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 - 2 . (canceled)  
     
     
         3 . A method for placing a medical agent within a vessel 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 polymeric material, said intermediate section being normally shaped in a generally bowed configuration; and said catheter having a first lumen and a second lumen with a side opening at a location within the intermediate section;    preloading the second lumen of the delivery catheter with a guidewire extending through said second lumen to thereby cause the intermediate section of the catheter to straighten;    introducing the catheter into the vessel of a patient to generally align the side opening at a preselected position within the vessel;    withdrawing the guidewire to thereby permit the intermediate section of the catheter to straighten;    introducing a medical agent deployment device into the second lumen of the delivery catheter and through the side opening to deliver the medical agent at the preselected position;    reinserting the guidewire into the second lumen of the delivery catheter to thereby again cause the intermediate section of the catheter to straighten; and,    thereafter withdrawing the delivery catheter from the vessel of the patient.    
     
     
         4 . A method as defined in  claim 3 , wherein said medical agent comprises a diagnostic agent.  
     
     
         5 . A method as defined in  claim 3 , wherein said medical agent comprises a therapeutic agent.  
     
     
         6 . A method as defined in  claim 3 , wherein said medical agent comprises an embolic coil.  
     
     
         7 - 13 . (canceled)