Endovascular electrolytically detachable wire and tip for the formation of thrombus in arteries, veins, aneurysms, vascular malformations and arteriovenous fistulas

Abstract

An artery, vein, aneurysm, vascular malformation or arterial fistula is occluded through endovascular occlusion by the endovascular insertion of a platinum wire and/or tip into the vascular cavity. The vascular cavity is packed with the tip to obstruct blood flow or access of blood in the cavity such that the blood clots in the cavity and an occlusion if formed. The tip may be elongate and flexible so that it packs the cavity by being folded upon itself a multiple number of times, or may pack the cavity by virtue of a filamentary or fuzzy structure of the tip. The tip is then separated from the wire mechanically or by electrolytic separation of the tip from the wire. The wire and the microcatheter are thereafter removed leaving the tip embedded in the thrombus formed within the vascular cavity. Movement of wire in the microcatheter is more easily tracked by providing a radioopaque proximal marker on the microcatheter and a corresponding indicator marker on the wire. Electrothrombois is facilitate by placing the ground electrode on the distal end of the microcatheter and flowing current between the microcatheter electrode and the tip.

1. An apparatus for use in combination with a microcatheter to form an occlusion within a cavity, said wire comprising:
 a core wire; and 
 a detachable elongate tip portion coupled to a distal portion of said core wire, said tip portion extending said core wire for a predetermined lineal extent and being adapted to be positioned, in use, in a cavity to form an occlusion in said cavity, so that occlusion of said cavity can be performed; said elongate tip portion being detachable from said core wire without necessarily displacing said distal tip portion or said wire during detachment or applying any force by said distal tip portion to any surface within said cavity, said detachable elongate tip portion having a plurality of filaments or fine hairs extending therefrom. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said filaments or fine hairs are arranged to substantially pack, fill or at least impede fluid flow or access in said cavity when said tip portion is disposed therein. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said core wire and said detachable elongate tip portion are coupled by polyester. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said elongate tip portion is detachable from said core wire by a mechanical coupling. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein said elongate tip portion is releasably connected to said core wire by a spring-loaded mechanical clasp. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said elongate tip portion is detachable from said core wire by electrolytic disintegration of part of said wire.