초록 ▼

A system and method for quickly detaching an implant and for locating the detachment zone of a detachable implant. A sensor determines a sudden change in the local environment as the sensor passes from within a microcatheter to being exposed to the vasculature. The sensor may be a temperature sensor

A system and method for quickly detaching an implant and for locating the detachment zone of a detachable implant. A sensor determines a sudden change in the local environment as the sensor passes from within a microcatheter to being exposed to the vasculature. The sensor may be a temperature sensor, ultrasonic sensor, pressure sensor or the like. If the detachable implant assembly uses a heater coil to detach the implant, the heater coil may be used as a sensor. Additionally, the implant itself may be used as a sensor if a change in electrical resistance is detectable as the implant exits the microcatheter and changes shape.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A system for determining when an implant has advanced out of a microcatheter comprising: a microcatheter having a lumen and a distal end;a pusher disposed within the lumen of the microcatheter;an implant device advanceable through the lumen by the pusher; anda sensor system comprising a resistanc

1. A system for determining when an implant has advanced out of a microcatheter comprising: a microcatheter having a lumen and a distal end;a pusher disposed within the lumen of the microcatheter;an implant device advanceable through the lumen by the pusher; anda sensor system comprising a resistance-type heater coil located within the microcatheter and disposed proximate the implant; the sensor system calibrated to monitor a resistance of the heater coil, determine a resistance change due to blood entering the microcatheter, and signal when the implant has advanced completely out of the distal end of the microcatheter. 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a human interface device in data-flow communication with the sensor. 3. A system for determining when an implant has advanced out of a microcatheter comprising: a microcatheter having a lumen and a distal end;a pusher movable through the lumen of the microcatheter;an implant device advanceable through said lumen by the pusher; anda sensor assembly comprising a resistance-type heater coil disposed near the distal end of the microcatheter; the sensor system configured to measure and monitor for a resistance change due to blood entering the microcatheter, and signal when the implant has advanced entirely out of said distal end of the microcatheter. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the sensor assembly has been calibrated for use with the pusher. 5. A system for determining when an implant has advanced out of a catheter comprising: a catheter having a lumen and a distal end;a pusher disposed within the lumen of the catheter;said implant advanceable through the lumen by the pusher; anda sensor system comprising a resistance-type heater coil disposed proximate the implant and within the catheter; the sensor system calibrated to monitor resistance of the heater coil, determine a resistance change due to blood entering the catheter, and signal when the implant has advanced fully out of the distal end of the catheter. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the sensor system has been calibrated for use with the pusher.