Self-expanding, pseudo-braided intravascular device

Abstract

A self-expanding, pseudo-braided device embodying a high expansion ratio and flexibility as well as comformability and improved radial force. The pseudo-braided device is particularly suited for advancement through and deployment within highly tortuous and very distal vasculature. Various forms of the pseudo-braided device are adapted for the repair of aneurysms and stenoses as well as for use in thrombectomies and embolic protection therapy.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A device comprising: 
 an elongate filament configured into a pseudo-braided pattern and formed to define a generally tubular body with a first end and a second end; and    said first and second ends each being defined by a plurality of endless reversals of direction of said filament.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one more elongate filament interlaced in the pseudo-braided pattern.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of endless reversals define a simple arc.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said simple arc has a variable radius of curvature.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said simple arc has a uniform radius of curvature.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said plurality of reversals embody loops having a generally constant radius of curvature.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said plurality of reversals embody loops having a variable radius of curvature.  
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said plurality of reversals embody a full-turn helical configuration.  
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said pseudo-braided pattern is uniform along a length of said tubular body.  
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said pseudo-braided pattern is non-uniform along a length of said tubular body.  
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said filament is undulated between crossing points.  
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said filament includes a first end and a second end, said first and second ends being joined together by twining.  
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said filament includes a first end and a second end, said first and second ends being joined together by welding.  
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said filament includes a first end and a second end, said first and second ends being joined together by epoxy.  
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said filament includes a first end and a second end, said first and second ends being joined together by a sleeve, said sleeve embodying radiopaque material.  
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said filament includes a first end and a second end, said first and second ends being joined together by a ball end, said ball end embodying radiopaque material.  
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said filament includes a first end and a second end, said first and second ends being joined in a middle portion of the device.  
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said filament includes a first end and a second end, said first and second ends being joined at an end of the device.  
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said filament is made from a tube.  
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said filament is configured into a coil.  
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said filament has a variable cross-sectional profile.  
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of endless reversals of direction function to enhance hoop strength of said device at said first and second ends thereof.  
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said device can be reduced to less than 10 percent of its expanded diameter.  
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said device can be delivered into a patient's vasculature by a microcatheter.  
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said device is self-expanding.  
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first end and said second end is configured with a flared portion.  
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 26 , wherein each of said first and second ends are flared.  
     
     
         28 . A device for use in embolic protection, comprising: 
 an elongate filament configured into a pseudo-braided pattern and formed to define a body having a generally tubular inferior portion and a generally conical superior portion; and    said proximal and distal portions each being defined by a plurality of endless reversals of direction of said filament.    
     
     
         29 . The device of  claim 28 , further comprising: 
 an elongate wire having proximal and distal end portions; and    said body configured about said elongate wire, said generally conical superior portion being affixed to said elongate wire.    
     
     
         30 . The device of  claim 29 , further comprising a delivery catheter, said delivery catheter having a generally tubular portion that is adapted for receiving said body and said elongate wire.  
     
     
         31 . The device of  claim 29 , further comprising a plurality of loops, a first end of said loops engaging said inferior portion of said body and a second end of said loops being affixed to said elongate wire.  
     
     
         32 . The device of  claim 31 , further comprising a collar, said collar being joined to said plurality of loops.  
     
     
         33 . The device of  claim 32 , wherein said collar is configured to slide longitudinally along said elongate wire.  
     
     
         34 . The device of  claim 32 , wherein said body is self-expanding.  
     
     
         35 . A thrombectomy device, comprising: 
 an elongate filament configured into a pseudo-braided pattern and formed to define a body having a first end and a second end; and    said first and second ends each being defined by a plurality of endless reversals of directions of said filament.    
     
     
         36 . The device of  claim 35 , further comprising: 
 an elongate wire, said body being configured about said wire; and    a collar configured about said elongate wire in a slidable fashion, said collar affixed to first said end of said body;    wherein said second end of said body is affixed to said elongate wire.    
     
     
         37 . The device of  claim 35 , wherein said pseudo-braided pattern is uniform along a length of said body.  
     
     
         38 . The device of  claim 35 , wherein said pseudo-braided pattern is varied along a length of said body.  
     
     
         39 . The device of  claim 35 , wherein said body is self-expanding.  
     
     
         40 . A device for use in embolic therapy, comprising: 
 an elongate filament configured into a pseudo-braided pattern and formed to define a generally spherical body; and    a delivery microcatheter releasably connected to said spherical body.    
     
     
         41 . The device of  claim 40 , wherein said spherical body is self-expanding.  
     
     
         42 . The device of  claim 40 , wherein said spherical body is formed from a tube having first and second ends, said first and second ends being collapsed upon themselves to thereby define a closed spherical structure.