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: A device and method for intravascular treatment of an embolism, and particularly a pulmonary embolism, is disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed toward a clot treatment device that includes a support member having a plurality of first clot engagement members and second clot engagement members positioned about the circumference of a distal portion of the support member. In an undeployed state, individual first clot engagement members can be linear and have a first length, and individual second clot engagement members can be linear and have a second length that is less than the first length. The clot engagement members can be configured to penetrate clot material along an arcuate path and hold clot material to the clot treatment device.

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: 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: A vascular occlusion device includes a braided filament mesh structure defining a longitudinal axis. The mesh structure has a relaxed configuration in which it has an axial array of radially-extending occlusion regions, each of which has a proximal side and a distal side meeting at a peripheral edge, the sides of each occlusion region forming a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis. Each occlusion region is axially separated from the adjacent occlusion region by a reduced-diameter connecting region. The mesh structure is radially compressible to a compressed state in which it is deployed intravascularly to a target site through a catheter. Upon deployment, the device radially expands to a constrained configuration in which the peripheral edges of the occlusion regions engage the vascular wall, and the sides of the occlusion regions form a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis that is smaller than the first angle.

Abstract: A vascular occlusion device includes a braided filament mesh structure defining a longitudinal axis. The mesh structure has a relaxed configuration in which it has an axial array of radially-extending occlusion regions, each of which has a proximal side and a distal side meeting at a peripheral edge, the sides of each occlusion region forming a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis. Each occlusion region is axially separated from the adjacent occlusion region by a reduced-diameter connecting region. The mesh structure is radially compressible to a compressed state in which it is deployed intravascularly to a target site through a catheter. Upon deployment, the device radially expands to a constrained configuration in which the peripheral edges of the occlusion regions engage the vascular wall, and the sides of the occlusion regions form a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis that is smaller than the first angle.

Abstract: A device and method for intravascular treatment of an embolism, and particularly a pulmonary embolism, is disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed toward a clot treatment device that includes a support member having a plurality of first clot engagement members and second clot engagement members positioned about the circumference of a distal portion of the support member. In an undeployed state, individual first clot engagement members can be linear and have a first length, and individual second clot engagement members can be linear and have a second length that is less than the first length. The clot engagement members can be configured to penetrate clot material along an arcuate path and hold clot material to the clot treatment device.

Abstract: An occlusion device including a tubular braided member having a first end and a second end and extending along a longitudinal axis, the tubular braided member having a repeating pattern of larger diameter portions and smaller diameter portions arrayed along the longitudinal axis, and at least one metallic coil member extending coaxially along at least a portion of the braided member, the at least one metallic coil member having an outer diameter and an inner diameter, wherein the smaller diameter portions of the tubular braided member have an outer diameter and an inner diameter, and wherein at least one of the outer diameter and inner diameter of the tubular braided member is configured to closely match a directly opposing diameter of the metallic coil member.

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: A device and method for intravascular treatment of an embolism, and particularly a pulmonary embolism, is disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed toward a clot treatment device that includes a support member having a plurality of first clot engagement members and second clot engagement members positioned about the circumference of a distal portion of the support member. In an undeployed state, individual first clot engagement members can be linear and have a first length, and individual second clot engagement members can be linear and have a second length that is less than the first length. The clot engagement members can be configured to penetrate clot material along an arcuate path and hold clot material to the clot treatment device.

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 vascular occlusion device includes a braided filament mesh structure defining a longitudinal axis. The mesh structure has a relaxed configuration in which it has an axial array of radially-extending occlusion regions, each of which has a proximal side and a distal side meeting at a peripheral edge, the sides of each occlusion region forming a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis. Each occlusion region is axially separated from the adjacent occlusion region by a reduced-diameter connecting region. The mesh structure is radially compressible to a compressed state in which it is deployed intravascularly to a target site through a catheter. Upon deployment, the device radially expands to a constrained configuration in which the peripheral edges of the occlusion regions engage the vascular wall, and the sides of the occlusion regions form a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis that is smaller than the first angle.

Abstract: A vascular occlusion device includes a braided filament mesh structure defining a longitudinal axis. The mesh structure has a relaxed configuration in which it has an axial array of radially-extending occlusion regions, each of which has a proximal side and a distal side meeting at a peripheral edge, the sides of each occlusion region forming a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis. Each occlusion region is axially separated from the adjacent occlusion region by a reduced-diameter connecting region. The mesh structure is radially compressible to a compressed state in which it is deployed intravascularly to a target site through a catheter. Upon deployment, the device radially expands to a constrained configuration in which the peripheral edges of the occlusion regions engage the vascular wall, and the sides of the occlusion regions form a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis that is smaller than the first angle.

Abstract: A vascular occlusion device includes a braided filament mesh structure defining a longitudinal axis. The mesh structure has a relaxed configuration in which it has an axial array of radially-extending occlusion regions, each of which has a proximal side and a distal side meeting at a peripheral edge, the sides of each occlusion region forming a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis. Each occlusion region is axially separated from the adjacent occlusion region by a reduced-diameter connecting region. The mesh structure is radially compressible to a compressed state in which it is deployed intravascularly to a target site through a catheter. Upon deployment, the device radially expands to a constrained configuration in which the peripheral edges of the occlusion regions engage the vascular wall, and the sides of the occlusion regions form a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis that is smaller than the first angle.

Abstract: A vascular occlusion device includes a braided filament mesh structure defining a longitudinal axis. The mesh structure has a relaxed configuration in which it has an axial array of radially-extending occlusion regions, each of which has a proximal side and a distal side meeting at a peripheral edge, the sides of each occlusion region forming a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis. Each occlusion region is axially separated from the adjacent occlusion region by a reduced-diameter connecting region. The mesh structure is radially compressible to a compressed state in which it is deployed intravascularly to a target site through a catheter. Upon deployment, the device radially expands to a constrained configuration in which the peripheral edges of the occlusion regions engage the vascular wall, and the sides of the occlusion regions form a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis that is smaller than the first angle.

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 device and method for intravascular treatment of an embolism, and particularly a pulmonary embolism, is disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed toward a clot treatment device that includes a support member having a plurality of first clot engagement members and second clot engagement members positioned about the circumference of a distal portion of the support member. In an undeployed state, individual first clot engagement members can be linear and have a first length, and individual second clot engagement members can be linear and have a second length that is less than the first length. The clot engagement members can be configured to penetrate clot material along an arcuate path and hold clot material to the clot treatment device.

Abstract: Methods of braiding using a braiding mechanism are described. The braiding mechanism includes a circular array of filament engagement elements, a mandrel extending from the center of the circular array, a plurality of actuators disposed operably about the circular array, and a rotating mechanism adapted to rotate one or more filaments. The circular array of filament engagement elements and the plurality of actuators are configured to move relative to one another. The plurality of filaments are loaded onto 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 circular array. The rotating mechanism is operated to move the engaged filaments about the mandrel axis.

Abstract: A device and method for intravascular treatment of an embolism, and particularly a pulmonary embolism, is disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed toward a clot treatment device that includes a support member having a plurality of first clot engagement members and second clot engagement members positioned about the circumference of a distal portion of the support member. In an undeployed state, individual first clot engagement members can be linear and have a first length, and individual second clot engagement members can be linear and have a second length that is less than the first length. The clot engagement members can be configured to penetrate clot material along an arcuate path and hold clot material to the clot treatment device.