Abstract: An implant for medical use, and methods of making same, having a body formed of a plurality of single strands of a first material. The body further includes at least one multi-strand of radiopaque material incorporated among the single strands, the multi-strand having at least two side-by-side filaments of radiopaque material that lie substantially contiguous to each other over substantially the entire length of the multi-strand.

Abstract: A capture tube mechanism for delivering and releasing a self-expanding stent includes a core wire on which a proximal portion of the stent is removably retained by a distal portion of a tubular capture sleeve. In one embodiment, one or more elongated members extending through corresponding apertures through the capture sleeve and out the distal end of the capture sleeve can be pulled to split the tubular capture sleeve to release the stent. In another embodiment, the capture sleeve can be pulled proximally over one or more stop members provided on the core wire to release the stent.

Abstract: An implant for medical use, and methods of making same, having a body formed of a plurality of single strands of a first material. The body further includes at least one multi-strand of radiopaque material incorporated among the single strands, the multi-strand having at least two side-by-side filaments of radiopaque material that lie substantially contiguous to each other over substantially the entire length of the multi-strand.

Abstract: A braided stent system includes a stent body having a lumen formed by a plurality of braided members with interstices formed therebetween and a first expansion ring connected to the lumen of the stent body. The first expansion ring may include a frame defined by a plurality of interconnected support assemblies that are selectively positioned to impart an outwardly expanding radial force to the stent body, each support assembly can include a plurality of legs joined at a first intersection and connected to one of the other interconnected support assemblies at a second intersection opposite the first intersection. Each support assembly can include a claw portion mechanically connected to one or more of the interstices of the stent body so that the frame imparts an outward radial expansion force of the stent to facilitate use and delivery of the stent.

Abstract: A capture tube mechanism for delivering and releasing a self-expanding stent includes a core wire on which a proximal portion of the stent is removably retained by a distal portion of a tubular capture sleeve. In one embodiment, one or more elongated members extending through corresponding apertures through the capture sleeve and out the distal end of the capture sleeve can be pulled to split the tubular capture sleeve to release the stent. In another embodiment, the capture sleeve can be pulled proximally over one or more stop members provided on the core wire to release the stent.

Abstract: A method of treating an aneurysm with an occlusion device having an inner embolic device with a proximal section and a distal section. The distal section has a first stiffness and the proximal section has a second stiffness. Further, the device has an expandable mesh capable of a collapsed position and an expanded position. The mesh can be disposed over, and attached to, a portion of the proximal section of the inner embolic device. The first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness and the inner embolic device comprises a preselected shape which assists in transforming the expandable mesh from the collapsed position to the expanded position.

Abstract: Methods of making an implant for medical use, having a body formed of a plurality of single strands of a first material. The body further includes at least one multi-strand of radiopaque material incorporated among the single strands, the multi-strand having at least two side-by-side filaments of radiopaque material that lie substantially contiguous to each other over substantially the entire length of the multi-strand.

Abstract: An occlusion device for treating an aneurysm can have an inner embolic device with a proximal section and a distal section. The distal section has a first stiffness and the proximal section has a second stiffness. Further, the device has an expandable mesh capable of a collapsed position and an expanded position. The mesh can be disposed over, and attached to, a portion of the proximal section of the inner embolic device. The first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness and the inner embolic device has a preselected shape which assists in transforming the expandable mesh from the collapsed position to the expanded position.

Abstract: A self-expanding braided stent includes at least a distal radial expansion ring added to a distal end of the stent body to increase a radial expansion force of the self-expanding braided stent in deployment of the stent, and to facilitate advancement of the stent through a delivery sheath by a core advancement wire. A proximal radial expansion ring is optionally added to a proximal end of the stent body to allow the stent to be recaptured following partial deployment by retraction of the core advancement wire, prior to full deployment of a proximal portion of the stent body.

Abstract: A system is provided to effectively position a stent within a vessel. The system includes a delivery catheter and a core wire extend through the catheter. The core wire includes an engaging surface region and a capture member disposed thereon, which cooperate to engage a stent such that the stent is able to be advanced or retracted with the advancement or retraction of the core wire. The engaging surface region and the capture member can generally be configured to engage the stent when a portion of the stent is disposed within the lumen of the catheter, and release the stent when no portion of the stent is within the lumen.

Abstract: A vascular flow diverter includes a tubular mesh framework which includes a mesh cover and an opening. The tubular mesh framework is collapsible and configured to expand from a collapsed shape to a tubular shape when the vascular flow diverter is deployed. The mesh cover conforms to the shape of the tubular mesh, is surrounded by the tubular mesh framework, and is less porous than the tubular mesh framework. The opening is located within the mesh cover. A delivery wire passes through the opening in order to guide the flow diverter into place over an aneurysm.

Abstract: A system is provided to effectively position a stent within a vessel. The system includes a delivery catheter and a core wire extend through the catheter. The core wire includes an engaging surface region and a capture member disposed thereon, which cooperate to engage a stent such that the stent is able to be advanced or retracted with the advancement or retraction of the core wire. The engaging surface region and the capture member can generally be configured to engage the stent when a portion of the stent is disposed within the lumen of the catheter, and release the stent when no portion of the stent is within the lumen.

Abstract: A braided stent system includes a stent body having a lumen formed by a plurality of braided members with interstices formed therebetween and a first expansion ring connected to the lumen of the stent body. The first expansion ring may include a frame defined by a plurality of interconnected support assemblies that are selectively positioned to impart an outwardly expanding radial force to the stent body, each support assembly can include a plurality of legs joined at a first intersection and connected to one of the other interconnected support assemblies at a second intersection opposite the first intersection. Each support assembly can include a claw portion mechanically connected to one or more of the interstices of the stent body so that the frame imparts an outward radial expansion force of the stent to facilitate use and delivery of the stent.

Abstract: A vasculature occlusion device detachment system including a heating fuse element made of a material that melts when a current is applied that exceeds a predetermined maximum current threshold. An electrically conductive corewire connected proximate its distal end directly to the heating fuse element at a first electrical connection joint, while a separate insulated electrically conductive wire is electrically connected directly to the heating fuse element at a second electrical connection joint. An inner insulation sleeve placed over a distal section of the corewire covers the first electrical connection joint and is disposed between the insulated electrically conductive wire and the electrically conductive corewire. An outer insulation sleeve is disposed over a distal section of an assembly including the insulated electrically conductive wire, the inner insulation sleeve and the electrically conductive corewire. The outer insulation sleeve covers the second electrical connection joint.

Abstract: An occlusion device for treating an aneurysm can have an inner embolic device with a proximal section and a distal section. The distal section has a first stiffness and the proximal section has a second stiffness. Further, the device has an expandable mesh capable of a collapsed position and an expanded position. The mesh can be disposed over, and attached to, a portion of the proximal section of the inner embolic device. The first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness and the inner embolic device comprises a preselected shape which assists in transforming the expandable mesh from the collapsed position to the expanded position.

Abstract: A vasculature occlusion device detachment system including a heating fuse element made of a material that melts when a current is applied that exceeds a predetermined maximum current threshold. An electrically conductive corewire connected proximate its distal end directly to the heating fuse element at a first electrical connection joint, while a separate insulated electrically conductive wire is electrically connected directly to the heating fuse element at a second electrical connection joint. An inner insulation sleeve placed over a distal section of the corewire covers the first electrical connection joint and is disposed between the insulated electrically conductive wire and the electrically conductive corewire. An outer insulation sleeve is disposed over a distal section of an assembly including the insulated electrically conductive wire, the inner insulation sleeve and the electrically conductive corewire. The outer insulation sleeve covers the second electrical connection joint.

Abstract: An implant for medical use, and methods of making same, having a body formed of a plurality of single strands of a first material. The body further includes at least one multi-strand of radiopaque material incorporated among the single strands, the multi-strand having at least two side-by-side filaments of radiopaque material that lie substantially contiguous to each other over substantially the entire length of the multi-strand.

Abstract: A stretch-resistant occlusive device, and method of manufacturing such a device, having a helically wound coil defining a coil lumen extending along the entire axial length of the coil from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion. The device further includes a headpiece having a proximal end, a distal end attached to the proximal end portion of the coil, and a headpiece lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends of the headpiece. An anchor filament extends through the headpiece lumen, has at least one proximal end secured to the proximal end of the headpiece, and has a distal portion defining an eye positioned distal to the distal end of the headpiece. A stretch resistant member is positioned within the coil lumen, has a proximal portion extending through the eye, and has at least one distal end secured to the distal end of the coil.

Abstract: A generally tubular braided flow diverting stent is formed of alternating round and rectangular elongated members, for treatment of aneurysms. The generally tubular braided flow diverting stent maintains a significant wall thickness while increasing area coverage of a vessel wall. Sliding of the round elongated members over the rectangular elongated members allows the stent to be crimped to very low diameters for delivery in narrow portions of the vasculature.

Abstract: A capture tube mechanism for delivering and releasing a self-expanding stent includes a core wire on which a proximal portion of the stent is removably retained by a distal portion of a tubular capture sleeve. In one embodiment, one or more elongated members extending through corresponding apertures through the capture sleeve and out the distal end of the capture sleeve can be pulled to split the tubular capture sleeve to release the stent. In another embodiment, the capture sleeve can be pulled proximally over one or more stop members provided on the core wire to release the stent.