Patent ID: 7201768

Claim:
A method for retrieving embolic coils used for treating an aneurysm, comprising the steps of: providing a wire device that is pushable through a microcatheter and has a flexible distal portion comprising a distal collapsible arm with a latch member carried by the arm; introducing a microcatheter into the patient's vessel leading to the aneurysm; introducing the wire device, into the microcatheter whereby the arm collapses while it is within the microcatheter; pushing the distal end of the wire device through the microcatheter whereby the arm opens when it extends out of the distal end of the microcatheter; manipulating the latch member so that it engages an embolic coil to be retrieved; and withdrawing the latch-engaged embolic coil and wire device through the catheter whereby the arm becomes collapsed as the arm is withdrawn through the catheter.