Abstract: The present invention is an aneurysm treatment device for treating aneurysms of various shapes and sizes.

Abstract: The present invention involves a magnetic embolization apparatus for embolizing an aneurysm of a blood vessel. The apparatus includes a coiled element adapted for insertion within an aneurysm of a blood vessel, the coiled element shaped to be retained within the aneurysm, and one or more permanent magnetic segments carried by the coiled element to internally induce a magnetic field from within the aneurysm to control a magnetic field controllable embolic to embolize the aneurysm.

Abstract: A variety of devices for use in accessing the subarachnoid space are described. In several embodiments an introducer sheath is disclosed having three main sections, a distal portion, an intermediate portion, and a proximal portion. The distal portion and intermediate portion form a first bend, and the intermediate portion and the proximal portion form a second bend, giving the overall device a general L-shape, S-shape, C-shape, or a three dimensional Z-shape. Apparatuses for attaching an introducer sheath to the skin of a patient are also discussed, as are methods for using, shaping and sizing an introducer sheath.

Abstract: An implantable coil stent comprises at least a first curved segment and a curved segment which arc about the longitudinal axis of the stent. An expandable link extends between the second end of the first curved segment and the first end the second curved segment.

Abstract: The present invention involves a magnetic embolization apparatus and method for embolizing an aneurysm of a blood vessel. The magnetic embolization apparatus includes a catheter having a distal portion adapted for insertion within an aneurysm of a blood vessel, a permanent magnet carried by the distal portion of the catheter to internally induce a magnetic field from within the aneurysm to control a magnetic field controllable embolic to embolize the aneurysm, and an electromagnet carried by the distal portion of the catheter to internally induce a magnetic field to control delivery of the magnetic field controllable embolic. The method includes delivering a magnetic-field controllable embolic into an aneurysm, inducing a magnetic field in the aneurysm to control the magnetic-field controllable embolic to embolize the aneurysm with the permanent magnet of the catheter, and controlling the delivery of the magnetic-field controllable embolic into the aneurysm with an electromagnet.

Abstract: The present invention is an aneurysm treatment device for treating aneurysms of various shapes and sizes.

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: An implantable coil stent comprises at least a first curved segment and a curved segment which arc about the longitudinal axis of the stent. An expandable link extends between the second end of the first curved segment and the first end the second curved segment.

Abstract: An implantable device having a biocompatible member, a bioactive inner coating and a water-soluble outer coating. The device may be in various forms including a coil, stent, particles, sponge or other structure. The materials used for the device include metals as well as polymers. Both the inner and outer coatings may provide for a predetermined time release of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention involves a magnetic embolization apparatus and method for embolizing an aneurysm of a blood vessel. The magnetic embolization apparatus includes a catheter having a distal portion adapted for insertion within an aneurysm of a blood vessel, a permanent magnet carried by the distal portion of the catheter to internally induce a magnetic field from within the aneurysm to control a magnetic field controllable embolic to embolize the aneurysm, and an electromagnet carried by the distal portion of the catheter to internally induce a magnetic field to control delivery of the magnetic field controllable embolic. The method includes delivering a magnetic-field controllable embolic into an aneurysm, inducing a magnetic field in the aneurysm to control the magnetic-field controllable embolic to embolize the aneurysm with the permanent magnet of the catheter, and controlling the delivery of the magnetic-field controllable embolic into the aneurysm with an electromagnet.

Abstract: The present invention involves a magnetic embolization apparatus for embolizing an aneurysm of a blood vessel. The apparatus includes a coiled element adapted for insertion within an aneurysm of a blood vessel, the coiled element shaped to be retained within the aneurysm, and one or more permanent magnetic segments carried by the coiled element to internally induce a magnetic field from within the aneurysm to control a magnetic field controllable embolic to embolize the aneurysm.

Abstract: Implantable devices having multiple detachment junctions are disclosed. Each junction is activated by a different wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, for example light. Also described are methods of making and using these devices.

Abstract: This relates to a composition for forming a biologically active anatomical occlusion typically within the vasculature of a patient. More particularly, it concerns an occlusive agent which may be made from a precursor composition containing at least one biodegradable, polymeric component and at least one biologically active agent. The occlusive agent may further include solid or dissolved radio-opacifiers and known vaso-occlusive devices. The resulting occlusion, a bioactive solid, encourages cellular attachment and growth while maintaining favorable handling, deployment, and visualization characteristics.

Abstract: This is a device for bridging the neck of either a wide-necked or narrow-necked aneurysm in the vasculature and stabilizing the presence of vaso-occlusive devices (such as helically wound coils) in that aneurysm. The retainer assembly may be delivered from its attachment to the distal end of a tubular member preferably by the severance of by an included electrolytically severable joint. The retainer assembly itself typically has a number of array elements which are intended to be resident within the aneurysm after the device is deployed from the distal end of a catheter. After deployment of this retainer, the aneurysm is at least partially filled with a vaso-occlusive device such as helically wound coils.

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 implantable medical device assembly for use in surgical procedures. It is most preferably an implantable structure having stenting properties but only partially coated with or partially associated with a material causing a localized angiogenic response. One variation of is an artificial occlusion kit having the inventive implantable stenting structure situatable and vaso-occlusive devices. The implantable stenting structure is typically situated so to prevent migration of artificial occlusion devices or implants from an occlusion site, such as an aneurysm, and into an adjacent body space, such as a blood vessel.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention pertains to an implantable medical device for at least partially obstructing a neck portion of a vascular aneurysm. The device includes an occlusion subassembly comprising a base section and at least one lateral protrusion fixedly attached to the base section. A therapeutic agent is disposed upon at least one portion of at least one lateral protrusion.

Abstract: A vaso-occlusive device having an inner coating and a water-soluble outer coating. Methods of preparing the devices are also provided.

Abstract: This is a medical device for forming an embolism within the vasculature of a patient. More particularly, it is a vaso-occlusion device at least partially coated with a bioactive agent, a collagenous material, or a collagenous coating optionally containing or coated with other bioactive agents. A highly flexible vaso-occlusive device coated with such materials also forms a variation of the invention.