Combined electrolytic and mechanical separation background
First Claim
1. A method of disposing a detachable member at a target location in the anatomy of a patient, the method comprising:
- providing an elongate member having a detachable member at a distal end, wherein the detachable member is selectively detachable from the elongate member at a detachment zone by the use of a combination of electrolytic and mechanical energy;
inserting the elongate member into the body passageway until the detachable member is disposed at the target location;
delivering current to the elongate member to initiate electrolytic degradation within the detachment zone; and
delivering a mechanical force to the elongate member, thereby detaching the detachable member at the detachment zone; and
withdrawing the elongate member from the body passageway.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus and method are disclosed by which a distal end portion of an elongate member may be deposited at selected sites in body passageways. The apparatus includes an elongate member having a detachable member for delivery to a target location. The apparatus also has a detachment zone adjacent the distal end section for rupturing when a combination of electrolytic and mechanical energy is applied. The detachment zone may include any of a broad variety or materials and/or structures, but is configured and/or adapted to rupture and/or break through the use of a combination of electrolytic and mechanical energy, thus achieving detachment of the detachable member. A catheter or other delivery device can be coupled to or surrounds the apparatus for delivery to a target location.
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Citations
39 Claims
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1. A method of disposing a detachable member at a target location in the anatomy of a patient, the method comprising:
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providing an elongate member having a detachable member at a distal end, wherein the detachable member is selectively detachable from the elongate member at a detachment zone by the use of a combination of electrolytic and mechanical energy;
inserting the elongate member into the body passageway until the detachable member is disposed at the target location;
delivering current to the elongate member to initiate electrolytic degradation within the detachment zone; and
delivering a mechanical force to the elongate member, thereby detaching the detachable member at the detachment zone; and
withdrawing the elongate member from the body passageway. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A medical apparatus having a detachable member for delivery to a target location within the anatomy of a patient, the apparatus comprising:
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an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end;
a detachable member disposed at the distal end of the elongate member; and
a detachment zone adjacent the detachable member, wherein the detachment zone is made of a material susceptible to electrolytic degradation, the detachment zone having a structure susceptible to mechanical separation upon the application of a mechanical force after electrolytic degradation of the detachment zone, such that the detachable member is detached from the elongate member by applying both electrical and mechanical forces. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A device for disposing a detachable member at a target location in a body passageway, the device comprising:
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an elongate member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and a detachment zone interconnecting the proximal and distal portions;
first means for selectively degrading the detachment zone; and
second means for selectively detaching the distal portion, wherein said distal portion is detached by activating both the first and second means for selectively detaching the distal portion. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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35. A device configured to be threaded through a body passageway to a target location, the device comprising:
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an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end;
at least one detachable member detachably attached to the distal end of the elongate member;
wherein each detachable member is selectively detached from the elongate member by applying both electrical and mechanical forces. - View Dependent Claims (36, 37, 38, 39)
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Specification