Patent ID: 7179250

Claim:
A device for use by an operator to close off a blood vessel, the device comprising: a catheter configured for insertion into the blood vessel, the catheter defining a proximal end, a distal end, and a central lumen interconnecting the ends; an occlusion element inserted into the catheter and disposed adjacent the distal end of the catheter, the occlusion element substantially formed of a flexible, resilient biocompatible material, and wherein the occlusion element is a substantially planar coil; and a flexible articulation element releasably coupled to the occlusion element, the articulation element extending substantially through the catheter for manipulation by the operator adjacent the proximal end of the catheter to move the occlusion element out of the catheter for installation in the blood vessel, the occlusion element configured to remain in the blood vessel after removal of the catheter; and further comprising a balloon coupled to the catheter adjacent the distal end of the catheter, the balloon configured to selectively expand to stop blood flow in the blood vessel.