Patent ID: 12220130

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, specific details are set forth to provide an understanding of the subject technology. It will be apparent, however, to one ordinarily skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the subject technology.

Implants can be implanted in body cavities, including blood vessels. Implants can be delivered to a target body cavity using a delivery system, and detached from the delivery system when positioned within the body cavity. A delivery system can comprise a delivery wire having an electrolytically corrodible detachment zone between the implant and the delivery system. When a voltage potential is applied across the detachment zone while in an electrolyte, such as blood for example, the detachment zone corrodes. When sufficiently corroded, the detachment zone is severed, releasing the implant from the delivery system.

In some delivery systems, the voltage potential can be generated using a power supply electrically connected to the delivery system. The power supply or ground can be electrically connected to a patient on the surface of the patient's skin to provide a conductive pathway from a detachment zone at or near the implant. The conductive pathway can require a secure connection, such as with a transcutaneous needle or other device that punctures the patient. The current would then flow through the patient and the needle between the detachment zone and the ground or power supply.

Whereas some systems require a needle puncturing the patient to complete a conductive pathway, an electrical connection to a detachment zone can be achieved without puncturing the patient. According to one or more aspects of the subject technology, electrolytic detachment can be facilitated by a closed circuit of electrical current entirely within a delivery system, thereby avoiding the need to insert a needle into the patient to complete a circuit through the patient's tissue. Thus, patient comfort is improved and resistance within the circuit is reduced, thereby improving detachment time and reliability.

FIG.1illustrates a view of a delivery system10according to one or more embodiments of the subject technology. According to some embodiments, for example, as shown inFIG.1, the delivery system10can include an implant20, a pusher assembly12, and a delivery catheter100connected to a handle42. The handle42shown provides proximal access to a delivery wire44of the pusher assembly12that engages the implant20at a distal end thereof. The delivery wire44can be connected to the implant at a detachment zone30forming a detachment junction between the delivery wire44and the implant20at or near the implant20. The delivery catheter100can be positioned over the pusher assembly12. According to some embodiments, the power supply46can be coupled to a proximal portion of the delivery wire44, and the power supply46also can be coupled (e.g., to the handle42) such that one of the terminals of the power supply46is in electrical connection with a fluid and/or fluid flow170in a vicinity of the implant20, as described further herein.

According to some embodiments, the power supply46can include an electrical generator configured to output medically useful electrical current. The power supply46may be a direct current power supply, an alternating current power supply, or a power supply switchable between a direct current and an alternating current. The power supply46can include a suitable controller that can be used to control various parameters of the energy output by the generator, such as intensity, amplitude, duration, frequency, duty cycle, and polarity. For example, the power supply46can provide a voltage of about 12 volts to about 28 volts and a current of about 1 mA to about 2 mA.

According to some embodiments, for example as shown inFIG.1, a fluid source150may be provided in fluid connection with a pump160for infusion of the fluid via the delivery catheter100. The fluid source150can include saline or another sterile, electrolytic, biocompatible solution. The fluid can be infused together with a drug, such as heparin. The pump can draw fluid from the fluid source150and advance the fluid into and through a lumen124(FIG.6) of the delivery catheter100. The pump160can be an infusion pump, a syringe, a compressor, a pressurized container, and/or a gravity-based infusion mechanism.

According to some embodiments, for example as shown inFIGS.2and3, an implant20delivered by the delivery system10can be a braid ball implant. The implant20can be formed from tubular braid stock including a resilient material, such as nitinol, that defines an open volume in an uncompressed/unconstrained state. The size of the implant can be selected to fill an aneurysm2when expanded therein. The implant20can include a hub50and layers26,28. The hub can be located at a proximal end53of the implant. The hub50can be fixedly attached to the remainder of the implant20. For example, the hub50can grasp braided filaments of the layers26,28of the implant20. The implant20can include the layers26,28at least where impacted by flow at the neck9of the aneurysm2.

While the implant20illustrated herein is a braided ball, the implant20can be any well-known treatment device including, but not limited to, vasoocclusive coils, stents, filters, or flow diverters.

According to some embodiments, the implant20can be set within an aneurysm2at a vascular bifurcation4, formed by trunk vessel6and branch vessels8, for example as illustrated inFIG.3. The implant20can be delivered by access through the trunk vessel6(e.g., the basilar artery), preferably through a commercially available microcatheter with a delivery system as detailed below. To deliver the implant20, the pusher assembly12is positioned such that the implant20can be delivered at least partially into the aneurysm2. When the implant is positioned in the aneurysm, the implant20is separated from the remainder of the pusher assembly12by electrolytic corrosion at the detachment zone30, and the remainder of the pusher assembly12is withdrawn into the delivery catheter100.

FIG.4illustrates a sectional view of a pusher assembly12according to one or more embodiments of the subject technology. According to some embodiments, for example as shown inFIG.4, a pusher assembly12includes a delivery wire44having a proximal region31, a distal region33, and a detachment zone30between the proximal region31and the distal region33. The delivery wire44can form a single, monolith component across the proximal region31, the distal region33, and the detachment zone30, or the delivery wire44can be formed of separate segments joined together.

According to some embodiments, portions of the delivery wire44can be coated with a nonconductive material so that only a limited portion of surface area of the delivery wire is exposed to, and in electrical communication with, the electrolyte for corrosion when a voltage potential is applied. Limiting the size of the exposed portion of the surface area of the delivery wire can concentrate electrolytic activity to expedite corrosion through and severance of the delivery wire. A proximal insulating layer34can be provided over at least a portion of an outer surface of the proximal region31. For example, the proximal insulating layer34can circumferentially surround an outer surface of the proximal region31extending proximally from a proximal end of the detachment zone30to a location at or near a proximal end of the delivery wire44. According to some embodiments, a distal insulating layer32can be provided over at least a portion of an outer surface of the distal region33extending distally from a distal end of the detachment zone30to a distal terminal end of the delivery wire44. For example, the distal insulating layer32can circumferentially surround and cover the entire outer surface of the distal region33.

According to some embodiments, proximal and distal insulating layers34,32leave exposed the portion of the delivery wire44forming the detachment zone30between the proximal region31and the distal region33. When in contact with a body fluid, such as blood, the fluid serves as an electrolyte allowing current to be focused on the non-coated detachment zone30. The proximal and distal insulating layers34,32prevent exposure of the proximal region31and the distal region33to the fluid. Accordingly, electrical energy conducted along the delivery wire44is concentrated at the detachment zone30, thereby reducing the time required to erode away the detachment zone30. The proximal and distal insulating layers34,32can be over-molded, co-extruded, sprayed on, or dip-coated with respect to the proximal region31and/or the distal region33.

The distal insulating layer32also prevents electrical connection between the delivery wire44and the implant. As shown inFIG.4, the distal insulating layer32electrically isolates the implant20from an electrical current conducted along a length of the delivery wire, from the proximal region31to the distal region33. A proximal end of the distal insulating layer32may be positioned at or proximal to the hub50, and a distal end of the distal insulating layer32may be positioned at or distal to the hub50Likewise, a proximal end of the distal region33may be positioned proximal to the hub50, and a distal end of the distal region33may be positioned within or distal to the hub50. The distal insulating layer32insulates the distal region33from the hub50to prevent the electrical current from being conducted to the implant20.

The proximal and distal insulating layers34,32can comprise an electrically nonconductive or insulative polymer, such as polyimide, polypropylene, polyolefins, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the proximal and distal insulating layers34,32can be applied as a single coating with a portion thereof subsequently removed to expose the detachment zone30. Laser ablation can be employed to selectively remove the coating to a controlled length, minimizing the time required to erode through the component. Lengths as small as 0.0005″ and as large as 0.1″ or longer can be removed. According to some embodiments, lengths of detachment zone30can be greater than 0.005″ and/or less than 0.010″ to provide sufficient exposure to achieve detachment times of less than 30 seconds.

The delivery wire44(including some or all of the proximal region31, the distal region33, or the detachment zone30) can comprise one or more of the following materials: ceramic materials, plastics, base metals or alloys thereof, or combinations thereof. Some of the most suitable material combinations for forming the electrolytically corrodible points can include one or more of the following: stainless steels, preferably of the type AISI 301, 304, 316, or subgroups thereof; Ti or TiNi alloys; Co-based alloys; noble metals; or noble metal alloys, such as Pt, Pt metals, Pt alloys, Au alloys, or Sn alloys. In some embodiments, the electrolytically corrodible detachment zone can be pre-corroded by etching or other methods. According to some embodiments, a marker coil36is wound helically about an outer surface of the proximal insulating layer34. The marker coil36can be of a radiopaque material, such as platinum, gold, palladium, iridium, and alloys thereof. The proximal insulating layer34can be provided about an outer surface of the marker coil36. For example, as shown inFIG.4, the proximal insulating layer34can extend over an entire length of the marker coil36and distally beyond the marker coil36, such that every portion of the marker coil36is covered by the proximal insulating layer34.

According to some embodiments, for example as shown inFIG.4, the delivery wire44can be continuous through the proximal region31. Accordingly, an electric potential applied to the proximal end of the delivery wire44can induce an electrical current conducted through the delivery wire44along the proximal region31to the detachment zone30. Furthermore, an axial force applied to the delivery wire44can result in an axial movement of the detachment zone30and the implant20.

FIGS.5and6illustrate various views of a delivery system10according to some embodiments of the subject technology.FIG.5depicts a side view of a delivery system10andFIG.6depicts a sectional view of the delivery system10as shown inFIG.5. The delivery system10illustrated inFIGS.5and6is similar in some respects to the delivery system10ofFIG.1and can be understood with reference thereto, where like numerals indicate like elements or components not described again in detail.FIGS.5and6illustrate electrical connection of a power supply46to a delivery wire44and a fluid and/or fluid flow170in a vicinity of the detachment zone30of the delivery wire44. An electrical pathway can pass from a first terminal48of the power supply to the delivery wire44and into a fluid/fluid flow170at the detachment zone30, and then return to a second terminal47of the power supply46through the fluid/fluid flow.

According to some embodiments, for example as shown inFIGS.5and6, the delivery catheter100can be formed as a generally tubular member with a body extending from a proximal end110and terminating in a distal end112. An inner lumen124extends from a proximal port45of the delivery catheter100. The delivery catheter100can generally track over a conventional guidewire and may be any commercially available microcatheter appropriate for such applications. Inner lumen124of the delivery catheter generally has an inner diameter between about 0.01 inch and about 0.098 inch (0.25-2.49 mm). Other designs and dimensions are contemplated. Commercially available microcatheters which may be suitable for use as delivery catheters include the REBAR™ Reinforced Micro Catheter, which is available from Medtronic, Inc. and the MARKSMAN™ Catheter, which is available from Medtronic, Inc.

According to some embodiments, the proximal port45of the delivery catheter100may be provided with an adapter (not shown) having a hemostatic valve. The proximal port45may comprise a valve or other sealable mechanism for receiving at least a portion of the pusher assembly12while preventing passage of the fluid flow170proximally past the proximal port45in the presence or absence of the delivery wire44. For example, the proximal port45can include a split septum, slit valve, duckbill valve, dome valve, donut valve, multi-cuspid valve, or combinations thereof. The proximal port45can include a hydrophobic coating.

The delivery catheter100is generally constructed to bridge between a femoral artery access site and a cervical region of the carotid or vertebral artery and may be chosen according to several standard designs that are generally available. Accordingly, the delivery catheter100may be at least 85 cm long, and more particularly may be between about 95 cm and about 175 cm long. For example, a distance between (a) the proximal port45and/or the infusion port60(FIG.5) and (b) the distal end112can be at least 85 cm, and more particularly may be between about 95 cm and about 175 cm long.

According to some embodiments, at least a portion of the delivery wire44extends through the proximal port45at the proximal end110of the delivery catheter100. A delivery electrode82is configured to be coupled to the delivery wire44. A variety of coupling mechanisms may be employed to selectively secure the delivery electrode82to the delivery wire44such that an electrical connection is established. For example, the delivery electrode82can include a clamp, pin, ring, clasp, or combinations thereof to engage a complementary structure of the delivery wire44. The delivery electrode82is further configured to be coupled to the first terminal48(e.g., cathode or anode) of the power supply46. An electrical potential generated at the first terminal48can induce an electrical current through the delivery electrode82and the delivery wire44to the detachment zone30. Flow of electrical current between the delivery wire and the immediately surrounding environment (e.g., the fluid and/or fluid flow170) can be focused at the detachment zone30by insulating a length of the delivery wire44with the proximal insulating layer34at least from the proximal port45to the detachment zone30. At least a portion of the proximal insulating layer34may extend to the proximal port45and/or proximally thereof to insulate the delivery wire44from the fluid flow170within the lumen124of the delivery catheter100.

According to some embodiments, an infusion connector62can provide a connection to the infusion port60for infusion of fluid and electrical connections. The infusion connector62can connect to an interface with the infusion port60on a first end. The infusion connector62can further provide an electrode connector140and a fluid connector162. The infusion connector62can define a lumen that divides and connects to both an electrode port142of the electrode connector140and the pump160and fluid source150of the fluid connector162.

The entirety or a portion of the infusion connector62and components thereof can be located outside a body of the patient. For example, the fluid connector162, the electrode connector140, the electrode port142, the pump160, and/or the fluid source150can be located outside a body of the patient during use. Further, components interfacing with the infusion connector62and components thereof can be located outside a body of the patient.

The infusion connector62can take the form of a Y-connector. Additional connectors can be provided in addition to the electrode connector140and the fluid connector162. The interior lumens of the infusion connector62provide fluid communication and electrical connection through the fluid and between the infusion port60, the electrode port142, and the fluid source150. Through the fluid170and the infusion port60, the components of the infusion connector62can be placed in fluid communication and electrical connection with the lumen124of the delivery catheter100, as well as components residing in and near the lumen124, including the detachment zone30.

According to some embodiments, the electrode connector140is configured to receive an infusion electrode80. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the infusion electrode80extends distally through the electrode port142and at least a portion of the lumen of the electrode connector140. In some embodiments, such as that shown inFIGS.5and6, the infusion electrode80extends through the electrode connector140and into the lumen of the infusion connector62. In some embodiments, the infusion electrode80may extend through the infusion connector62and through the infusion port60. In some embodiments the infusion electrode80may extend into the lumen124of the delivery catheter100such that the distal tip of the infusion electrode80terminates within the lumen124. In some embodiments, the infusion electrode80extends distally along the length of the delivery catheter100within the lumen124such that the distal tip of the infusion electrode80terminates within 2 inches of the detachment zone30, and in some embodiments within 1 inch of the detachment zone30. In any of the foregoing embodiments, at least a portion of the infusion electrode80between the second terminal47and a region adjacent the detachment zone30may be electrically insulated so long as the portion of the infusion electrode80within 2 inches of the detachment zone30is exposed (e.g., in electrical communication with the fluid pathway).

The infusion electrode80is configured to pass through the electrode port142to contact and/or be in electrical connection with the fluid170within the infusion connector62and/or the delivery catheter100. For example, the infusion electrode80can comprise a needle or other elongate member. The electrode port142may comprise a valve or other sealable mechanism for receiving at least a portion of the infusion electrode80while preventing passage of the fluid flow170proximally past the electrode port142in the presence or absence of the infusion electrode80. For example, the electrode port142can include a split septum, slit valve, duckbill valve, dome valve, donut valve, multi-cuspid valve, or combinations thereof. The electrode port142can include a hydrophobic coating. Alternatively or in combination, the infusion electrode80can be placed in electrical connection with the fluid170without directly contacting the fluid170. For example, the infusion electrode80can include a clamp, pin, ring, clasp, or combinations thereof to engage the electrode port142, thereby placing the infusion electrode80in electrical connection with the fluid170.

The infusion electrode80is further configured to be coupled to the second terminal47(e.g., cathode or anode) of the power supply46. An electrical potential generated at the second terminal47can induce an electrical current through the infusion electrode80and the fluid170(e.g., along the lumen124) to the vicinity of the detachment zone30. The infusion electrode80can be a “painted” electrode on a surface of a non-conductive material. The infusion electrode80can include platinum, platinum alloys (e.g., 92% platinum and 8% tungsten, 90% platinum and 10% iridium), gold, cobalt-chrome, stainless steel (e.g., 304 or 316), and combinations thereof.

According to some embodiments, an electrical pathway can pass through one or more of the first terminal48of the power supply46, the delivery electrode82, the proximal region31of the delivery wire44, the detachment zone30, the fluid170in the lumen124of the delivery catheter100, the fluid170in the infusion port60, the fluid170in the fluid connector162, the fluid170in the electrode connector140, the infusion electrode80, the electrode port142, and the second terminal47of the power supply46. Other pathways completing a circuit can include other components or regions.

According to some embodiments, an infusion fluid170can be provided from the fluid source150to the infusion port60, shown inFIGS.5and6, to provide fluid communication to the distal end112of the delivery catheter100. The fluid can be biocompatible and generally conductive. Infusion may be accomplished by the pump160or other flow-inducing device. The infusion port60can be provided in fluid communication with and electrical connection with a distal end112of the delivery catheter100.

In some embodiments, the infusion electrode80may be integrated with the body of the delivery catheter100such that the infusion electrode80extends distally within the sidewall190of the delivery catheter100rather than within the lumen124of the delivery catheter100. In such embodiments, for example, the infusion electrode80may extend distally from the proximal end110of the delivery catheter100to a transmission portion adjacent the detachment zone30. At least a region of the transmission portion may be exposed to the lumen124such that, when fluid170flows through the lumen124and the power supply46is providing a voltage across the first and second terminals48,47, an electrical current passes through the first terminal48of the power supply46, the delivery electrode82, the proximal region31of the delivery wire44, the detachment zone30, the fluid170in the lumen124of the delivery catheter100, the transmission portion, the infusion electrode80, and the second terminal47of the power supply46.

In some embodiments, the exposed region of the transmission portion is located along the length of the delivery catheter100within 2 inches of the detachment zone30. In some embodiments, the exposed region of the transmission portion is located along the length of the delivery catheter100within 1-2 inches of the detachment zone30. In some embodiments, the exposed region of the transmission portion is located along the length of the delivery catheter100within 1 inch of the detachment zone30.

In some embodiments, the transmission portion and the infusion electrode80are a single, continuous component or material (e.g., integral with one another), and the transmission portion may be a portion of the infusion electrode80that is exposed to the lumen124. For example, in some embodiments the infusion electrode80may be an elongated, conductive member (e.g., a wire) that is insulated within the sidewall190of the delivery catheter100, and the transmission portion is a portion of the conductive member that is exposed to the lumen124through the sidewall190within 2 inches of the detachment zone30. In certain embodiments, the sidewall190of the delivery catheter100includes a coil and/or braid along its length that include one or more conductive materials. In such embodiments, a proximal end portion of the coil and/or braid can be electrically coupled to the second terminal47of the power source (directly or indirectly via one or more connectors) and a distal end portion of the braid and/or coil may be exposed through the sidewall190to the lumen124within 2 inches of the detachment zone. In some embodiments, a distal end portion of the braid and/or coil may be exposed through the sidewall190to the lumen124within 1-2 inches of the detachment zone, and in some embodiments within 1 inch of the detachment zone. As such, the transmission portion may be the exposed length of the coil and/or braid, and the infusion electrode80may be the length of the coil and/or braid between the second terminal47and the exposed portion.

In some embodiments, the transmission portion and the infusion electrode80are separate components that are electrically coupled to one another. For example, in some embodiments the infusion electrode80may be a first conductive element (e.g., a wire, a braid, a coil, etc.) that is insulated within the sidewall190of the delivery catheter100, and the transmission portion is a second conductive element (e.g., all or part of a marker band, a braid, a coil, etc.) having at least a region exposed to the lumen124through the sidewall190within 2 inches of the detachment zone30. In some embodiments, the second conductive element has at least a region exposed to the lumen124through the sidewall190within 1-2 inches of the detachment zone30, and in some embodiments within 1 inch of the detachment zone. In any of the foregoing embodiments, a distal end portion of the infusion electrode80may be electrically coupled to a proximal end portion of the transmission portion.

FIGS.7-9illustrate various stages of an exemplifying method according to one or more embodiments of the subject technology.FIG.7illustrates an implant20inserted within the aneurysm2.FIG.8illustrates a stage of detachment in progressFIG.9illustrates a stage following detachment of the implant20from the pusher assembly12.

According to some embodiments, for example as shown inFIG.7, the delivery catheter100is advanced to place its distal end112in the vicinity of a target site (e.g., an aneurysm2). In addition to the components and steps shown herein, other components and stages may also be employed. For example, the delivery catheter100may be guided to the target site by a guide wire and/or a guide catheter, according to known techniques.

According to some embodiments, the implant20can be advanced over a guidewire (not shown) through the lumen124to the target site. For example, as shown inFIG.7, the implant20can be placed within the aneurysm and deployed. As further shown inFIG.7, the implant20is advanced from the delivery catheter100to the target site. Alternatively or in combination, the implant20may be placed at the target site, and the delivery catheter100may be subsequently advanced or retracted relative to the pusher assembly12while the pusher assembly12holds the implant20steady. The delivery catheter100may be positioned such that the detachment zone is entirely exposed, partially exposed, or not exposed by the delivery catheter100. For example, the detachment zone30may be distal to, overlapping with, or proximal to the distal end112of the delivery catheter100. In some embodiments, the detachment zone30can be longitudinally aligned with the distal end of the delivery catheter100. Positioning of the delivery catheter100relative to the pusher assembly12(e.g., relative to the detachment zone30) and/or implant20may be facilitated by components providing visualization. For example, a radiopaque marker of the delivery catheter100can be longitudinally aligned with a radiopaque marker of the pusher assembly12and/or the implant20to provide confirmation that the implant20is positioned outside of the delivery catheter100.

According to some embodiments, for example as shown inFIG.8, electrolytic detachment of the implant20from the pusher assembly12can be achieved. One or both of the detachment zone30and the infusion electrode80can be energized to apply electrical energy. For example, the detachment zone30and the infusion electrode80can be energized with electrical energy of opposite polarity to create a voltage potential and pass electrical current through the fluid170between the detachment zone30and the infusion electrode80. While the electrical current can pass predominantly through the fluid170, current induced by the voltage potential may also pass along other pathways. Fluids other than the fluid170from the fluid source150can contribute to an electrical pathway. For example, blood from the body of the patient may mix with the fluid170and form a portion of the pathway.

During detachment, a current source (e.g., the power supply46) connected to the detachment zone30is activated and/or a current source connected to the infusion electrode80is activated. While one of the detachment zone30and the infusion electrode80are energized, the other can be energized with an opposite polarity or grounded. According to some embodiments, during operation, the detachment zone30and the infusion electrode80can each be multifunctional. For example, each can serve as either an active electrode or a ground electrode at different points in time as the treatment proceeds. By further example, each can serve as either a cathode or an anode at different points in time as the treatment proceeds. If desired, during the period of time that a voltage potential is formed, the polarity can be switched once or repeatedly, to create currents traveling in either direction across the gap between the detachment zone30and the infusion electrode80.

According to some embodiments, for example as shown inFIG.8, fluid flow170can be provided during electrolytic detachment of the implant20from the pusher assembly12. For example, an infusion of fluid from the fluid source150by the pump160can be provided via the delivery catheter100past the detachment zone30. The fluid flow170can be directed distally from the lumen124to a region distal to the distal end112of the delivery catheter100. Alternatively the fluid flow170can be directed proximally into the lumen124from a region distal to the distal end112of the delivery catheter100.

According to some embodiments, the fluid flow170may evacuate any bubbles that form near the detachment zone30. The formation of bubbles can also change the dielectric characteristics of the vicinity of the detachment zone30. For example, bubbles can serve as a dielectric material and electrically insulate the detachment zone30from the infusion electrode80. Such a condition can create a dielectric region with an undesirably high breakdown voltage. The fluid flow170can refresh the fluid composition within the gap to maintain a clear conduction path.

According to some embodiments, the fluid flow170may evacuate debris from the vicinity of the detachment zone30. For example, as portions of the detachment zone30are released into the vicinity of the detachment zone30, the debris can form or facilitate a short circuit from the detachment zone30to other structures, thereby creating a conductive bridge and reducing the rate of electrolytic detachment of the detachment zone30. The fluid flow170can remove the debris to maintain a clear pathway for electrical current between the detachment zone30and the infusion electrode80.

According to some embodiments, the fluid flow170can be provided during part or all of an electrolytic detachment operation. For example, the fluid flow170may commence before, during, or after initial application of a voltage potential between the detachment zone30and the delivery catheter100. By further example, the fluid flow170may cease before, during, or after termination of the voltage potential.

According to some embodiments, the fluid flow170can be provided intermittently based on conditions existing during the electrolytic detachment process. For example, the fluid flow170can be provided when and/or only when the power supply46outputs a voltage and/or current above and/or below a threshold. For example, if a controller of the power supply46detects an increase (e.g., short circuit) or decrease (e.g. open circuit) of current flow between the detachment zone30and the infusion electrode80, the fluid flow170can be controllably provided until the current flow normalizes to a desired value or range of values, representative of efficient electrolytic corrosion. The flow of fluid can be continuous throughout a stage or an entirety of a process. The flow can have an increased rate during portions of a process to remove debris and reduce thrombus formation.

According to some embodiments, for example as shown inFIG.9, full corrosion of the detachment zone30results in the implant20being entirely separated from the pusher assembly12. Upon detachment, the fluid flow170can cease, and the pusher assembly12and the delivery catheter100can be retracted away from the target site and out of the patient, leaving the implant20at the target site.

Embodiments disclosed herein can be used in veterinary or human medicine and more particularly, for the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms and acquired or innate arteriovenous blood vessel deformities and/or fistulas and/or for the embolization of tumors.

The apparatus and methods discussed herein are not limited to the deployment and use of an occluding device within any particular vessels, but can include any number of different types of vessels. For example, in some embodiments, vessels can include arteries or veins. In some embodiments, the vessels can be suprathoracic vessels (e.g., vessels in the neck or above), intrathoracic vessels (e.g., vessels in the thorax), subthoracic vessels (e.g., vessels in the abdominal area or below), lateral thoracic vessels (e.g., vessels to the sides of the thorax such as vessels in the shoulder area and beyond), or other types of vessels and/or branches thereof.

In some embodiments, the stent delivery systems disclosed herein can be deployed within superthoracic vessels. The suprathoracic vessels can include at least one of intracranial vessels, cerebral arteries, and/or any branches thereof. In some embodiments, the stent delivery systems disclosed herein can be deployed within intrathoracic vessels. The intrathoracic vessels can include the aorta or branches thereof. In some embodiments, the stent delivery systems disclosed herein can be deployed within subthoracic vessels. In some embodiments, the stent delivery systems disclosed herein can be deployed within lateral thoracic vessels.

The foregoing description is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to practice the various configurations described herein. While the subject technology has been particularly described with reference to the various figures and configurations, it should be understood that these are for illustration purposes only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the subject technology.

There may be many other ways to implement the subject technology. Various functions and elements described herein may be partitioned differently from those shown without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Various modifications to these configurations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and generic principles defined herein may be applied to other configurations. Thus, many changes and modifications may be made to the subject technology, by one having ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the subject technology.

A phrase such as “an aspect” does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples of the disclosure. A phrase such as “an aspect” may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as “an embodiment” does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples of the disclosure. A phrase such “an embodiment” may refer to one or more embodiments and vice versa. A phrase such as “a configuration” does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples of the disclosure. A phrase such as “a configuration” may refer to one or more configurations and vice versa. It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplifying approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged. Some of the steps may be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the like is used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” The term “some” refers to one or more. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various configurations described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the subject technology. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description.

While certain aspects and embodiments of the subject technology have been described, these have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the subject technology. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the subject technology.