Abstract: An embodiment is a catheter comprising a first elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and a first lumen therethrough, a wire having a proximal end and a distal end at least partially disposed in the first elongate shaft, the distal end extending distally from the first elongate shaft, and a motion control apparatus connected to the proximal end of the wire, further comprising a device attached to the distal end of the wire for changing the shape of an embolus, wherein the device is configured to change the shape of the embolus to unclog a distal catheter lumen.

Abstract: An embolus extractor including elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The embolus extractor may include primary struts coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The struts may define a proximally disposed mouth. Additional secondary struts may be coupled along the elongate shaft to enhance the thrombus containing ability of the embolus extractor.

Abstract: An embolus extractor including elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The embolus extractor may include primary struts coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The struts may define a proximally disposed mouth. Additional secondary struts may be coupled along the elongate shaft to enhance the thrombus containing ability of the embolus extractor.

Abstract: An embodiment is a catheter comprising a first elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and a first lumen therethrough, a wire having a proximal end and a distal end at least partially disposed in the first elongate shaft, the distal end extending distally from the first elongate shaft, and a motion control apparatus connected to the proximal end of the wire, further comprising a device attached to the distal end of the wire for changing the shape of an embolus, wherein the device is configured to change the shape of the embolus to unclog a distal catheter lumen.

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: An embolus extractor including elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The embolus extractor may include first and second struts coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The struts may define a proximally disposed mouth.

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 embolus extractor including elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The embolus extractor may include first and second struts coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The struts may define a proximally disposed mouth.

Abstract: An embolus extractor including elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The embolus extractor may include primary struts coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The struts may define a proximally disposed mouth. Additional secondary struts may be coupled along the elongate shaft to enhance the thrombus containing ability of the embolus extractor.

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: A solderless sacrificial link between a detachable member which is placed at and is intended to remain at a desired site within the mammalian body and the core wire used to introduce the detachable member. The detachable member device may be one used to create emboli in the vascular system or may be of any other type deliverable into the human body and detached into an ionic aqueous environment, either for later removal or permanent placement.

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: An embolus extractor including elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The embolus extractor may include first and second struts coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The struts may define a proximally disposed mouth.

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 is a solderless sacrificial link between a detachable member which is placed at and is intended to remain at a desired site within the mammalian body and the core wire used to introduce the detachable member. The detachable member device may be one used to create emboli in the vascular system or may be of any other type deliverable into the human body and detached into an ionic aqueous environment, either for later removal or permanent placement.

Abstract: A device for delivering an embolic coil to a selected site within a vessel in a human body via use of a catheter. In particular, the device involves an embolic coil having an enlarged member, such as a ball attached thereto which coil is released by forcing the enlarged member through an aperture in a socket situated on the distal end of a pusher assembly.

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: A solderless sacrificial link between a detachable member which is placed at and is intended to remain at a desired site within the mammalian body and the core wire used to introduce the detachable member. The detachable member device may be one used to create emboli in the vascular system or may be of any other type deliverable into the human body and detached into an ionic aqueous environment, either for later removal or permanent placement.

Abstract: A solderless sacrificial link between a detachable member which is placed at and is intended to remain at a desired site within the mammalian body and the core wire used to introduce the detachable member. The detachable member device may be one used to create emboli in the vascular system or may be of any other type deliverable into the human body and detached into an ionic aqueous environment, either for later removal or permanent placement.