include a permeable shell, a coil extending from a distal end of the permeable shell, and a bioactive agent. The implant may be deployed within the cerebral aneurysm, where the coil and the permeable shell each assume an expanded deployed configuration. In an expanded deployed configuration, the coil has at least one loop having a secondary diameter and the permeable shell has an axially shortened configuration relative to a radially constrained elongated configuration.

Abstract: Devices for treating a cerebral aneurysm may include proximal and distal self-expanding resilient permeable shells each including a plurality of elongate resilient filaments having a braided structure. The distal permeable shell may include a first plurality of filaments gathered at least at the proximal end thereof. The proximal permeable shell may include a second plurality of filaments are gathered at least at the proximal end thereof. The expanded state of the distal permeable shell may have a convex shape at the distal end of the distal permeable shell and the expanded state of the proximal permeable shell may have a generally convex shape at the proximal end of the proximal permeable shell. The expanded states of the distal and proximal permeable shells may also define a toroidal cavity through which an elongate support member extends.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature are described. The device includes a self-expanding permeable implant having a radially constrained state and an expanded state with a shortened configuration, a plurality of elongate filaments which are woven together in a tubular braid, and a fixation element. The fixation element may be a hook, barb, protrusion, bioadhesive, or pore. The implant includes at least some nitinol filaments and at least some composite filaments. Methods of treating a cerebral aneurysm are also described. The methods include advancing a permeable implant to the aneurysm, deploying the implant, and delivering embolic material into the cerebral aneurysm adjacent a portion of the permeable implant that spans the neck.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature are described. The device includes a self-expanding resilient permeable shell having a radially constrained state and an expanded state with a globular, axially shortened configuration. The permeable shell may be a single layer of braided elongate filaments having first and second ends that are secured at the proximal end of the permeable shell. The devices may also include permeable shells made of woven braided mesh having a variable mesh density, i.e., the average size of pores in one region are a different than the average size of pores in another region. Methods of using the device to treat a cerebral aneurysm are also described. Methods of forming a tubular braid are also described. Methods of forming a tubular braid with variable braid densities are described. Methods of forming a tubular braid using a castellated mandrel are also described.

Abstract: Methods of braiding using a braiding mechanism are described. The braiding mechanism includes a disc defining a plane and a circumferential edge, a mandrel extending from a center of the disc that is adapted to hold a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel toward the circumferential edge of the disc, a plurality of catch mechanisms positioned circumferentially around the edge of the disc, a plurality of actuators adapted to move the plurality of catch mechanisms in a substantially radial direction relative to the circumferential edge of the disc, and a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel towards circumferential edge of the disc. A middle portion of each filament of the plurality of filaments contacts an end of the mandrel.

Abstract: Methods of braiding using a braiding mechanism are described. The braiding mechanism includes a disc defining a plane and a circumferential edge, a mandrel extending from a center of the disc that is adapted to hold a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel toward the circumferential edge of the disc, a plurality of catch mechanisms positioned circumferentially around the edge of the disc, a plurality of actuators adapted to move the plurality of catch mechanisms in a substantially radial direction relative to the circumferential edge of the disc, and a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel towards circumferential edge of the disc. A middle portion of each filament of the plurality of filaments contacts an end of the mandrel.

Abstract: Systems for completely or partially excluding an aneurysm from circulation of blood are described. In one embodiment, the system includes a microcatheter, a fully or partially self-expandable stent, and a delivery device configured to be deliverable together with the stent through a lumen of the microcatheter. The delivery device includes an elongate support member coupled to a self-expandable portion, which includes a tubular mesh structure having a compressed state and an expanded state. A distal portion of the self-expandable portion extends proximally from a distal end of the self-expandable portion and has a length having an expanded outer diameter that is equal to or greater than the self-expanded inner diameter of the stent. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the self-expandable portion is substantially non-expanded where it is coupled to the elongate support member.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating a cerebral aneurysm are described. The device may include proximal and distal self-expanding resilient permeable shells each including a plurality of elongate resilient filaments having a braided structure. The distal permeable shell may include a first plurality of filaments gathered at least at the proximal end thereof. The proximal permeable shell may include a second plurality of filaments are gathered at least at the proximal end thereof. The expanded state of the distal permeable shell may have a convex shape at the distal end of the distal permeable shell and the expanded state of the proximal permeable shell may have a generally convex shape at the proximal end of the proximal permeable shell. The expanded states of the distal and proximal permeable shells may also define a toroidal cavity through which an elongate support member extends.

Abstract: Systems for treating an aneurysm in a cerebral vessel and methods of use are described. In one embodiment, the system includes an elongate tubular member having a lumen, an expandable stent, and a delivery device. The expandable stent has a constrained state that is configured for delivery through the lumen of the elongate tubular member, and an expanded state configured for placement within the cerebral vessel adjacent the aneurysm. The delivery device includes an elongate member and a self-expandable portion. The proximal end of the self-expandable portion is coupled to the elongate member at or near the distal end of the elongate member. The self-expandable portion of the delivery device includes a tubular mesh structure having a constrained state and an expanded state. The stent is engaged (e.g., mechanical, frictional, or intermeshing) with the self-expandable portion of the delivery device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating a cerebral aneurysm utilize a device that includes a self-expanding resilient permeable shell made from elongate resilient filaments. At least some of the filaments have a distal region that extends beyond the distal end of the permeable shell and form an extension having a generally circular shape when expanded. The permeable shell has a radially constrained elongated state configured for delivery within a microcatheter and has an expanded state with a globular, axially shortened configuration. The permeable shell has a plurality of openings formed between the braided filaments. The distal regions of the plurality of filaments that form the extension may be braided, partially braided, or unraveled. Once deployed within the cerebral aneurysm, the extension may be positioned near a dome of the cerebral aneurysm.

Abstract: Methods of braiding using a braiding mechanism are described. The braiding mechanism includes a disc defining a plane and a circumferential edge, a mandrel extending from a center of the disc that is adapted to hold a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel toward the circumferential edge of the disc, a plurality of catch mechanisms positioned circumferentially around the edge of the disc, a plurality of actuators adapted to move the plurality of catch mechanisms in a substantially radial direction relative to the circumferential edge of the disc, and a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel towards circumferential edge of the disc. A middle portion of each filament of the plurality of filaments contacts an end of the mandrel.

Abstract: Methods of braiding using a braiding mechanism are described. The braiding mechanism includes an array of filament engagement elements, a mandrel extending from the center of the circular array, a plurality of actuators disposed operably about the array, and a rotating mechanism adapted to rotate one or more filaments. The plurality of filaments are loaded onto the mandrel by looping a middle portion of each filament of the plurality of filaments over an end of the mandrel and extend radially toward and contact the circumferential edge of the circular array of filament engagement elements. The plurality of actuators are operated to engage a first subset of the plurality of filaments and move the engaged filaments in a generally radial direction to a position beyond the circumferential edge of the array. The rotating mechanism is operated to move the engaged filaments about the mandrel axis.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature are described. The device includes a self-expanding resilient permeable shell having a radially constrained state and an expanded state with a globular, axially shortened configuration. The permeable shell may be a single layer of braided elongate filaments having first and second ends that are secured at the proximal end of the permeable shell. The devices may also include permeable shells made of woven braided mesh having a variable mesh density, i.e., the average size of pores in one region are a different than the average size of pores in another region. Methods of using the device to treat a cerebral aneurysm are also described. Methods of forming a tubular braid are also described. Methods of forming a tubular braid with variable braid densities are described. Methods of forming a tubular braid using a castellated mandrel are also described.

Abstract: Systems for treating an aneurysm in a cerebral vessel and methods of use are described. In one embodiment, the system includes an elongate tubular member having a lumen, an expandable stent, and a delivery device. The expandable stent has a constrained state that is configured for delivery through the lumen of the elongate tubular member, and an expanded state configured for placement within the cerebral vessel adjacent the aneurysm. The delivery device includes an elongate member and a self-expandable portion. The proximal end of the self-expandable portion is coupled to the elongate member at or near the distal end of the elongate member. The self-expandable portion of the delivery device includes a tubular mesh structure having a constrained state and an expanded state. The stent is engaged (e.g., mechanical, frictional, or intermeshing) with the self-expandable portion of the delivery device.

Abstract: Methods of braiding using a braiding mechanism are described. The braiding mechanism includes an array of filament engagement elements, a mandrel extending from the center of the circular array, a plurality of actuators disposed operably about the array, and a rotating mechanism adapted to rotate one or more filaments. The plurality of filaments are loaded onto the mandrel by looping a middle portion of each filament of the plurality of filaments over an end of the mandrel and extend radially toward and contact the circumferential edge of the circular array of filament engagement elements. The plurality of actuators are operated to engage a first subset of the plurality of filaments and move the engaged filaments in a generally radial direction to a position beyond the circumferential edge of the array. The rotating mechanism is operated to move the engaged filaments about the mandrel axis.

Abstract: Systems for treating an aneurysm in a cerebral vessel and methods of use are described. In one embodiment, the system includes an elongate tubular member having a lumen, an expandable stent, and a delivery device. The expandable stent has a constrained state that is configured for delivery through the lumen of the elongate tubular member, and an expanded state configured for placement within the cerebral vessel adjacent the aneurysm. The delivery device includes an elongate member and a self-expandable portion. The proximal end of the self-expandable portion is coupled to the elongate member at or near the distal end of the elongate member. The self-expandable portion of the delivery device includes a tubular mesh structure having a constrained state and an expanded state. The stent is engaged (e.g., mechanical, frictional, or intermeshing) with the self-expandable portion of the delivery device.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature are described. The device includes a self-expanding resilient permeable shell having a radially constrained state and an expanded state with a globular, axially shortened configuration. The permeable shell may be a single layer of braided elongate filaments having first and second ends that are secured at the proximal end of the permeable shell. The devices may also include permeable shells made of woven braided mesh having a variable mesh density, i.e., the average size of pores in one region are a different than the average size of pores in another region. Methods of using the device to treat a cerebral aneurysm are also described. Methods of forming a tubular braid are also described. Methods of forming a tubular braid with variable braid densities are described. Methods of forming a tubular braid using a castellated mandrel are also described.

Abstract: Methods of braiding using a braiding mechanism are described. The braiding machine includes first and second annular members, the second annular member being concentric with the first annular member. A mandrel extends perpendicularly to and intersects a horizontal plane defined by a substantially circular region of the second annular member substantially at the center of the circular region. Each of the annular members has a plurality of tubular guide wires slideably mounted thereon and a plurality of wires extend from the mandrel through each of the tubular wire guides. The first annular member rotates circumferentially relative to the second annular member. The first plurality of tubular wire guides slides radially inward to align with the second annular member, and the second plurality of tubular wire guides slides radially outward so as to align with the first annular member.

Abstract: A method to effect biphasic bioavailability of oral euphoric psychogenic cannabis. The method comprises the step of providing and ingesting a chambered, layered oral drug delivery arrangement, to achieve both a rapid systemic euphoric cannabis effect, and a delayed, but sustained, systemic cannabis euphoric effect.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating a cerebral aneurysm are described. The device may include a self-expanding resilient permeable shell made from elongate resilient filaments. At least some of the filaments have a distal region that extends beyond the distal end of the permeable shell and form an extension having a generally circular shape when expanded. The permeable shell has a radially constrained elongated state configured for delivery within a microcatheter and has an expanded state with a globular, axially shortened configuration. The permeable shell has a plurality of openings formed between the braided filaments. The distal regions of the plurality of filaments that form the extension may be braided, partially braided, or unraveled. Once deployed within the cerebral aneurysm, the extension is positioned near a dome of the cerebral aneurysm.