초록 ▼

A thermally activated occlusive implant delivery assembly is provided. The assembly includes an occlusive implant device and a pusher. The pusher has a distal section and a proximal section. The distal section includes a coupling portion which is shape memory material and exhibits different configur

A thermally activated occlusive implant delivery assembly is provided. The assembly includes an occlusive implant device and a pusher. The pusher has a distal section and a proximal section. The distal section includes a coupling portion which is shape memory material and exhibits different configurations depending on the coupling portion\s temperature. The coupling portion interlockingly engages the implant when it is in one of the configurations and releases the implant from interlocking engagement therewith when in another one of the configurations. In operation, the assembly is introduced into the body of a mammal via a guide catheter suited for the particular lumen being navigated. When the implant is positioned at the desired site, the coupling portion of the pusher is thermally activated to effect the return of its original, pre-set configuration, which is originally formed to release the implant from interlocking engagement therewith. The pusher can then be readily removed from the mammal without imparting any significant force on the implant during retraction.

대표청구항 ▼

An occlusive implant delivery assembly for occluding a site in a mammal, said assembly comprising an implant and a pusher, said pusher having a distal section and a proximal section, said distal section having a coupling portion comprising thermal memory material and exhibiting different configurati

An occlusive implant delivery assembly for occluding a site in a mammal, said assembly comprising an implant and a pusher, said pusher having a distal section and a proximal section, said distal section having a coupling portion comprising thermal memory material and exhibiting different configurations depending on the temperature of said portion, said coupling portion interlockingly engaging said implant when said coupling portion is in a first one of said configurations and disengaging from said implant when in second one of said configurations. A method of placing an implant in a mammal comprising the steps of: (a) introducing in a mammal, a pusher having a heat activated decoupling mechanism; an occlusive implant detachably coupled to the decoupling mechanism; and (b) applying energy to the decoupling mechanism to effect decoupling the pusher from the implant.