Disclosed is a method and apparatus to treat an aneurysm. The method involves the introduction of an embolic material into the aneurysm. The embolic material is adapted to permit tissue ingrowth within the region defined by the aneurysm, which results in treatment of the aneurysm. Preferred embolic materials are those having an open cell structure, such as polyvinyl alcohol foams. Also disclosed is a catheter which may be used to introduce an embolic material into an aneurysm.
An intravenous lead for use with a cardiac device for implantation in the coronary venous system of the heart includes a lead body that is adapted to be routed through the vascular system into the coronary sinus with the distal end portion of the lead placed in the great cardiac vein or branch vein. The lead body includes a fixation member disposed just proximal of its tip. The fixation member comprises a radially expandable polymeric matrix that incorporates an osmotic agent so that when placed in a aqueous medium it will swell. Thus, when placed in a cardiac vein, the swelling of the fixation member will anchor the lead against longitudinal displacement due to body motion, blood flow and the beating action of the heart.
A method for drug delivery and polymer matrix suited to the method are disclosed. The polymer matrix has reversibly bound thereto a drug or combination of drugs, and is capable of releasing the drug or combination of drugs in response to mechanical stimulation of the polymer matrix. According to the method of this invention, such a polymer matrix is delivered to an in vivo locus, for example the site of a wound, trauma, etc., and mechanical stimulation of said polymer matrix is effected in vivo, thereby releasing the drug or combination of drugs in the area of the in vivo locus.
A system for treating a vascular malformation has an expandable device and a heating device for heating and shrinking the malformation. The expandable device may have deformable elements which plastically deform in the expanded position. The balloon may be self-expanding, balloon expanded or expanded with an actuating rod. A fluid, such as saline, may be introduced during heating when using RF heating. A sealant may also be introduced into the expandable device to further seal the aneurysm.
A micro catheter and guidewire system for use in tortuous regions of a vasculature includes a catheter body having a distal end, a guidewire lumen, a proximal region with an outer diameter, and a distal region with an outer diameter. The ratio of the proximal region outer diameter to the distal region outer diameter is at least 1.625:1 to improve pushability of the catheter body. The guidewire lumen defines a stopper and the guidewire has a depth stop for engaging the stopper of the guidewire lumen. The depth stop and the stopper cooperate to enable the guidewire to cooperate with the catheter to improve catheter pushability. The depth stop and the stopper also prevent over extension of the guidewire.
The devices and methods of the invention are directed to various aspects of removing obstructions in a blood vessel. A power source may be provided to facilitate advancement of the device and engagement with the obstruction. The obstruction removal device may have alternating large and small sections or may have one or more loops. In another aspect, the obstruction removal device may have alternating sections wound with filament and substantially exposed sections.
