초록 ▼

The present invention provides an implant delivery system for placing interior defining implants in the human body. The devices comprise elongate shafts and a mechanism at the distal end of the shaft for engaging and retaining the implant in place on the shaft during delivery through the vessels and

The present invention provides an implant delivery system for placing interior defining implants in the human body. The devices comprise elongate shafts and a mechanism at the distal end of the shaft for engaging and retaining the implant in place on the shaft during delivery through the vessels and insertion of the distal end of the shaft into tissue. Some embodiments of the devices are configured to have a plurality of implants and configured to deliver the implants sequentially to a plurality of locations. One embodiment employs a flexible outer tube at its distal end that compresses and crinkles to a larger diameter upon being compressed lengthwise to engage the inside surface of the implant. Another embodiment utilizes a tubular delivery shaft having a circular cross section with segments of oval shaped cross sections which serve to engage the inside of implant located on the shaft. A cam slidable within the shaft engages the oval areas, deforming them to a circular shape which permits the implants to be released. Another embodiment provides delivery force by pressurizing fluid filling the shaft lumen to move a plunger at the distal end of the shaft which carries the implant to be delivered. A feature of the invention provides for monitoring of the depth to which an implant is delivered within tissue by monitoring pressure changes experienced near the distal tip of the shaft. Another feature of the delivery devices provides for drug delivery at the implant site by compressing a drug filled bladder by the expansion of an adjoining bladder. Also disclosed is the use of an electromagnetic guidance system to accurately navigate the delivery devices to the implant delivery sites.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An implant delivery device comprising:a tubular shaft having a lumen and proximal and distal ends; a plunger having a proximal side and a distal side configured to hold an implant and the plunger being in slidable and fluid tight engagement with the lumen at the distal end of the shaft such that

1. An implant delivery device comprising:a tubular shaft having a lumen and proximal and distal ends; a plunger having a proximal side and a distal side configured to hold an implant and the plunger being in slidable and fluid tight engagement with the lumen at the distal end of the shaft such that pressurization of fluid contained with in the lumen causes the plunger to move in a distal direction.