Patent Description:
A wide variety of intracorporeal medical devices have been developed for medical use, for example, surgical and/or intravascular use. Some of these devices include guidewires, catheters, medical device delivery systems (e.g., for stents, grafts, replacement valves, occlusive devices, etc.), and the like. These devices are manufactured by any one of a variety of different manufacturing methods and may be used according to any one of a variety of methods. There is an ongoing need to provide alternative medical devices as well as alternative methods for manufacturing and/or using medical devices.

Document <CIT> discloses segmented and monolithic embolic agents providing the operator with the ability to select and detach the length of embolic agent, either extracorporeally or intracorporeally as desired by the operator, for implantation into the aneurysm or body cavity. Linking elements and detachment elements may be utilized by the operator to connect and detach variable lengths of embolic agents either extracorporeally or intracorporeally utilizing electrolytic, chemical, and mechanical detachment mechanisms.

Document <CIT> discloses a vascular occlusion device deployment system, for deploying an occlusion device at a preselected site within the vasculature of a patient, including a pusher which employs an elongated member that releases an embolic device when a breakpoint of the elongated member is fractured by applying torque to the breakpoint such as by rotating the elongated member.

Document <CIT> discloses a device for delivering embolic coils to a selected site within the vasculature of a human body via use of a catheter. It includes the coils. In particular, the device uses embolic coils having interlocking ends, e.g., clasps or hooks, on the ends of the coils. The coils may further be secured to each other by a control wire within the catheter. Retraction of the optional control wire into the catheter body uncouples the distal coil.

Document <CIT> discloses a vascular occlusion device deployment system for deploying an occlusion device at a preselected site within the vasculature of a patient comprising a pusher which employs an elongated member that has a connecting projection that engages a pathway defined by an embolic device. The connecting projection is cleared from the pathway of the embolic device to release the embolic device.

Document <CIT> discloses a delivery apparatus for a lumen occlusion device including a pusher configured for releasably coupling with and pushing and pulling a proximal end of the occlusion device in a distal or proximal direction and a distal control wire capable of releasably coupling with the distal end and the proximal end of the occlusion device. The control wire may be configured for moving the distal end of the occlusion device in both proximal and distal directions allowing precise simultaneous control of both proximal and distal ends of the occlusion device. Control of both ends provides for placing the occlusion device in tension during delivery through a delivery catheter, thereby reducing delivery forces, achieving greater compaction of the occlusion device in the lumen, and precisely locating both distal and proximal ends of the occlusion device within the lumen.

According to the invention and as defined in claim <NUM>, a medical implant system comprises an implant and an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism comprises a first part configured to be fixedly attached to a distal end of an elongate shaft; and a second part fixedly attached to a proximal end of a medical implant. A tubular distal portion of the second part includes an engagement feature configured to non-releasably engage the second part with the medical implant. There are two alternatives for the engagement feature. First, the engagement feature includes one or more recesses extending into an outer surface of the tubular distal portion of the second part. A portion of the medical implant extends into the one or more recesses. The portion of the medical implant extending into the one or more recesses includes a movable tab biased radially inward. Secondly, the engagement feature includes at least one protrusion extending radially outward from an outer surface of the tubular distal portion of the second part. The medical implant includes at least one window extending through a wall of the medical implant configured to receive the at least one protrusion.

In addition, the second part may be formed from a first metallic material, and the medical implant may be formed from a second metallic material dissimilar from the first metallic material.

In addition, the second metallic material may be a shape memory alloy.

In addition, the first part and the second part may be configured to interlock with each other such that relative axial translation between the first part and the second part is prevented when the first part abuts the second part and a first longitudinal lumen of the first part is aligned coaxially with a second longitudinal lumen of the second part.

In addition, the first part and the second part may be configured to interlock with each other such that relative lateral translation between the first part and the second part is prevented when the first part abuts the second part, the first longitudinal lumen is aligned coaxially with the second longitudinal lumen, and the release wire is slidably engaged with the first longitudinal lumen and the second longitudinal lumen.

While aspects of the disclosure are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit aspects of the disclosure to the particular embodiments described.

The following description should be read with reference to the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views. The detailed description and drawings are intended to illustrate but not limit the claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various elements described and/or shown may be arranged in various combinations and configurations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The detailed description and drawings illustrate example embodiments of the claimed invention. However, in the interest of clarity and ease of understanding, while every feature and/or element may not be shown in each drawing, the feature(s) and/or element(s) may be understood to be present regardless, unless otherwise specified.

Still other relative terms, such as "axial", "circumferential", "longitudinal", "lateral", "radial", etc. and/or variants thereof generally refer to direction and/or orientation relative to a central longitudinal axis of the disclosed structure or device.

The term "extent" may be understood to mean a greatest measurement of a stated or identified dimension, unless specifically referred to as a minimum extent. For example, "outer extent" may be understood to mean a maximum outer dimension, "radial extent" may be understood to mean a maximum radial dimension, "longitudinal extent" may be understood to mean a maximum longitudinal dimension, etc. Each instance of an "extent" may be different (e.g., axial, longitudinal, lateral, radial, circumferential, etc.) and will be apparent to the skilled person from the context of the individual usage. Generally, an "extent" may be considered a greatest possible dimension measured according to the intended usage. However, where referred to as a "minimum extent", the "extent" shall refer to a smallest possible dimension measured according to the intended usage. In some instances, an "extent" may generally be measured orthogonally within a plane and/or cross-section, but may be, as will be apparent from the particular context, measured differently - such as, but not limited to, angularly, radially, circumferentially (e.g., along an arc), etc..

<FIG> illustrates aspects of an example medical implant system <NUM>. The medical implant system <NUM> may include an elongate shaft <NUM> having a lumen <NUM> extending from a proximal end of the elongate shaft <NUM> to a distal end <NUM> of the elongate shaft <NUM>. In some embodiments, the elongate shaft <NUM> may be a catheter, a hypotube, or other similar tubular structure. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the elongate shaft <NUM> may include micromachining, a plurality of cuts or weakened areas, some degree of material removal, etc. to provide increased flexibility along a length of the elongate shaft <NUM> while maintaining pushability for navigating tortuous vasculature. Some suitable but non-limiting materials for the elongate shaft <NUM>, for example metallic materials, polymer materials, composite materials, etc., are described below.

The medical implant system <NUM> may include a release wire <NUM> slidably disposed within the lumen <NUM> of the elongate shaft <NUM>. A medical implant <NUM> may be disposed proximate the distal end <NUM> of the elongate shaft <NUM>. The release wire <NUM> may be axially slidable between an interlocked position (e.g., <FIG>) and a released position (e.g., <FIG>, described further below). A distal portion of the release wire <NUM> may be configured to releasably attach the medical implant <NUM> to the distal end <NUM> of the elongate shaft <NUM>. The medical implant <NUM> may be configured to expand and/or shift from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration. For simplicity, the medical implant <NUM> is generically illustrated herein as an occlusive medical device, but other suitable medical devices transported, delivered, used, released, etc. in a similar manner are also contemplated, including but not limited to, embolic coils, stents, embolic filters, replacement heart valves, vascular occlusion devices, other occlusion devices, and/or other medical implants, etc. In some embodiments, the release wire <NUM> may be alternately and/or interchangeably referred to as a pull wire, an actuation wire, and/or a locking wire. The release wire <NUM> may generally be a solid wire or shaft, but may also be tubular in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the release wire <NUM> may be absent and/or unnecessary. Some suitable but non-limiting materials for the release wire <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>, for example metallic materials, polymer materials, composite materials, shape memory materials, etc., are described below.

In some embodiments, the medical implant system <NUM> may include a microcatheter sized and configured to deliver the medical implant <NUM> to a treatment site in a delivery configuration. The elongate shaft <NUM> and the medical implant <NUM> may be slidably disposed within a lumen of the microcatheter. In some embodiments, the microcatheter may facilitate percutaneous delivery of the medical implant <NUM> to the treatment site. In some embodiments, the medical implant <NUM> may be radially and/or longitudinally constrained into a delivery configuration when the medical implant <NUM> is disposed within the lumen of the microcatheter. Some suitable but non-limiting materials for the microcatheter, for example metallic materials, polymer materials, composite materials, etc., are described below.

In at least some embodiments, the medical implant system <NUM> may include a securement member fixedly attached to and/or extending proximally from the proximal end of the elongate shaft <NUM>, and fixedly attached to a proximal end of the release wire <NUM>. The securement member may include a proximal portion and a distal portion. In some embodiments, the proximal portion of the securement member may be fixedly attached to the distal portion of the securement member. In some embodiments, the proximal portion of the securement member may be integrally formed with the distal portion of the securement member as a single unitary structure. The proximal portion of the securement member may take one or more of several different forms, including but not limited to, a generally solid member, a tubular member, or combinations thereof. For example, the proximal portion of the securement member may include an axial lumen extending along a central longitudinal axis of the medical implant system <NUM>, the elongate shaft <NUM>, the release wire <NUM>, and/or the securement member, the axial lumen being configured to receive a proximal end of the release wire <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the proximal portion of the securement member may be configured to translate proximally away from the proximal end of the elongate shaft <NUM> upon application of a proximally-directed force to the proximal portion of the securement member while the elongate shaft <NUM> is maintained in a fixed position. The distal portion of the securement member may be fixedly attached to the proximal end of the elongate shaft <NUM>. In at least some embodiments, an outer surface of the distal portion of the securement member may be fixedly attached to an inner surface of the elongate shaft <NUM> (e.g., a surface defining the lumen <NUM>). In some embodiments, an inner surface of the distal portion of the securement member may be fixedly attached to an outer surface of the elongate shaft <NUM>. In some embodiments, a distal end of the distal portion of the securement member may be embedded in the proximal end of the elongate shaft <NUM>. In some embodiments, the distal portion may be integrally formed with and/or from the elongate shaft <NUM>.

A wall of the distal portion of the securement member may define a lumen, wherein the release wire <NUM> is slidably disposed within the lumen of the distal portion of the securement member. The lumen of the distal portion of the securement member may be coaxial with and/or fluidly connected to the lumen <NUM> of the elongate shaft <NUM>. Proximal axial translation of the proximal portion of the securement member away from and/or relative to the proximal end of the elongate shaft <NUM> may translate the release wire <NUM> relative to the elongate shaft <NUM> from the interlocked position to the released position to release the medical implant <NUM> from the distal end <NUM> of the elongate shaft <NUM>, as described herein.

<FIG> and <FIG> generally illustrate the medical implant <NUM> being released from the elongate shaft <NUM>, such as at a treatment site, for example. In use, the microcatheter of the medical implant system <NUM> may be inserted into a patient's anatomy and a distal end of the microcatheter may be guided and/or advanced to a location adjacent a treatment site. The medical implant <NUM> disposed at and/or proximate the distal end <NUM> of the elongate shaft <NUM> may be inserted into a proximal end of the lumen disposed within the microcatheter and advanced through and/or with the microcatheter to the treatment site. In some embodiments, the medical implant <NUM> may be disposed within the lumen of the microcatheter proximate a distal end of the microcatheter. In some embodiments, the medical implant <NUM> may be disposed within the lumen of the microcatheter proximate the distal end of the microcatheter prior to use and/or prior to inserting the microcatheter into the patient's anatomy. Deployment and/or release of the medical implant <NUM> may be performed selectively depending upon the type of medical device and/or the desired treatment process or method. When ready to deploy the medical implant <NUM>, the elongate shaft <NUM> may be advanced and/or translated distally relative to the microcatheter until the medical implant <NUM> is exposed and/or disposed distal of the microcatheter. Alternatively, the microcatheter may be withdrawn relative to the elongate shaft <NUM> until the medical implant <NUM> is exposed and/or disposed distal of the microcatheter.

In use, the elongate shaft <NUM> may have sufficient length that the proximal end of the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the securement member remains proximal of (e.g., extends proximally from) the microcatheter when the medical implant <NUM> is disposed distal of the microcatheter. In use, the elongate shaft <NUM> may have sufficient length to reach from the treatment site to a position outside of the patient where the medical implant system <NUM> may be manipulated by an operator (e.g., clinician, physician, user, etc.). After insertion of the medical implant system <NUM> to the treatment site, the operator of the medical implant system <NUM> may place a first hand on the proximal end of the elongate shaft <NUM> and a second hand on the proximal portion of the securement member in order to manipulate the proximal portion of the securement member and/or the release wire <NUM> relative to the elongate shaft <NUM> to release the medical implant <NUM>. In at least some embodiments, the distal portion of the securement member may be disposed proximal of a proximal end of the microcatheter when the medical implant <NUM> is disposed distal of the microcatheter.

An attachment mechanism <NUM> may releasably attach the medical implant <NUM> to the distal end <NUM> of the elongate shaft <NUM>. The attachment mechanism <NUM> may cooperate with the release wire <NUM> to releasably attach the medical implant <NUM> to the distal end <NUM> of the elongate shaft <NUM>. In some embodiments, the elongate shaft <NUM> may include a first part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM> fixedly and non-reversibly (e.g., permanently) attached to the distal end <NUM> of the elongate shaft <NUM> and the medical implant <NUM> may include a second part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM> fixedly and non-reversibly (e.g., permanently) attached to a proximal end of the medical implant <NUM>. Some suitable but non-limiting materials for the attachment mechanism <NUM>, the first part <NUM>, and the second part <NUM>, for example metallic materials, polymer materials, composite materials, shape memory materials, etc., are described below.

A distal portion and/or a distal end of the release wire <NUM> may slidably engage with the first part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM> and the second part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM> in the interlocked position, to interlock the first part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM> with the second part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. When the proximal portion of the securement member is translated proximally away from the proximal end of the elongate shaft <NUM>, the release wire <NUM> may be translated in a proximal direction relative to the elongate shaft <NUM> toward the released position to release the second part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> from the first part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM> and/or the elongate shaft <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In at least some embodiments, the release wire <NUM> may be slidably disposed within the distal portion of the securement member, the lumen <NUM> extending through the elongate shaft <NUM>, a first longitudinal lumen extending through the first part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM>, and a second longitudinal lumen extending through the second part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM>. The first longitudinal lumen of the first part <NUM> and the second longitudinal lumen of the second part <NUM> may be substantially coaxial with the central longitudinal axis and/or the release wire <NUM> when the medical implant <NUM> is releasably attached to the distal end <NUM> of the elongate shaft <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM> and the second part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism may be configured to interlock with each other such that relative axial translation between the first part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM> and the second part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM> is prevented when the first part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM> abuts the second part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM> and the first longitudinal lumen is aligned coaxially with the second longitudinal lumen. In some embodiments, the first part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM> and the second part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM> are configured to interlock with each other such that relative lateral translation between the first part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM> and the second part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM> is prevented when the first part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM> abuts the second part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM>, the first longitudinal lumen is aligned coaxially with the second longitudinal lumen, and the release wire <NUM> is slidably engaged with the first longitudinal lumen and the second longitudinal lumen.

In some embodiments, a tubular proximal portion <NUM> of the first part <NUM> may include an engagement feature configured to non-releasably engage the first part <NUM> with the elongate shaft <NUM>. Similarly, in some embodiments, a tubular distal portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM> may include an engagement feature configured to non-releasably engage the second part <NUM> with the medical implant <NUM>. In some embodiments, the medical implant system <NUM> may include the tubular proximal portion <NUM> of the first part <NUM> including the engagement feature configured to non-releasably engage the first part <NUM> with the elongate shaft <NUM>, and the tubular distal portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM> including the engagement feature configured to non-releasably engage the second part <NUM> with the medical implant <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the second part <NUM> may be formed from a first metallic material, and the medical implant <NUM> may be formed from a second metallic material dissimilar from the first metallic material. As used herein, "dissimilar" materials may include metals having different metallurgical properties and/or may include different material types. Dissimilar materials may be unsuitable and/or particularly challenging for certain joining processes, such as welding for example. One non-limiting example of dissimilar materials may include nitinol (nickel-titanium alloy) and stainless steel. Similarly, in some embodiments, the first part <NUM> may be formed from the first metallic material, and the elongate shaft <NUM> may be formed from the second metallic material or a third metallic material different from the second metallic material. In this context, different materials may be of the same or similar material types but are not necessarily "dissimilar". One non-limiting example of different but not necessarily dissimilar materials may include two different ferrous metals. In some embodiments, the third metallic material may be dissimilar from the first metallic material and/or the second metallic material. In some embodiments, the first metallic material may be substantially identical to the third metallic material. In some embodiments, the second metallic material and/or the third metallic material is a shape memory alloy such as, but not limited to, a nickel-titanium alloy.

In some embodiments, the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> may be substantially identical. In some embodiments, the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> may be substantially complimentary to each other. For example, the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> may have outer surfaces configured to engage with and/or mate to each other when the release wire <NUM> is in the interlocked position. Several examples of the construction of the first part <NUM> and/or the second part <NUM> are described herein. Each example may be used for either or both of the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> in any given embodiment. In some embodiments, the examples may be intermixed and/or interchanged in any given embodiment. For example, the first part <NUM> may be constructed differently from the second part <NUM> while remaining complimentary to each other. In the interest of brevity, each example is described in the singular, but it is to be clearly understood that both the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM>, or either of the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM>, may be constructed according to the disclosed example(s).

<FIG> illustrates an example first and/or second part <NUM> that corresponds to and/or may be used in place of the first part <NUM> and/or the second part <NUM>. The first and/or second part <NUM> of <FIG> may include a tubular portion <NUM> corresponding to the tubular proximal portion <NUM> of the first part <NUM> and/or the tubular distal portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM>. The tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM> may include an engagement feature <NUM> configured to non-releasably engage the first and/or second part <NUM> with the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>. The engagement feature <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM> may correspond to the engagement feature of the first part <NUM> and/or the engagement feature of the second part <NUM>. The engagement feature <NUM> may include one or more recesses <NUM> extending into an outer surface of the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM>. Some suitable but non-limiting materials for the first and/or second part <NUM>, for example metallic materials, polymer materials, composite materials, etc., are described below.

As shown in <FIG>, a laser or other suitable heat source may be used to apply heat to the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> to fixedly attach the first and/or second part <NUM> to the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>. Heating the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> may cause melting and/or reflow of the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>, wherein a portion of the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> extends into the engagement feature <NUM> and/or the one or more recesses <NUM> extending into the outer surface of the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM>, thereby creating a mechanical engagement, interference fit, and/or lock fixedly and non-reversibly (e.g., permanently) attaching the first and/or second part <NUM> to the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>. In addition or alternatively, pressure, compression, and/or other means (e.g., swaging, adhesives, chemical dissolution and re-hardening, etc.) may be used to urge and/or cause a portion of the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> to extend into the engagement feature <NUM> and/or the one or more recesses <NUM> extending into the outer surface of the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM>, thereby creating a mechanical engagement, interference fit, and/or lock fixedly and non-reversibly (e.g., permanently) attaching the first and/or second part <NUM> to the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example first and/or second part <NUM> that corresponds to and/or may be used in place of the first part <NUM> and/or the second part <NUM> and which is in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The first and/or second part <NUM> of <FIG> may include a tubular portion <NUM> corresponding to the tubular proximal portion <NUM> of the first part <NUM> and/or the tubular distal portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM>. The tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM> may include an engagement feature <NUM> configured to non-releasably engage the first and/or second part <NUM> with the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>. The engagement feature <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM> may correspond to the engagement feature of the first part <NUM> and/or the engagement feature of the second part <NUM>. The engagement feature <NUM> may include at least one protrusion <NUM> extending radially outward from an outer surface of the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM>. The first and/or second part <NUM> may be produced using a number of suitable manufacturing means. In one example, the first and/or second part <NUM> of <FIG> may be produced using additive manufacturing techniques. Some suitable but non-limiting materials for the first and/or second part <NUM>, for example metallic materials, polymer materials, composite materials, etc., are described below.

In another example, a similar first and/or second part <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, may be produced by machining or other material-removing techniques. The first and/or second part <NUM> may correspond to and/or may be used in place of the first part <NUM> and/or the second part <NUM>. The first and/or second part <NUM> of <FIG> may include a tubular portion <NUM> corresponding to the tubular proximal portion <NUM> of the first part <NUM> and/or the tubular distal portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM>. The tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM> may include an engagement feature <NUM> configured to non-releasably engage the first and/or second part <NUM> with the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>. The engagement feature <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM> may correspond to the engagement feature of the first part <NUM> and/or the engagement feature of the second part <NUM>. The engagement feature <NUM> may include at least one protrusion <NUM> extending radially outward from an outer surface of the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM>. In some embodiments, manufacture of the at least one protrusion <NUM> may remove a portion of the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM> to define one or more substantially flat faces, as seen in <FIG>. Some suitable but non-limiting materials for the first and/or second part <NUM>, for example metallic materials, polymer materials, composite materials, etc., are described below.

<FIG> illustrate attachment of the example first and/or second part <NUM> and/or the example first and/or second part <NUM> to the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>. In some embodiments, the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> may include at least one window <NUM> extending through a wall of the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> configured to receive the at least one protrusion <NUM>/<NUM>. In some embodiments, the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> may include at least one longitudinally-oriented and/or radially-oriented cut <NUM> extending away from an end of the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> (e.g., extending proximally from a distal end of the elongate shaft <NUM>, extending distally from a proximal end of the medical implant <NUM>). The at least one longitudinally-oriented and/or radially-oriented cut <NUM> may permit flexure of the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> over the at least one protrusion <NUM>/<NUM>, thereby facilitating assembly of the first and/or second part <NUM>/<NUM> and the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>. Material on opposing sides of the at least one longitudinally-oriented and/or radially-oriented cut <NUM> may be fixedly secured together after the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM>/<NUM> is inserted into the proximal end of the medical implant <NUM> and/or the distal end of the elongate shaft <NUM>.

After seating the at least one protrusion <NUM>/<NUM> into the at least one window <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> for example, heat may be applied to the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>, such as with a laser, a welder, or other suitable means. In at least some embodiments, applying heat to the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> may include welding (e.g., seam welding, spot welding, etc.) the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> to itself along each of the at least one longitudinally-oriented and/or radially-oriented cut <NUM>, shown at least partially filled-in (e.g., welded) in <FIG> for example, thereby creating a mechanical engagement, interference fit, and/or lock fixedly and non-reversibly (e.g., permanently) attaching the first and/or second part <NUM>/<NUM> to the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>. In addition or alternatively, pressure, compression, and/or other means (e.g., swaging, adhesives, chemical dissolution and re-hardening, etc.) may be used to fixedly secure material on opposing sides of the at least one longitudinally-oriented and/or radially-oriented cut <NUM> after the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM>/<NUM> is inserted into the proximal end of the medical implant <NUM> and/or the distal end of the elongate shaft <NUM>, thereby creating a mechanical engagement, interference fit, and/or lock fixedly and non-reversibly (e.g., permanently) attaching the first and/or second part <NUM> to the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>.

In an alternative configuration, shown in <FIG> for example, the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> may include a helical and/or radial-oriented cut <NUM> extending away from an end of the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> (e.g., extending proximally from a distal end of the elongate shaft <NUM>, extending distally from a proximal end of the medical implant <NUM>). The helical and/or radially-oriented cut <NUM> may permit flexure of the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> over the at least one protrusion <NUM>/<NUM>, thereby facilitating assembly of the first and/or second part <NUM>/<NUM> and the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>. Material on opposing sides of the helical and/or radially-oriented cut <NUM> may be fixedly secured together after the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM>/<NUM> is inserted into the proximal end of the medical implant <NUM> and/or the distal end of the elongate shaft <NUM>, using any of the methods and/or means discussed above with respect to at least one longitudinally-oriented and/or radially-oriented cut <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example first and/or second part <NUM> that corresponds to and/or may be used in place of the first part <NUM> and/or the second part <NUM>. The first and/or second part <NUM> of <FIG> may include a tubular portion <NUM> corresponding to the tubular proximal portion <NUM> of the first part <NUM> and/or the tubular distal portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM>. The tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM> may include an engagement feature <NUM> configured to non-releasably engage the first and/or second part <NUM> with the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>. The engagement feature <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM> may correspond to the engagement feature of the first part <NUM> and/or the engagement feature of the second part <NUM>. The engagement feature <NUM> may include one or more recesses <NUM> extending into an outer surface of the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM>. In one example, the one or more recesses <NUM> may include and/or define an hourglass shape extending radially inward from the outer surface of the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM>. Some suitable but non-limiting materials for the first and/or second part <NUM>, for example metallic materials, polymer materials, composite materials, etc., are described below.

Turning now to <FIG> and <FIG>, certain features are shown using hidden or phantom lines to ease understanding of the features and their relationships to each other, and such illustration is not intended to be limiting. As shown in <FIG>, at least one plug <NUM> may each be inserted through at least one window <NUM> in the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>. The at least one plug <NUM> may be fixedly attached to the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> after the at least one plug <NUM> is inserted through the at least one window <NUM>. For example, a laser or other suitable heat source may be used to apply heat to the at least one plug <NUM> and/or the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> to fixedly attach the first and/or second part <NUM> to the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>. Heating the at least one plug <NUM> and/or the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> may cause melting and/or reflow of the at least one plug <NUM> and/or the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>, wherein a portion of the at least one plug <NUM> and/or the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> extends into the engagement feature <NUM> and/or the one or more recesses <NUM> extending into the outer surface of the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM>, thereby creating a mechanical engagement, interference fit, and/or lock fixedly and non-reversibly (e.g., permanently) attaching the first and/or second part <NUM> to the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> for example, thereby creating a mechanical engagement, interference fit, and/or lock fixedly and non-reversibly (e.g., permanently) attaching the first and/or second part <NUM> to the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>. In at least some embodiments, melting and/or reflow of the at least one plug <NUM> and/or the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> may cause the at least one plug <NUM> to become an integral part of the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>, wherein after heating, melting, and/or reflow, a portion of the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> extends into the one or more recesses <NUM> extending into the outer surface of the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM>. In addition or alternatively, pressure, compression, and/or other means (e.g., swaging, adhesives, chemical dissolution and re-hardening, etc.) may be used to fixedly and non-reversibly (e.g., permanently) attach the first and/or second part <NUM> to the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example first and/or second part <NUM> that corresponds to and/or may be used in place of the first part <NUM> and/or the second part <NUM>. The first and/or second part <NUM> of <FIG> may include a tubular portion <NUM> corresponding to the tubular proximal portion <NUM> of the first part <NUM> and/or the tubular distal portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM>. The tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM> may include an engagement feature <NUM> configured to non-releasably engage the first and/or second part <NUM> with the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>. The engagement feature <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM> may correspond to the engagement feature of the first part <NUM> and/or the engagement feature of the second part <NUM>. The engagement feature <NUM> may include one or more recesses <NUM> extending into an outer surface of the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM>. Alternatively, the engagement feature <NUM> may include at least one protrusion <NUM> extending radially outward from the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM>. In some embodiments, the engagement feature <NUM> may include both the one or more recesses <NUM> extending into the outer surface of the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM> and the at least one protrusion <NUM> extending radially outward from the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM>. Some suitable but non-limiting materials for the first and/or second part <NUM>, for example metallic materials, polymer materials, composite materials, etc., are described below.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a portion of the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> may extend into the one or more recesses <NUM> extending into the outer surface of the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM> and/or the portion of the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> may engage against the at least one protrusion <NUM> extending radially outward from the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM>, after the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM> is inserted into the distal end <NUM> of the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the proximal end of the medical implant <NUM>, thereby preventing withdrawal of the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM> from the distal end <NUM> of the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the proximal end of the medical implant <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the portion of the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> extending into the one or more recesses <NUM> extending into the outer surface of the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM> may include a moveable tab <NUM> biased radially inward. In at least some embodiments, the moveable tab <NUM> may be self-biased radially inward. In some embodiments, the moveable tab <NUM> may include a plurality of moveable tabs (e.g., two moveable tabs, three moveable tabs, four moveable tabs, etc.). As such, when the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM> is inserted into the distal end <NUM> of the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the proximal end of the medical implant <NUM>, the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM> and/or the at least one protrusion <NUM> extending radially outward from the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM> may deflect the moveable tab <NUM> radially outward until the moveable tab <NUM> reaches the one or more recesses <NUM> extending into the outer surface of the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM>, at which time, the moveable tab <NUM> will be biased radially inward into the one or more recesses <NUM> extending into the outer surface of the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM> of the first and/or second part <NUM>, thereby creating a mechanical engagement, interference fit, and/or lock fixedly and non-reversibly (e.g., permanently) attaching the first and/or second part <NUM> to the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>.

In conjunction with the discussion herein, a method of making the medical implant system <NUM> may comprise: inserting the first part <NUM> (e.g., the first and/or second part <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the attachment mechanism <NUM> into the distal end <NUM> of the elongate shaft <NUM> and securing the first part <NUM> (e.g., the first and/or second part <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the attachment mechanism <NUM> to the elongate shaft <NUM>; inserting the second part <NUM> (e.g., the first and/or second part <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the attachment mechanism <NUM> into the proximal end of the medical implant <NUM>, wherein the second part <NUM> (e.g., the first and/or second part <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the attachment mechanism <NUM> is formed from a first metallic material and the medical implant <NUM> is formed from a second metallic material dissimilar from the first metallic material; and applying heat to the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> to fixedly attach the first part <NUM> (e.g., the first and/or second part <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the attachment mechanism <NUM> to the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the second part <NUM> (e.g., the first and/or second part <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the attachment mechanism <NUM> to the medical implant <NUM>. In some embodiments, the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> may be formed from a shape memory alloy such as, but not limited to, a nickel-titanium alloy. In addition or alternatively, the method may include applying pressure, compression, and/or other means (e.g., swaging, adhesives, chemical dissolution and re-hardening, etc.) to the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> to fixedly attach the first part <NUM> (e.g., the first and/or second part <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the attachment mechanism <NUM> to the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the second part <NUM> (e.g., the first and/or second part <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the attachment mechanism <NUM> to the medical implant <NUM>.

In some embodiments, applying heat to the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> may cause a portion of the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> to reflow into one or more recesses extending into the outer surface of the first part <NUM> (e.g., the first and/or second part <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the attachment mechanism <NUM> and/or the second part <NUM> (e.g., the first and/or second part <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the attachment mechanism <NUM>. In some embodiments, applying heat to the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> includes welding (e.g., seam welding, spot welding, etc.) the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> to itself, and/or reflowing the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>. In some embodiments, applying heat to the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> includes heating a plug <NUM> inserted through a window <NUM> in the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> such that the plug <NUM> reflows with the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM> and becomes integrated with the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the medical implant <NUM>. In addition or alternatively, pressure, compression, and/or other means (e.g., swaging, adhesives, chemical dissolution and re-hardening, etc.) may be used to fixedly attach the second part <NUM> (e.g., the first and/or second part <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the attachment mechanism <NUM> to the medical implant <NUM>, and/or the first part <NUM> (e.g., the first and/or second part <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the attachment mechanism <NUM> to the elongate shaft <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise applying heat, pressure, compression, and/or other means (e.g., swaging, adhesives, chemical dissolution and re-hardening, etc.) to the distal end <NUM> of the elongate shaft <NUM> to fixedly attach the first part <NUM> (e.g., the first and/or second part <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the attachment mechanism <NUM> to the distal end <NUM> of the elongate shaft <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first part <NUM> (e.g., the first and/or second part <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the attachment mechanism <NUM> is formed from the first metallic material and the elongate shaft <NUM> is formed from a third metallic material dissimilar from the first metallic material. In some embodiments, the third metallic material is a shape memory alloy such as, but not limited to, a nickel-titanium alloy.

In use, a method of delivering the medical implant <NUM> to a treatment site (e.g., a vein, an artery, etc.) may include inserting the microcatheter into a patient's anatomy and guiding the distal end of the microcatheter to a location adjacent the treatment site. The method may include inserting the medical implant <NUM> disposed at and/or proximate the distal end <NUM> of the elongate shaft <NUM> into a proximal end of the lumen disposed within the microcatheter. In some embodiments, the medical implant <NUM> may be inserted into the lumen of the microcatheter after the microcatheter is inserted into the patient's anatomy. The method may include advancing the medical implant <NUM> through the microcatheter to the treatment site. The medical implant <NUM> may be releasably attached to the distal end <NUM> of the elongate shaft <NUM> by the release wire <NUM> extending through the lumen <NUM> within the elongate shaft <NUM>. The securement member may extend proximally from the elongate shaft <NUM>, and the securement member may be fixedly attached to the elongate shaft <NUM> and the release wire <NUM>. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the medical implant <NUM> may be inserted into the proximal end of the lumen of the microcatheter and advanced through the microcatheter to a distal end of the microcatheter before the microcatheter is inserted into the patient's anatomy.

As discussed herein, the proximal portion of the securement member may be fixedly attached to a proximal end of the release wire <NUM> and the distal portion of the securement member may be fixedly attached to the proximal end of the elongate shaft <NUM>. The first part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM> may be attached to the distal end <NUM> of the elongate shaft <NUM>, and the second part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM> may be fixedly attached to a proximal end of the medical implant <NUM>. The release wire <NUM> may be slidably disposed within a lumen of the distal portion of the securement member, the lumen <NUM> of the elongate shaft <NUM>, the first longitudinal lumen of the first part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM>, and the second longitudinal lumen of the second part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM>.

The method may include translating the proximal portion of the securement member proximally away from the proximal end of the elongate shaft <NUM> while the elongate shaft <NUM> is maintained in a fixed position with respect to the treatment site to translate the release wire <NUM> relative to the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the attachment mechanism <NUM> to shift the release wire <NUM> from an interlocked position to a released position, thereby releasing the medical implant <NUM> from the elongate shaft <NUM>.

The method may also include proximal withdrawal of the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the microcatheter from the treatment site. For example, in some embodiments, the elongate shaft <NUM> may be withdrawn proximally through the lumen of the microcatheter and removed, and the microcatheter may then be withdrawn and/or removed from the patient's anatomy. In some embodiments, the elongate shaft <NUM> may be withdrawn proximally far enough for the distal end <NUM> of the elongate shaft <NUM> and/or the first part <NUM> of the attachment mechanism <NUM> to be positioned within the distal end and/or the lumen of the microcatheter. The elongate shaft <NUM> and the microcatheter may then be withdrawn together from the patient's anatomy.

In some embodiments, the elongate shaft <NUM> may be removed through the lumen of the microcatheter, and the microcatheter may be left and/or held in place within the patient's anatomy. If needed, a second elongate shaft and associated second medical device may then be inserted into the proximal end of the lumen of the microcatheter and advanced to the treatment site for deployment. Additional repetitions of the device(s) described herein, as well as the described method steps, may be used as needed or desired for a particular procedure.

The materials that can be used for the various components of the medical implant system <NUM>, the elongate shaft <NUM>, the release wire <NUM>, the medical implant <NUM>, the at least one plug <NUM>, the attachment mechanism <NUM>, the microcatheter, the first and/or second part <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>, etc. (and/or other systems disclosed herein) and the various elements thereof disclosed herein may include those commonly associated with medical devices. For simplicity purposes, the following discussion makes reference to the medical implant system <NUM>, the elongate shaft <NUM>, the release wire <NUM>, the medical implant <NUM>, the at least one plug <NUM>, the attachment mechanism <NUM>, the microcatheter, the first and/or second part <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>, etc. However, this is not intended to limit the devices and methods described herein, as the discussion may be applied to other elements, members, components, or devices disclosed herein, such as, but not limited to, the first part <NUM>, the second part <NUM>, the tubular proximal portion <NUM>, the tubular distal portion <NUM>, the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>, the engagement feature <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>, the at least one protrusion <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>, etc. and/or elements or components thereof.

In some embodiments, the medical implant system <NUM>, the elongate shaft <NUM>, the release wire <NUM>, the medical implant <NUM>, the at least one plug <NUM>, the attachment mechanism <NUM>, the microcatheter, the first and/or second part <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>, etc., and/or components thereof (such as, but not limited to, the first part <NUM>, the second part <NUM>, the tubular proximal portion <NUM>, the tubular distal portion <NUM>, the tubular (proximal or distal) portion <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>, the engagement feature <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>, the at least one protrusion <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>, etc.), may be made from a metal, metal alloy, polymer (some examples of which are disclosed below), a metal-polymer composite, ceramics, combinations thereof, and the like, or other suitable material. Some examples of suitable metals and metal alloys include stainless steel, such as but not limited to 444V, <NUM>, and 314LV stainless steel; mild steel; nickel-titanium alloy such as linear-elastic and/or super-elastic nitinol; other nickel alloys such as nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: N06625 such as INCONEL® <NUM>, UNS: N06022 such as HASTELLOY® C-<NUM>®, UNS: N10276 such as HASTELLOY® C276®, other HASTELLOY® alloys, and the like), nickel-copper alloys (e.g., UNS: N04400 such as MONEL® <NUM>, NlCKELVAC® <NUM>, NICORROS® <NUM>, and the like), nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: R44035 such as MP35-N® and the like), nickel-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: N10665 such as HASTELLOY® ALLOY B2®), other nickel-chromium alloys, other nickel-molybdenum alloys, other nickel-cobalt alloys, other nickel-iron alloys, other nickel-copper alloys, other nickel-tungsten or tungsten alloys, and the like; cobalt-chromium alloys; cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: R44003 such as ELGILOY®, PHYNOX®, and the like); platinum enriched stainless steel; titanium; platinum; palladium; gold; combinations thereof; and the like; or any other suitable material.

In at least some embodiments, portions or all of the medical implant system <NUM>, the elongate shaft <NUM>, the release wire <NUM>, the medical implant <NUM>, the at least one plug <NUM>, the attachment mechanism <NUM>, the microcatheter, the first and/or second part <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>, etc., and/or components thereof, may also be doped with, made of, or otherwise include a radiopaque material. Radiopaque materials are understood to be materials capable of producing a relatively bright image on a fluoroscopy screen or another imaging technique during a medical procedure. This relatively bright image aids a user in determining the location of the medical implant system <NUM>, the elongate shaft <NUM>, the release wire <NUM>, the medical implant <NUM>, the at least one plug <NUM>, the attachment mechanism <NUM>, the microcatheter, the first and/or second part <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>, etc. Some examples of radiopaque materials can include, but are not limited to, gold, platinum, palladium, tantalum, tungsten alloy, polymer material loaded with a radiopaque filler, and the like. Additionally, other radiopaque marker bands and/or coils may also be incorporated into the design of the medical implant system <NUM>, the elongate shaft <NUM>, the release wire <NUM>, the medical implant <NUM>, the at least one plug <NUM>, the attachment mechanism <NUM>, the microcatheter, the first and/or second part <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>, etc. to achieve the same result.

In some embodiments, a degree of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) compatibility is imparted into the medical implant system <NUM>, the elongate shaft <NUM>, the release wire <NUM>, the medical implant <NUM>, the at least one plug <NUM>, the attachment mechanism <NUM>, the microcatheter, the first and/or second part <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>, etc. For example, the medical implant system <NUM>, the elongate shaft <NUM>, the release wire <NUM>, the medical implant <NUM>, the at least one plug <NUM>, the attachment mechanism <NUM>, the microcatheter, the first and/or second part <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>, etc., and/or components or portions thereof, may be made of a material that does not substantially distort the image and create substantial artifacts (e.g., gaps in the image). Certain ferromagnetic materials, for example, may not be suitable because they may create artifacts in an MRI image. The medical implant system <NUM>, the elongate shaft <NUM>, the release wire <NUM>, the medical implant <NUM>, the at least one plug <NUM>, the attachment mechanism <NUM>, the microcatheter, the first and/or second part <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>, etc., or portions thereof, may also be made from a material that the MRI machine can image. Some materials that exhibit these characteristics include, for example, tungsten, cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: R44003 such as ELGILOY®, PHYNOX®, and the like), nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: R44035 such as MP35-N® and the like), nitinol, and the like, and others.

In some embodiments, the medical implant system <NUM>, the elongate shaft <NUM>, the release wire <NUM>, the medical implant <NUM>, the at least one plug <NUM>, the attachment mechanism <NUM>, the microcatheter, the first and/or second part <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>, etc., and/or portions thereof, may be made from or include a polymer or other suitable material. Some examples of suitable polymers may include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polyoxymethylene (POM, for example, DELRIN® available from DuPont), polyether block ester, polyurethane (for example, Polyurethane 85A), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyether-ester (for example, ARNITEL® available from DSM Engineering Plastics), ether or ester based copolymers (for example, butylene/poly(alkylene ether) phthalate and/or other polyester elastomers such as HYTREL® available from DuPont), polyamide (for example, DURETHAN® available from Bayer or CRISTAMID® available from Elf Atochem), elastomeric polyamides, block polyamide/ethers, polyether block amide (PEBA, for example available under the trade name PEBAX®), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), silicones, polyethylene (PE), Marlex high-density polyethylene, Marlex low-density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene (for example REXELL®), polyester, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide (PI), polyetherimide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), poly paraphenylene terephthalamide (for example, KEVLAR®), polysulfone, nylon, nylon-<NUM> (such as GRILAMID® available from EMS American Grilon), perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether) (PFA), ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyolefin, polystyrene, epoxy, polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC), poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) (for example, SIBS and/or SIBS 50A), polycarbonates, ionomers, biocompatible polymers, other suitable materials, or mixtures, combinations, copolymers thereof, polymer/metal composites, and the like. In some embodiments the sheath can be blended with a liquid crystal polymer (LCP). For example, the mixture can contain up to about <NUM> percent LCP.

In some embodiments, the medical implant system <NUM>, the elongate shaft <NUM>, the release wire <NUM>, the medical implant <NUM>, the at least one plug <NUM>, the attachment mechanism <NUM>, the microcatheter, the first and/or second part <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>, etc. disclosed herein may include a fabric material disposed over or within the structure. The fabric material may be composed of a biocompatible material, such a polymeric material or biomaterial, adapted to promote tissue ingrowth. In some embodiments, the fabric material may include a bioabsorbable material. Some examples of suitable fabric materials include, but are not limited to, polyethylene glycol (PEG), nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, ePTFE), a polyolefinic material such as a polyethylene, a polypropylene, polyester, polyurethane, and/or blends or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the medical implant system <NUM>, the elongate shaft <NUM>, the release wire <NUM>, the medical implant <NUM>, the at least one plug <NUM>, the attachment mechanism <NUM>, the microcatheter, the first and/or second part <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>, etc. may include and/or be formed from a textile material. Some examples of suitable textile materials may include synthetic yarns that may be flat, shaped, twisted, textured, pre-shrunk or un-shrunk. Synthetic biocompatible yarns suitable for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, polyesters, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polyesters, polypropylenes, polyethylenes, polyurethanes, polyolefins, polyvinyls, polymethylacetates, polyamides, naphthalene dicarboxylene derivatives, natural silk, and polytetrafluoroethylenes. Moreover, at least one of the synthetic yarns may be a metallic yarn or a glass or ceramic yarn or fiber. Useful metallic yarns include those yarns made from or containing stainless steel, platinum, gold, titanium, tantalum or a Ni-Co-Cr-based alloy. The yarns may further include carbon, glass or ceramic fibers. Desirably, the yarns are made from thermoplastic materials including, but not limited to, polyesters, polypropylenes, polyethylenes, polyurethanes, polynaphthalenes, polytetrafluoroethylenes, and the like. The yarns may be of the multifilament, monofilament, or spun-types. The type and denier of the yarn chosen may be selected in a manner which forms a biocompatible and implantable prosthesis and, more particularly, a vascular structure having desirable properties.

In some embodiments, the medical implant system <NUM>, the elongate shaft <NUM>, the release wire <NUM>, the medical implant <NUM>, the at least one plug <NUM>, the attachment mechanism <NUM>, the microcatheter, the first and/or second part <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>, etc. may include and/or be treated with a suitable therapeutic agent. Some examples of suitable therapeutic agents may include anti-thrombogenic agents (such as heparin, heparin derivatives, urokinase, and PPack (dextrophenylalanine proline arginine chloromethylketone)); anti-proliferative agents (such as enoxaparin, angiopeptin, monoclonal antibodies capable of blocking smooth muscle cell proliferation, hirudin, and acetylsalicylic acid); anti-inflammatory agents (such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, corticosterone, budesonide, estrogen, sulfasalazine, and mesalamine); antineoplastic/antiproliferative/anti-mitotic agents (such as paclitaxel, <NUM>-fluorouracil, cisplatin, vinblastine, vincristine, epothilones, endostatin, angiostatin and thymidine kinase inhibitors); anesthetic agents (such as lidocaine, bupivacaine, and ropivacaine); anti-coagulants (such as D-Phe-Pro-Arg chloromethyl keton, an RGD peptide-containing compound, heparin, anti-thrombin compounds, platelet receptor antagonists, anti-thrombin antibodies, anti-platelet receptor antibodies, aspirin, prostaglandin inhibitors, platelet inhibitors, and tick antiplatelet peptides); vascular cell growth promoters (such as growth factor inhibitors, growth factor receptor antagonists, transcriptional activators, and translational promoters); vascular cell growth inhibitors (such as growth factor inhibitors, growth factor receptor antagonists, transcriptional repressors, translational repressors, replication inhibitors, inhibitory antibodies, antibodies directed against growth factors, bifunctional molecules consisting of a growth factor and a cytotoxin, bifunctional molecules consisting of an antibody and a cytotoxin); cholesterol-lowering agents; vasodilating agents; and agents which interfere with endogenous vasoactive mechanisms.

Claim 1:
A medical implant system (<NUM>) comprising an implant (<NUM>) and an attachment mechanism, wherein the attachment mechanism (<NUM>) comprises:
a first part (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) configured to be fixedly attached to a distal end (<NUM>) of an elongate shaft (<NUM>); and
a second part (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) fixedly attached to a proximal end of a medical implant (<NUM>);
wherein a tubular distal portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) of the second part (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) includes an engagement feature (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) configured to non-releasably engage the second part (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) with the medical implant (<NUM>);
characterised in that the engagement feature ( <NUM>) includes one or more recesses (<NUM>) extending into an outer surface of the tubular distal portion (<NUM>) of the second part ( <NUM>), wherein a portion of the medical implant (<NUM>) extends into the one or more recesses (<NUM>), and wherein the portion (<NUM>) of the medical implant (<NUM>) extending into the one or more recesses ( <NUM>) includes a movable tab (<NUM>) biased radially inward; or
in that the engagement feature (<NUM>; <NUM>) includes at least one protrusion (<NUM>; <NUM>) extending radially outward from an outer surface of the tubular distal portion (<NUM>; <NUM>) of the second part (<NUM>; <NUM>), and wherein the medical implant (<NUM>) includes at least one window (<NUM>) extending through a wall of the medical implant (<NUM>) configured to receive the at least one protrusion (<NUM>; <NUM>).