Detachable embolic coil assembly using interlocking clasps and method of use

Abstract

This invention is a surgical instrument and specifically is a device for delivering an embolic coil to a selected site within the vasculature of a human body via use of a catheter. In particular, the device uses embolic coils having interlocking clasps on the coils which are secured to each other by a control wire within the catheter. Retraction of the control wire into the catheter body uncouples the distal coil.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention is a surgical instrument and specifically is a device for delivering embolic coils to a selected site within the vasculature of a human body via use of a catheter. In particular, the device uses embolic coils having interlocking clasps on the coils which are secured to each other by a control wire within the catheter. Retraction of the control wire into the catheter body uncouples the distal coil.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe endovascular treatment of a variety of vascular maladies throughout the body is an increasingly more important form of therapy. Catheters have been used to place various treatment materials, devices, and drugs within arteries and veins in the human body. Examples of these devices and their use in such treatments are shown in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 07 / 806,898 ("Detachable Pusher-Vasoocclusive Coil Assembly with Threaded Coupling") and 07 / 806,912 ("Detachable Pusher-Vasoocclusive Coil Assembly wit...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This invention is a device for placing detachable coils within the vasculature of the human body so to occlude that site with the coils. The device includes a coil that carries an interlocking clasp at at least one end of the coil, preferably at its proximal end and a pusher (positioned within the catheter) which has a clasp at its distal end which interlocks with the clasp situated on the coil. The coils may have interlocking clasps at each end thereby allowing a number of coils to be strung together and yet individually released. A control wire passing through the catheter, the pusher assembly, the pusher clasp, and th

Problems solved by technology

This technique of discharging the coil from the distal end of the catheter has a number of undesirable limitation.

First, because of the plunging action of the pusher and the coil, the positioning of the coil at the site cannot be controlled to a fine degree of accuracy.

Second, once the coil has left the catheter, it is difficult to reposition or retrieve the coil if such is desired.

The only perceived disadvantage of this method is that the electrolytic release of the coil requires a period of time so that rapid detachment of the coil from the pusher does not occur.

None of these disclosed devices suggest the use of an interlocking latch which allows an embolic coil to be precisely positioned and then released upon retraction of a control wire positioned within that latch.

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