Expandable device delivery

Abstract

An expandable device can be delivered to a luminal structure in a patient using a delivery system. The delivery system can include an elongate carrier member and an engagement component that can releasably engage the expandable device. The elongate carrier member can have a distal portion, a central axis, and a first notch in the distal portion. The engagement component can be positioned within the first notch. Further, the expandable frame can be coupled to the distal portion of the carrier member and have a first terminal end section. When coupled to the carrier member, the first terminal and section can (i) pass from a first end of the first notch through a space between the central axis and the engagement component and (ii) terminate outside of the first notch, beyond a second end of the first notch.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for delivering an expandable member to a luminal structure in a patient, the system comprising:
 an elongate carrier member comprising a distal portion, a central axis, and a first notch in the distal portion;   an engagement component positioned within the first notch; and   an expandable frame coupled to the distal portion of the carrier member, the expandable frame comprising a first terminal end section that, when coupled to the carrier member, (i) passes from a first end of the first notch through a space between the central axis and the engagement component and (ii) terminates outside of the first notch, beyond a second end of the first notch.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier member comprising a lumen extending along the central axis thereof, and wherein the first notch extends through the carrier member to the lumen. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the engagement component comprises an elongate wire extending through the lumen. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the engagement component comprises a wire. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the engagement component is configured to be refracted by an operator such that the engagement component permits release of the first terminal end section. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the engagement component permits release of the first terminal end section when the engagement component does not fully extend across the first notch. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the expandable frame comprises a spiral configuration and is wound about the carrier member. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first terminal end section is substantially straight. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the engagement component secures the first terminal end section to the carrier member without being positioned between the expandable frame and the central axis within a longitudinal extent of the first notch along the central axis. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a second notch in the carrier member, the expandable frame comprising a second terminal end section that, when coupled to the carrier member, (i) passes from a first end of the second notch through a space between the central axis and the engagement component and (ii) terminates outside of the second notch, beyond a second end of the second notch. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the engagement component moves longitudinally to release the first terminal end section. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the engagement component moves longitudinally through a lumen of the carrier member to release the first terminal end section. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first terminal end section comprises a planar, flat portion. 
     
     
         14 . An expandable device for occluding a luminal structure in a patient, the device comprising:
 a helical frame member comprising a plurality of windings, proximal and distal segments, and a lumen extending from the proximal segment to the distal segment,   the proximal segment having a first end whereat the frame member changes in curvature and a second end whereat the frame member terminates, the proximal segment being biased to extend inwardly into the lumen from a helical arc of the frame member to facilitate engagement with a delivery system,   the distal segment being biased to extend inwardly into the lumen from the helical arc of the frame member to facilitate engagement with the delivery system; and   a cover member coupled to the helical frame member, the cover member extending between adjacent windings of the helical frame member.   
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the distal segment comprises a first end whereat the frame member changes in curvature and a second end whereat the frame member terminates. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the frame member comprises a collapsed configuration in which the frame member has a first, cylindrical configuration and an expanded configuration in which the frame member has a second, enlarged configuration and the proximal segment of the frame member extends inwardly into the lumen. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein in an expanded configuration, the proximal segment extends inwardly into the lumen through the cover member. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein in the expanded configuration, the proximal segment extends into the lumen radially toward a central axis of the frame member. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the frame member comprises a middle section having a cylindrical profile. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein a radius of curvature of the frame member decreases toward the distal segment such that the frame member tapers in a distal direction. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the cover member is coupled to the frame member with a suture. 
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the cover member encloses the proximal and distal segments of the frame member.