Occlusion devices and methods

Abstract

The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. Optionally, permanent sterilization s effected by passing a current through there resilisent structure to the tubal walls.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An occlusion device comprising:
 an inner coil;   a tissue ingrowth supporting fiber wound around the inner coil; and   an outer coil affixed to the inner coil and positioned around the inner coil such that the fiber occupies an annular space between the inner coil and the outer coil, wherein a body winding pitch of the outer coil is greater than a body winding pitch of the inner coil.   
     
     
         2 . The occlusion device of  claim 1 , wherein the fiber is braided. 
     
     
         3 . The occlusion device of  claim 1 , wherein the fiber comprises a polymer. 
     
     
         4 . The occlusion device of  claim 1 , wherein the inner coil comprises platinum. 
     
     
         5 . The occlusion device of  claim 4 , wherein the inner coil is formed from a wire having a diameter between about 0.002 and 0.009 inches. 
     
     
         6 . The occlusion device of  claim 4 , wherein the inner coil has a diameter between about 0.010 and 0.040 inches. 
     
     
         7 . The occlusion device of  claim 1 , wherein the outer coil comprises platinum. 
     
     
         8 . The occlusion device of  claim 1 , further comprising an atraumatic tip at a distal end of the inner coil. 
     
     
         9 . The occlusion device of  claim 1 , wherein the inner coil is longer than the outer coil. 
     
     
         10 . The occlusion device of  claim 1 , wherein a distal end of the outer coil is affixed to the inner coil.