Aneurysm embolization device and development system

Abstract

An aneurysm embolization device and deployment system for use in occluding the flow of blood at a preselected position within a vessel of the human body comprising a headpiece and a plurality of spherical members linked together with a central connecting member, which, when deployed the embolization device occludes the flow of blood in a high volume or wide neck aneurysm.

1 . An aneurysm embolization device and deployment system for use in placing said emoblization device at a preselected position within a vessel of the body, said embolization device and deployment system comprising: 
 a deployment catheter having a small diameter lumen extending therethrough and having a proximal section and a distal section, said catheter being formed of a material which is sufficiently flexible to pass through the vessels of the body;    an embolization device including a headpiece having a proximal section and a distal section;    a central connecting member which takes the form of a flexible fiber, said connecting member having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of said connecting member being attached to the distal section of said headpiece;    a spherical member which takes the form of a small diameter ball, said spherical member being carried by said central connecting member; and,    said proximal section of said headpiece being disposed at the distal section of said deployment catheter for release at the preselected position within the body.    
     
     
         2 . An aneurysm embolization device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said spherical member is formed from a polymer.  
     
     
         3 . An aneurysm embolization device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said headpiece and said spherical member is formed from a metallic material.  
     
     
         4 . An aneurysm embolization device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said central connecting member takes the form of a shape memory wire such that, after said aneurysm embolization device is deployed at the preselected position within the vessel said central connecting member tends to assume a predetermined configuration.  
     
     
         5 . An aneurysm embolization device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said central connecting member takes the form of a stretchable fiber.  
     
     
         6 . An aneurysm embolization device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said spherical member includes a plurality of flexible filaments extending outwardly from said spherical member in order to enhance the occlusive effect of said spherical member.  
     
     
         7 . An aneurysm embolization device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said spherical member includes a time-released adhesive coating on the periphery of said spherical member in order to enhance the occlusive effect of said spherical member.  
     
     
         8 . An aneurysm embolization device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said aneurysm embolization includes a plurality of spherical members and a plurality of flexible filaments coupling each of said spherical members to an adjacent spherical member.