Method and apparatus for placing a medical agent into a vessel of the body

Abstract

A method and apparatus for placing a medical agent, such as an embolic coil into a vessel, or aneurysm, by utilizing a stabilizing catheter to retain or support a medical agent deployment device.

1 - 6 . (canceled)  
     
     
         7 . A method for placing a medical agent into an aneurysm comprising the steps of: 
 providing a delivery catheter having a proximal section, a distal section and an intermediate section which is formed from a relatively flexible polymer material, said intermediate section being normally shaped in a generally U-shaped configuration; and said catheter having a first lumen and a second lumen with a side opening at a location within the intermediate section;    inserting a straightening wire into the second lumen of the catheter to cause said intermediate section of the catheter to become relatively straight;    introducing the delivery catheter into the vessel of a patient to generally align the side opening with the aneurysm;    withdrawing the straightening wire from said second lumen to cause the intermediate section of the delivery catheter to return to the U-shaped configuration at a location proximal to the aneurysm to thereby cause the side opening to move to a position adjacent to the aneurysm;    introducing a medical agent deployment device into the delivery catheter through the second lumen and through the side opening into the aneurysm;    delivering a medical agent into the aneurysm;    withdrawing the medical agent deployment device from the delivery catheter;    again inserting the straightening wire into the second lumen of the catheter to cause said intermediate section to become relatively straight; and,    thereafter withdrawing the delivery catheter from the vessel of the patient.    
     
     
         8 . A method as defined in  claim 7 , wherein said medical agent comprises a diagnostic agent.  
     
     
         9 . A method as defined in  claim 7 , wherein said medical agent comprises a therapeutic agent.  
     
     
         10 . A method as defined in  claim 7 , wherein said medical agent comprises an embolic coil.  
     
     
         11 - 13 . (canceled)