Abstract: The present invention provides a medical device for manipulation of tissue of a patient. The medical device comprises a shaft having a proximal section extending to a distal section that has a closed distal end portion. The shaft has a plurality of lumens formed therein including a first lumen and a second lumen. The first lumen is for distally advancing a first reactant through the proximal section. The second lumen is for distally advancing a second reactant through the proximal section. Positioned longitudinally within the shaft and distally from the first and second lumens is a mixing element. The mixing element is in fluid communication with the first and second lumens. The mixing element has a series of baffles for mixing the first and second reactants together producing a reaction product to heat the closed distal end portion of the shaft for manipulation of the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method for manufacturing such a device which is a significant and non-obvious improvement over previous methods of removing plaster or fiberglass casts used for medical treatment. Current cast saw blades create enough heat through friction to burn patients upon the removal of a plaster of fiberglass cast. This device is an improved cast saw blade design which substantially reduces the risk of thermal burns to patients during the process of removing plaster or fiberglass medical casts. The present invention includes a saw blade design which inhibits a rise in the surface temperature of the cast saw blade during use by using a core material (i.e., Gallium) within the blade, the core material having a lower melting temperature than the blade material, as a heat sink.

Abstract: A medical probe includes an insertion tube having a distal end configured for insertion into a body of a patient and containing a lumen for conveying an irrigation fluid and an electrical conductor for conveying electrical energy. A conductive cap is attached to the distal end of the insertion tube and coupled electrically to the electrical conductor. The conductive cap has an outer surface perforated by multiple apertures and defines an inner cavity in fluid communication with the lumen of the insertion tube so as to permit the irrigation fluid from the lumen to flow out of the cap through the apertures. A plurality of temperature sensors are mounted within the conductive cap in thermal communication with the outer surface and are thermally insulated from the irrigation fluid in the inner cavity.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system for temperature control of the human body. The system includes an indwelling catheter with a tip-mounted heat transfer element. The catheter is fluidically coupled to a console that provides a heated or cooled heat transfer working fluid to exchange heat with the heat transfer element, thereby heating or cooling blood. The heated or cooled blood then heats or cools the patient's body or a selected portion thereof. In particular, methods and devices are provided for control and determination of the pressure within the heat transfer element.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, collapsed cross-sectional configuration, subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration, and subsequent removal in a third, collapsed cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is configured for use in the vascular system and has utility in the introduction and removal of implant delivery catheters. The access route is through the femoral arteries and the iliac arteries into the aorta. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, collapsed cross-sectional configuration during advancement to the arteries into the aorta. The distal end of the sheath is then expanded using a radial dilatation device, which is removed prior to the introduction of implant delivery catheters. The distal end of the sheath is subsequently reduced to a diametrically small size for removal.

Abstract: A cryoablation system has a gas source which provides a working nitrogen gas at room temperature and at a constant set pressure, a liquid generator which is coupled to the gas source to receive the working gas, and which then generates a working cryogen fluid, and a catheter coupled to the liquid generator for receiving the working cryogen, the catheter having a distal section having a freezing element which delivers the working cryogen to a treatment location, the catheter also having a balloon positioned adjacent the distal section.

Abstract: Catheter systems and methods are disclosed. An exemplary catheter includes an outer tubing housing and an inner fluid delivery tubing, the inner fluid delivery tubing having at least one fluid delivery port. The catheter also includes a deployment member movable axially within the inner fluid delivery tubing. A plurality of splines are each connected at a proximal end to the outer tubing and at a distal end to deployment member. A seal is provided between the outer tubing and the inner fluid delivery tubing. A gasket is provided between the deployment member and the inner fluid delivery tubing. Both the seal and the gasket are configured to prevent blood or other fluid from ingressing into the outer tubing.

Abstract: In various embodiments, actuation of a drug-delivery pump is controlled based on a change in a condition of the pump.

Abstract: A thermal ablation system comprises a fluid handling unit receiving fluid from a fluid source at a first pressure, the fluid handling unit including a heater heating the fluid to a desired temperature and a pump and an introducer including a sheath which, when in an operative position, is received within a hollow organ, the sheath including a delivery lumen introducing fluid heated by the heater to the hollow organ and a return lumen withdrawing fluid from the hollow organ and returning the withdrawn fluid to the console via a return lumen, wherein the pump increases a pressure of the fluid between the fluid source and the delivery lumen of the introducer.

Abstract: A vasoocclusive coil is reinforced with a stretch resistant member to improve safety during retraction of the coil. The stretch resistant member is fixedly attached at one end to the vasoocclusive coil, and the other end of the stretch resistant member is detachably mounted to an elongated pusher member to allow for placement and release of the vasoocclusive coil within the patient's vasculature. The stretch resistant member may be formed from a therapeutic and/or bioactive non-metallic material to enhance the therapeutic properties of the vasoocclusive coil.

Abstract: In various embodiments, actuation of a drug-delivery pump is controlled based on a change in a condition of the pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing a fluid fitting includes a microwave source disposed in a shielded chamber, a pressure chamber inside the shielded chamber for receiving the luer lock and a sterilizing medium. The pressure chamber is in microwave communication with the microwave source. The apparatus also includes mechanical fluid clamps at each end of the pressure chamber for enabling pressurization of the pressure chamber.

Abstract: An active hydraulic ventricular attachable support system includes a net cover for surrounding a ventricle and is formed by hollow tubes. All the hollow tubes can completely communicate with each other or form a plurality of independent areas, and the interior of each independent area is intercommunicating, while the independent areas are not communicating with each other. The system as a whole is positioned on the surface of the heart. The hollow tubular structure can be filled with various kinds of liquid of different physical characteristics, and then the corresponding reaction pressure generated can be applied to the ventricle and the surfaces of the heart. The system also can be incorporated with local administration.

Abstract: Neuromodulation cryotherapeutic devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an elongated shaft having distal portion and a supply lumen along at least a portion of the shaft. The shaft can be configured to locate the distal portion intravascularly at a treatment site proximate a renal artery or renal ostium. The supply lumen can be configured to receive a liquid refrigerant. The cryotherapeutic device can further include a cooling assembly at the distal portion of the shaft. The cooling assembly can include an applicator in fluid communication with the supply lumen and configured to deliver cryotherapeutic cooling to nerves proximate the target site when the cooling assembly is in a deployed state.

Abstract: Apparatus use with a perfusion system, the apparatus including a subject simulator for simulating subject. The subject simulator includes a circulatory system having an inlet line for receiving fluid from the perfusion system, an outlet line for transferring fluid to the perfusion system, at least on sensor for sensing at least one fluid property and at least one control device coupled to at least one of the inlet line and the outlet line. In use this, allows the control device to manipulate the at least on fluid property based at least partially on signals from the at least one sensor, to thereby simulate a least one of compliance and resistance of the simulated subject.

Abstract: A medical system for endovascular temperature control of blood and for recanalization of a blood vessel, the medical system having a catheter, a radially compressible treatment device, in particular a recanalization device, which, in the compressed state, is arranged to be longitudinally movable in the catheter and, by being released from the catheter, is radially expandable for the recanalization of the blood vessel, and a temperature control element for controlling the temperature of blood, wherein the treatment device, in particular the recanalization device, can be positioned distally with respect to the temperature control element in such a way that, during use, blood which is temperature-controlled by the temperature control element flows to the recanalization site in the blood vessel.

Abstract: Described is a medicament cartridge comprising a housing having open proximal and distal ends, a first coupling mechanism, and a syringe slidably disposed in the housing. The syringe includes a needle and has a retracted position in which the needle is covered by the housing and an extended position in which the needle is exposed. A delivery device comprises the medicament cartridge, an actuator comprising a plunger, a motor adapted to translate the plunger, a second coupling mechanism adapted to detachably engage the first coupling mechanism, and a control button adapted to actuate the motor. A carrier comprises a first slot for at least partially containing the actuator, a second slot for at least partially containing the medicament cartridge, a user interface adapted to provide at least one a visual signal and an audible signal.

Abstract: A syringe propellable by propellant that boils at a predetermined temperature, the syringe including a barrel having an outlet at a front end, and a stopper axially moveable in the barrel. The stopper separates a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber being axially forwards of the stopper and being configured for containing a medicament, and the second chamber being axially rearwards of the stopper and being configured to receive propellant for acting on the stopper to move the stopper axially forwardly in the barrel to expel medicament through the outlet upon actuation of the syringe. The syringe further includes a rupturing portion and a third chamber for containing propellant where the third chamber is rupturable upon actuation of the syringe to fluidly connect the third chamber to the second chamber.

Abstract: A medical device includes a housing, a power supply, a thermally conductive mounting clamp, a heat shield, and at least one fastener. The housing includes a handle. The power supply is disposed within the housing. The thermally conductive mounting clamp is attached to an outer surface of the housing. The heat shield is disposed within the housing adjacent to the power supply. The heat shield is disposed against at least one interior surface of the handle. The at least one fastener passes through at least one opening in the housing and is in thermally conductive contact with the thermally conductive mounting clamp. Heat generated by the power supply is configured to dissipate from the power supply, through the heat shield, through the at least one fastener, and into the thermally conductive mounting clamp.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for cooling liquid coolant, such as nitrous oxide, to be delivered to a cryo-ablation device such as a balloon catheter. A hose or conduit in fluid communication with the ablation device includes an outer member and inner tubes. A first inner tube disposed within a lumen of the outer member carries liquid coolant to the ablation device. Another inner tube also disposed within the lumen carries liquid coolant and terminates within the lumen such that gaseous coolant derived from liquid coolant flowing through the second inner tube flows within the lumen to cool or chill the first inner tube and liquid coolant carried by the first inner tube to the ablation device.

Abstract: It has been discovered that compositions comprising magnetically heatable entities (MHEs), therapeutic agents and optional carriers such as hydrogels can be piloted from an injection point in a blood vessel to a specific location of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) using for example, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device for propelling, steering and tracking of MHEs. Once the MHEs have reached their target location at or near the desired blood vessel of the BBB, an alternating magnetic field causes the MHEs to controllably heat up, thereby reversibly increasing the permeability of the BBB and allowing the therapeutic (or cytotoxic) agent to enter brain tissue.

Abstract: A system for dermal delivery of lidocaine, bupivacaine, diclofenac, or ketoprofen is provided which comprises at least two components, for example, a sheet of a solid and flexible material, and a vehicle liquid comprising a solvent and optionally other ingredients. A drug, selected from group consisting of lidocaine, bupivacaine, diclofenac, and ketoprofen, can be impregnated in the sheet or contained in the vehicle liquid. These two components can be stored separately and joined either shortly before or at the time of application. To use the system, the vehicle liquid may be applied either on the target skin area or on the sheet, and the sheet may then be applied on the target skin area so that the vehicle liquid is positioned between the sheet and the skin and brought into contact with the ingredients impregnated in the sheet.

Abstract: The present invention improves significantly the success rate of lithotripsy and reduces the risk of tissue damage, by injecting a temporary plug in front, and optionally behind a concretion (for extracorporeal lithotripsy) or behind a concretion (for intracorporeal lithotripsy). One aspect of the present invention relates to injecting an inverse thermosensitive polymer solution into a lumen, thereby preventing the migration of a concretion, or its fragments, upon extracorporeal or intracorporeal lithotripsy.

Abstract: A visualization apparatus for the vein according to the present disclosure includes a near-infrared ray irradiating unit for irradiating near-infrared rays below the skin of a target area, an infrared camera unit for photographing the target area, an image processing unit for receiving and processing image information of a portion below the skin of the target area, photographed by the infrared camera unit, and providing the processed image information to a display device, and a display device located near the target area to display the image information provided from the image processing unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thawing and delivery of cryogenically frozen biological material, such as stem cells includes a housing for receiving a pouch of frozen cells, a heating element against which the pouch is placed for applying defrosting heat to the pouch, and a squeezing apparatus for applying a squeezing force to the pouch after or upon thawing of the cells. The squeezing force may be applied by a roller pressing the pouch against the heating element, which forces the thawed cells from a needle or tube connected to the housing and/or to the pouch. A rechargeable battery in the housing supplies power to the heating element and the squeezing apparatus.

Abstract: Thermochemical ablation techniques may provide ablation of bodily tissue using chemical reaction energy. The chemical reaction energy is provided by chemical reactions including a highly reactive electrophilic reagent provided to a target tissue location.

Abstract: The invention is a device that consists of an assemblage of shielded resistors and temperature monitoring sensors. The managing of these functions is effected by central control unit, which receives electricity and converts it to a 40 to 60 Volt band thus feeding the resistors and controlling the chosen temperature through sensors included in the device.

Abstract: A therapeutic treatment device, system and method for improving administration of a temperature sensitive drug into a tissue on the body of a patient at a drug injection site are disclosed. The device includes a treatment element with a controllable heating element in temperature communicative contact with the tissue adjacent to the drug injection site. The controllable heating element is configured to heat the tissue adjacent to the drug injection site to a controllable temperature but does not heat the injected drug above a predetermined limiting temperature, above which degradation of the injected drug may occur.

Abstract: A warming unit and method for warming an infusion medium prior to introducing the medium into a patient's body. The apparatus includes an outer casing, inlet and outlet tubes secured to the outer casing, a fluid conduit for transporting the infusion medium through the warming unit, and a heating element disposed proximate to the fluid conduit for warming the infusion medium flowing therethrough. The warming unit can form part of a system, which further includes a controller for controlling various functions of and separate from the warming unit, a reservoir containing the infusion medium, and a power source for powering the warming unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-the-go humidifying an insufflation gas through water vapor transfer from a liquid to the insufflation gas through a barrier separating the gas from the liquid to enable the gas in a normally trauma inducing state to be brought to a conditioned state. If the gas is at an improper insufflation temperature the temperature of the gas can be brought to the proper insufflation temperature at the same time the gas is humidified through heat transfer through the barrier.

Abstract: In a brain cooling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, preferably, temperature sensors are installed in one end and the other end of a cooling fluid transport tube to detect a temperature, a pressure measurement sensor is installed in a storage tank, a control unit is connected to the temperature sensors and the pressure measurement sensor, and the control unit calculates an amount of heat absorbed from a brain according to a change in pressure of the storage tank and the temperature detected by the temperature sensors. In the brain cooling device according to the embodiment of the present invention, preferably, one end of the cooling fluid transport tube and a drainage tube is bent such that adjacent drainage tubes come in close contact with each other.

Abstract: A nasal irrigation system for rinsing nasal and sinus passages or cavities includes a solution preparation unit and a dispensing container. The solution preparation unit includes a first water reservoir, a filter that is in fluid communication with an outlet of the first water reservoir and filters water passing therethrough, a second water reservoir that is in fluid communication with the filter, and a heating element that brings filtered water in the second water reservoir to a boil to clean the filtered water, and a filler port. The dispensing container receives a nasal rinse solution from the solution preparation unit, via the filler port, and administers the nasal rinse solution to a user via a direct nostril interface. The solution preparation unit can also include a cooling element, additive reservoirs for materials to calibrate salinity or to provide a pH buffer, and a control circuit to control operation thereof.

Abstract: A hemorrhoid pain relief and healing pack includes a small oval shaped gel filled cold pack inserted within an ultra-soft disposable cloth sleeve infused with 100% natural witch-hazel astringent and is placed over the hemorrhoid bulge/s for a set time of 20 minutes, offering instant pain relief. The flexibility of the frozen gel cold pack allows the product to mold to the specific size/shape of the hemorrhoid bulge/s creating a comfortable supportive process and the cold therapy combined with the soothing and shrinking properties of the ultra-soft witch-hazel infused sleeve offer instant pain relief as well as promoting healing of the affected area. The pack is easy to use, comfortable, and the combination of ingredients used helps to shrink the hemorrhoid bulge/s as well as soothe current pain, swelling, itching, and irritation. The protective sleeve is disposable and therefore sanitary.

Abstract: An IV line temperature controlled warming device includes a housing and a fluid cassette or cartridge that receives fluid from an IV line and includes intravenous line tubing arranged in a preformed configuration. The configuration includes tubing sections arranged in generally circular and concentric portions and a central serpentine tubing section that basically reverses fluid flow and facilitates flow in opposing directions within adjacent tubing sections. The fluid cassette is retained within the device on a base plate partially disposed within a device housing interior, while a housing cover is selectively opened and closed to permit access to the base plate. The base plate includes a heater plate disposed thereon, while the cover and heater plate each include heating elements to apply heat to opposing surfaces of the tubing cassette. The heating elements are controlled by a controller in response to measured temperatures of the heater plate and fluid.

Abstract: A cooling device includes a target fluid inlet, a target fluid outlet, an inner conduit, and a chamber surrounding the inner conduit. The inner conduit communicates with the target fluid inlet and the target fluid outlet, and provides a flow path for a target fluid to be cooled. The chamber contains a first endothermic reactant and includes a reactant inlet selectively alterable from a closed state to an open state. When the reactant inlet is in the closed state, the first endothermic reactant is isolated from a second endothermic reactant and no endothermic reaction occurs. When the reactant inlet is in the open state, the reactant inlet provides a flow path for enabling the second endothermic reactant to come into contact with the first endothermic reactant in the chamber for initiating the endothermic reaction and cooling the target fluid in the inner conduit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermorod capable of actively releasing drugs according to temperature of the thermorod and a method of manufacturing the same. The thermorod generates heat by eddy current loss and hysteresis loss in an induced magnetic field. The thermorods can effectively administer drugs, such as anti-cancer drugs, since the thermorods may be used to perform local hyperthermia at 36.5° C. or above and to actively control the active drug release and delivery according to temperature as well. The thermorods may be useful in the treatment of resting tumor cells along with hyperthermia by performing a surgical operation on lesion sites of biological tissues. Using the thermorod, the drug is effectively delivered to an affected part in response to the active drug release. This can minimize the toxicity caused by an increase in blood drug concentration, which occurs when a drug is administered by a conventional method.

Abstract: A pump for delivering a fluid, created by cooling and pressurizing a fluid, into the intrathecal space of a patient, the pump comprising an input channel, an input reservoir in fluid communication with the input channel, a cooling apparatus configured to remove heat from the fluid and a pressurizing mechanism configured to impart pressure to the fluid, an output reservoir, and an output channel, and wherein the output channel is configured to be in fluid communication with a first lumen of a catheter and wherein the first lumen of the catheter is configured to be disposed within the intrathecal space of the patient.

Abstract: A catheter-based/intravascular ablation (denervation) system includes a multiplicity of needles which expand open around a central axis to engage the wall of a blood vessel, or the wall of the left atrium, allowing the injection of a cytotoxic or/or neurotoxic solution for ablating conducting tissue, or nerve fibers around the ostium of the pulmonary vein, or circumferentially in or just beyond the outer layer of the renal artery. The expandable needle delivery system is formed with self-expanding materials and include structures, near the end portion of the needles, or using separate guide tubes. The system also includes means to limit and/or adjust the depth of penetration of the ablative fluid into the tissue of the wall of the targeted blood vessel. The preferred embodiment of the catheter delivered through the vascular system of a patient includes a multiplicity of expandable guide tubes that engage the wall of a blood vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides transient devices, including active and passive devices that electrically and/or physically transform upon application of at least one internal and/or external stimulus. Materials, modeling tools, manufacturing approaches, device designs and system level embodiments of transient electronics are provided.

Abstract: An intracorporeal temperature changing intracorporeal fluid delivery device is described that includes an outer shell forming an internal enclosure comprises at least one heat generation layer and a heater activation system. In one embodiment, the invention is a intracorporeal fluid delivery device, such as an intravenous fluid device. As such it is generally configured for delivery of a heated fluid to a user, and is configured to be worn about an appendage of the user such as an arm, leg, or neck or otherwise operatively connected to a user.

Abstract: A kit of parts comprises a system and instructions for use for controlling patient temperature which uses a central venous line catheter having a heat exchange element. The central venous line catheter is provided with one or more lumens for providing access to the central blood supply of the patient, and with additional lumens for communicating heat exchange fluid to the heat exchange element. Heat exchange fluid temperature is controlled through a feed back loop in which patient temperature is sensed and used to control a temperature control unit comprising a heating device and/or a cooling device in heat exchange relationship with the heat exchange fluid. A tubing set transports the heat exchange fluid between the central venous line and the temperature control unit, with a pump serving to circulate the fluid in a closed fluid circuit in the system.

Abstract: A device for topical cooling of the nervous system via cooling of cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, using a solid thermally conductive material. The solid thermally conductive material is coupled to a heat exchange apparatus. The thermally conductive material may be coupled to any catheter that is used in existing clinical standard of care for acute neuronal injuries, such as catheters used to monitor and relieve intracranial pressure. The thermally conductive material is a biocompatible and solid material, for instance, metals such as steel, tungsten and titanium, and non-metallic materials such as thermal diamond paste.

Abstract: An infusion pump system including an infusion tubing for delivering a fluid, a heat exchanger cartridge in fluid communication with the infusion tubing and removably coupled to at least one thermal element for heating or cooling the fluid, a motor driven pump in mechanical communication with the infusion tubing and configured to pump the fluid through the infusion tubing and the heat exchanger cartridge, and a central controller in electrical communication with the motor driven pump and the at least one thermal element. The central controller is configured to selectively deliver the fluid to a patient without heating or cooling the fluid by causing the motor driven pump to pump the fluid through the infusion tubing and the heat exchanger cartridge while the thermal element is off.

Abstract: Transcutaneous safety electrode assemblies are described that can include a conducting electrode having a sharp end to penetration of the skin of a patient, and a shielding member that is deployable by a user so as to shield the sharp end of the electrode after the electrode is removed from the skin. The shielding member can be deployed by retracting the sharp end of the electrode a protective housing, assisted by spring force provided by the electrode wire so as to self-retract into the protective housing. The deployment and disengagement can be via push button action, and the electrode assembly can be self-retaining on the patient's skin while deployed.

Abstract: A warming device for an IV fluid line according to the present invention includes a warmer unit and a wye type fitting with an injection site. The warmer unit includes a tube for intravenous fluid and channels containing a warming fluid to heat the IV tube. One fitting branch is connected to an intravenous fluid source, while the remaining branch houses the injection site. The injection site branch includes an injection safety member that ensures a syringe needle or other instrument is contained within the fitting to prevent rupture of the IV tube. The warming device may include an additional wye type fitting coupled to the initial fitting and including another injection site, where the fittings typically exclude the safety member. A syringe needle is inserted into the additional injection site to prevent rupture of the IV tube. In addition, the warming device may be configured for needleless injections.

Abstract: Components for a medical infusion fluid handling system, such as an APD system, in which one or more lines (such as solution lines), spikes or other connection ports may be automatically capped and/or de-capped. This feature may provide advantages, such as a reduced likelihood of contamination since no human interaction is required to de-cap and connect the lines, spikes or other connection ports. For example, a fluid handling cassette may include one or more caps that cover a corresponding spike and include a raised and/or recessed feature to assist in removal of the one or more caps from the cassette. A solution line cap may include a hole and recess, groove or other feature to engage with a spike cap and enable removal of the spike cap.

Abstract: Stabilizing an object in the body of a patient involves the injection of a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) material or other flowable material into the body of the patient so that the material contacts the object. The LCST material or other flowable material then forms a gel in the body such that the object is contained at least partially within the gel and thereby stabilized by the gel such that the object can then be easily fragmented within the body and/or retrieved from the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents systems, devices and methods for injection of drugs, substances and/or chemicals to a patient and for improving their effectiveness once they are injected are disclosed. Additional treatment can be applied to a tissue region on the patient into which a drug (e.g., insulin) is injected, to expose the tissue region to various forms of energy or a substance to improve the drug's pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic profile.

Abstract: The presently disclosed delivery systems utilize microtools, also referred to as theragrippers, to deliver a drug or other therapeutic agent to targeted tissue. More particularly, the drug delivery system and methods provide a delivery system that is capable of anchoring to a tissue site and then delivering a drug or therapeutic agent to the tissue directly to or in the vicinity of the site over an extended period of time. Any number of theragrippers may be deployed as desired to deliver different doses of a desired drug or therapeutic agent. The theragrippers also can be biodegradable such that they remain in place for an extended period of time and then degrade without adversely affecting the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A vasoocclusive coil is reinforced with a stretch resistant member to improve safety during retraction of the coil. The stretch resistant member is fixedly attached at one end to the vasoocclusive coil, and the other end of the stretch resistant member is detachably mounted to an elongated pusher member to allow for placement and release of the vasoocclusive coil within the patient's vasculature.