Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for navigating a subarachnoid space in a vertebrate organism including percutaneously introducing a device into the spinal subarachnoid space at an entry location. Navigation of the spinal subarachnoid space is disclosed for the purpose of reaching a desired location in the subarachnoid space or the intracranial space, including areas in and around the spinal cord and brain. Once a desired location is reached, methods and devices for cooling or heating the desired location to cause physiologic changes are suggested.

Abstract: The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil detachably mounts the therapeutic device to a distal portion of a pusher member. In one embodiment, the therapeutic device is detachably mounted to the distal portion of the pusher member by a tubular collar that can be heated by a heater such as an electrical resistance coil to expand the collar and release and deploy the therapeutic device. The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil may also provide for a pusher member and a connector fiber for securing the therapeutic device to the pusher member. The connector fiber passes through a heater within the distal portion of the pusher member, for heating and breaking the connector fiber to release the therapeutic device when a desired placement of the therapeutic device within the vasculature is achieved.

Abstract: The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil provides for a pusher member and a connector fiber for securing the therapeutic device to the pusher member. The connector fiber passes adjacent to a distal heating end of an elongated, flexible heat pipe member within the distal portion of the pusher member, for heating and breaking the connector fiber to release the therapeutic device when a desired placement of the therapeutic device within the vasculature is achieved.

Abstract: The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil detachably mounts the therapeutic device to a distal portion of a pusher member. In one embodiment, the therapeutic device is detachably mounted to the distal portion of the pusher member by a tubular collar that can be heated by a heater such as an electrical resistance coil to expand the collar and release and deploy the therapeutic device. The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil may also provide for a pusher member and a connector fiber for securing the therapeutic device to the pusher member. The connector fiber passes through a heater within the distal portion of the pusher member, for heating and breaking the connector fiber to release the therapeutic device when a desired placement of the therapeutic device within the vasculature is achieved.

Abstract: The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil detachably mounts the therapeutic device to a distal portion of a pusher member. In one embodiment, the therapeutic device is detachably mounted to the distal portion of the pusher member by a connector fiber for securing the therapeutic device to the pusher member. The connector fiber passes through a cutter member such as a cutting ring within the distal portion of the pusher member, for cutting the connector fiber to release the therapeutic device when a desired placement of the therapeutic device within the vasculature is achieved.

Abstract: The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil provides for a pusher member and a connector fiber for securing the therapeutic device to the pusher member. The connector fiber passes adjacent to a distal heating end of an elongated, flexible heat pipe member within the distal portion of the pusher member, for heating and breaking the connector fiber to release the therapeutic device when a desired placement of the therapeutic device within the vasculature is achieved.

Abstract: A guidewire replacement device having a proximal shaft section, a distal shaft section and a flexible intermediate shaft section which facilitate the articulation of the distal shaft section with respect to the proximal shaft section. The intermediate shaft section has as aperture for the egress or exit of an in-place guidewire during a guidewire exchange. The proximal end of an in-place guidewire is inserted through the distal guidewire port in the distal end of the distal shaft section, through the distal section and out the aperture in the intermediate shaft section. The exchange device is advanced through the inner lumen of a guiding catheter over the in-place guidewire until the distal end of the exchange device extends through the proximal guidewire port of a rapid exchange type intraluminal catheter. Once the guidewire exchange device is properly placed, the in-place guidewire can then be withdrawn from the patient.

Abstract: A guidewire replacement device having a proximal shaft section, a distal shaft section and a flexible intermediate shaft section which facilitate the articulation of the distal shaft section with respect to the proximal shaft section. The intermediate shaft section has as aperture for the egress or exit of an in-place guidewire during a guidewire exchange. The proximal end of an in-place guidewire is inserted through the distal guidewire port in the distal end of the distal shaft section, through the distal section and out the aperture in the intermediate shaft section. The exchange device is advanced through the inner lumen of a guiding catheter over the in-place guidewire until the distal end of the exchange device extends through the proximal guidewire port of a rapid exchange type intraluminal catheter. Once the guidewire exchange device is properly placed, the in-place guidewire can then be withdrawn from the patient.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter having a relatively long proximal shaft portion, a relatively short distal shaft section and a flexible intermediate shaft which allows the articulation of the distal and proximal shaft sections. The intermediate shaft section has a guidewire port in fluid communication with a guidewire receiving inner lumen which extends through the catheter shaft. In one presently preferred embodiment the portion of the intermediate shaft section through which the guidewire lumen extends is formed by a helical coil having an expanded portion which defines the guidewire port. The catheter allows both rapid exchange and over-the-wire modes of operation.