Patent ID: 8100918

Claim:
An apparatus for release of a therapeutic device within the vasculature of a patient, comprising: an elongated, flexible pusher member, said elongated, flexible pusher member having a shaft with a distal end; an elongated mandrel disposed in said elongated, flexible pusher member and having a distal portion extending distally beyond said distal end of said shaft of said elongated, flexible pusher member; a connector fiber connecting a therapeutic device to said elongated mandrel and having a distal portion, the connector fiber being capable of being severed by heat; a plurality of collars disposed over said connector fiber and said distal portion of said mandrel and retaining said connector fiber on said mandrel; and a heater disposed within one of said plurality of collars adjacent to the connector fiber for heating the connector fiber to cause the connector fiber to be severed and release the therapeutic device and to thereby detach the therapeutic device from the elongated mandrel when a desired placement of the therapeutic device within the vasculature is achieved.