Method and apparatus for fast electrolytic detachment of an implant
First Claim
1. An implant assembly for placement of an implant in the human body in presence of an ionic fluid comprising:
- an implant member having a proximal end and a distal end, and an electrolytically severable joint situated to release said implant member upon application of electrical energy to said electrolytically severable joint, wherein said implant member is electrically isolated from electrolysis in said ionic fluid.
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Accused Products
Abstract
This is an implant for placement in the human body and a wire coupled to the implant for placing that implant. In the illustrated embodiment, it is an implant for use in the vasculature of the human body and is used to occlude a cavity in that vasculature as a portion of a treatment regimen. The implant itself is a component of a deployment device in which the implant is detached from the wire using electrolytic disintegration when a current is applied to the wire. The implant is electrically isolated from active participation in the electrolytic disintegration which occurs when a current is applied to the wire. Such isolation and minimization of the conductive pathway from the placement apparatus to the body'"'"'s fluids appears to enhance the susceptibility of a selected portion of the wire to electrolysis to provide for quick erosion and detachment of the implant from the wire. Although the implant itself is preferably a vaso-occlusive device, it may instead be used for any implant which may be installed in this manner.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. An implant assembly for placement of an implant in the human body in presence of an ionic fluid comprising:
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an implant member having a proximal end and a distal end, and an electrolytically severable joint situated to release said implant member upon application of electrical energy to said electrolytically severable joint, wherein said implant member is electrically isolated from electrolysis in said ionic fluid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. An apparatus for occluding a body cavity in the presence of an ionic fluid comprising:
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a wire having a proximal and distal end, said distal end being adapted to be positioned in or near said body cavity, said distal end of said wire being fully insulated except for a selected portion serving as an electrolytic joint;
a detachable implant coupled to said distal end of said wire, distal from said joint, said implant adapted to be positioned in said body cavity, said implant being electrically isolated from electrolysis in said ionic fluid, where substantially only said joint is electrolyzed when current is applied to said wire. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6)
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7. An apparatus for occluding a body cavity in the presence of an ionic fluid comprising:
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a wire having a proximal and distal end, said distal end of said wire being insulated;
an electrolytic joint coupled to said distal end, said electrolytic joint being insulated at least in part;
a detachable implant coupled to said electrolytic joint, said implant not being subject to electrolysis in said ionic fluid when current is applied to said wire, and where said joint is electrolyzed when current is applied to said wire to separate said implant from said wire. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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10. A method for introduction of an implant into a space within the human body comprising:
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placing a delivery catheter distal tip near said space within the human body;
introducing an implant assembly comprising;
said implant member having a proximal end and a distal end; and
an electrolytically severable joint attached to said implant member proximal end, wherein said implant member is electrically isolated from electrolysis;
placing said implant member into said space; and
electrolytically detaching said implant member from said implant assembly.
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Specification