Apparatus and method for deployment of a therapeutic device using a catheter

Abstract

The apparatus for deployment of an intravascular therapeutic device, includes an elongated, flexible pusher member and a therapeutic device connected to a severable portion of a first connector member mounted to the flexible pusher member with an elongated second connector member connected to the therapeutic device. The first connector member or second connector member may be capable of being broken by heat, and a heat source is provided for heating and breaking the first connector member or the second connector member to release the therapeutic device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for release and deployment of a therapeutic device within the vasculature of a patient, the steps of the method comprising:
 providing an elongated, flexible pusher member having an interior lumen;   providing a first connector member mounted to said elongated, flexible pusher member, said first connector member including an induction ring disposed in the interior lumen of the pusher member, said induction ring having an edge portion configured to be heated;   providing a second connector member having a severable portion configured to be broken by heating disposed within said elongated, flexible pusher member;   positioning the therapeutic device at a desired placement within a patient's vasculature; and   supplying electrical current to said induction ring to cause said edge portion of said induction ring to be heated to break said severable portion for detaching and deploying the therapeutic device from the flexible pusher member when a desired placement of the therapeutic device within a patient's vasculature is achieved.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said step of supplying electrical current to said induction ring comprises positioning said edge portion in contact with said elongated second connector member, and heating said edge portion to break said elongated second connector member. 
     
     
         3 . The method of claim  18 , wherein said therapeutic device is a vasoocclusive device. 
     
     
         4 . The method of claim  18 , wherein said therapeutic device comprises a microcoil.