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 conduit interlock assembly for being clamped to portions of a pair of conduits which portions are adjacent an end-to-end interconnection between the two conduits and which conduit interlock assembly is for surrounding a conduit fastener or fasteners fastening the conduits together in the end-to-end connection. The conduit interlock assembly includes a normally open switch for being closed upon the conduit interlock assembly being clamped to the conduits to provide an indication that the conduits are in the end-to-end interconnection and which switch is opened upon the conduit interlock assembly being unclamped from the conduits to provide an indication that the conduits possibly are not in the end-to-end interconnection.

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.

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 vasoocclusive device which, as used, is in the approximate shape of an anatomical cavity. It may be deployed as a sphere, an ovoid, or other distorted spherical shape. The device is a self-forming shape made from a pre-formed vasoocclusion member. Prior to deployment, the vasoocclusive device is sufficiently straight that it is able to be pushed from a vascular catheter without excessive friction. The vasoocclusion member may be a small helical coil or braid variously comprising a suitable metal, or, in the case of a braid, such metal may be co-woven with various polymeric or natural fibers. Fibers may be introduced onto the device and affixed to the member. The constituent member may be also be covered with a fibrous braid. The device is typically introduced through a catheter. The device is passed axially through the catheter sheath and assumes its form upon exiting the catheter without further action.

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: An embolic coil having an enlarged member, such as a ball, attached thereto. The coil is released from a delivery catheter by forcing the enlarged member through an aperture in a socket situated on the distal end of a pusher assembly housed within the delivery catheter.

Abstract: The present invention sets forth a guidewire-type device which can be axially moved via application of axial force and/or by application of torquing force. The device is used for accessing regions within a body. The device is used to attach to subject material within a body, and, if desired, to remove the subject material. In particular, the device and method of the invention are advantageously utilized by health care practitioners for use in accessing tortuous and difficult body areas, such as fallopian tubes.

Abstract: This invention is a microballoon tipped catheter. The catheter has a shaft which is of varying flexibility with the most flexible portion towards the distal tip. The balloon, located near the distal tip of the catheter, is typically of an elastic material, is quite flexible in its own right when deflated, and is quite small. The catheter shaft has a main lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end so to allow the use of a guidewire in placing the catheter's distal tip in remote regions of the vasculature and for delivery of drugs, diagnostics, and other biologics to those regions. The catheter shaft has a wall that desirably is of a multilayer construction. The wall preferably includes an independent lumen, which may be formed from a small diameter tubing that is placed between layers of the wall, for the inflation and deflation of the microballoon. The inflation lumen proceeds from the proximal end of the catheter and terminates near the distal end of the catheter but within the microballoon.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus for endovascular occlusion through the formation of thrombi in arteries, veins, aneurysms, vascular malformations, and arteriovenous fistulas. In particular, it deals with a sacrificial link between an endovascular device which is introduced to and is intended to remain at the desired thrombus formation site and the device used to introduce the device. The invention further includes a method for introduction of the device and its electrolytic separation.

Abstract: A catheter for use in combination with a guide wire for placement within a tortuous, small vessel and delivery of fluid at a target site is disclosed. The catheter comprises an elongate tubular body with a perforated flexible tip located at the distal end of the elongate tubular body.

Abstract: This invention is a surgical instrument and specifically is 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: A catheter composed of an outer coaxial tube or relatively high flexibility and three tandemly disposed inner coaxial tube segments that vary in stiffness with the stiffest being located at the proximal end of the catheter and the least stiff ending proximal of the proximal end of the catheter. The catheter thus has four regions of different stiffness/flexibility.