Methods and devices for deployment into a lumen

Abstract

The invention described is directed to an intracorporeal occluding device having elements with non-traumatic ends and devices, systems and methods for occluding the lumens of anatomical passageways and/or for delivering drugs or other substances to the bodies of human or animal subjects.

1 . An occluding member for a patient's reproductive lumen having at least one segment with a first contracted configuration and a second expanded configuration, comprising:
 a. a first expansive element having a first end secured to a central location in the occluding member and a non-traumatic end radially spaced from the first end when in an expanded configuration; and   b. at least one additional expansive element having a first end secured to the central location in the occluding member and a non-traumatic end radially spaced from the central location in the expanded configuration.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the expansive elements has a first section extending from the first end of the element which is oriented toward a first end of the occluding device and a second section extending to the second end of the expansive element which is oriented toward a second end of the occluding device. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2  wherein at least one of the first and second expansive sections of the expansive elements are straight. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2  wherein at least one of the first and second expansive sections of the expansive elements are curved. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 2  wherein a least the first section of the first expansive member is oriented toward a first end of the occluding member and the first section of the second expansive element is oriented toward a second end of the occluding member. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the first and additional expansive elements are configured into a spider segment. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6  having a plurality of axially aligned spider segments. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the expansive elements are self expansive from a constricted configuration to an expanded configuration. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8  wherein the expansive elements are formed at least in part of superelastic NiTi alloy which has a stable austenite phase at less than 40.degree. C. and which is in a martensite phase when in a constricted configuration. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1  wherein at least one non-traumatic end is ball-shaped. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1  wherein at least one non-traumatic end comprises contoured wire. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11  wherein the contoured wire forms a sharp bend. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 11  wherein the contoured wire forms a rounded bend. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 11  wherein the contoured wire forms a coil. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 11  wherein the contoured wire is flat. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 1  wherein at least one non-traumatic end is textured. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 1  wherein at least one non-traumatic end comprises a pad. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17  wherein the pad is molded. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 17  wherein the pad is a mesh. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 1  wherein at least one non-traumatic end is gripped. 
     
     
         21 .- 70 . (canceled)