Implant delivery assembly with expandable coupling/decoupling mechanism

Abstract

An occlusive implant delivery assembly includes a rapid response decoupling or detachment mechanism that does not effect significant migration of the implant during release. The assembly includes an occlusive implant device, such as an embolic coil, a pusher or device to carry the implant to the selected location, and an expandable coupling-decoupling mechanism for releasing the implant at the selected site. The mechanical construction provides rapid release times. In addition, the releasing mechanism generally operates without exerting any significant force on the implant, thereby avoiding any significant displacement of the implant during release.

1 - 20 . (canceled)  
     
     
         21 . An occlusive implant delivery assembly, comprising: 
 an occlusive implant; and    an elongated carrier member having a proximal section, a distal section and a lumen extending therethrough, the elongated carrier member engaged with the occlusive implant, the occlusive implant being releasable from the elongated carrier member by hydraulic pressure within the lumen.    
     
     
         22 . The assembly of  claim 21 , wherein the distal section of the elongated carrier member comprises a portion that responds to the hydraulic pressure.  
     
     
         23 . The assembly of  claim 22 , wherein the portion undergoes radial expansion in response to the hydraulic pressure within the lumen.  
     
     
         24 . The assembly of  claim 22 , wherein the portion is tubular.  
     
     
         25 . The assembly of  claim 21 , wherein the occlusive implant has an exterior surface that is frictionally engaged with the elongated carrier member.  
     
     
         26 . The assembly of  claim 21 , wherein the distal section is more flexible than the proximal section.  
     
     
         27 . The assembly of  claim 21 , wherein the proximal section comprises a metal tube.  
     
     
         28 . The assembly of  claim 21 , wherein the implant comprises a coil made of 0.05-0.15 mm diameter platinum wire.  
     
     
         29 . An implant delivery assembly, comprising: 
 an implant;    an elongated carrier member having a proximal section, a distal section, and a lumen extending therethrough, the elongated carrier member engaged with the implant; and    a syringe coupled to the proximal section of the elongated carrier member, the syringe carrying fluid, which, when delivered through the lumen, causes the implant to separate from the carrier member.    
     
     
         30 . The assembly of  claim 29 , wherein the implant comprises an occlusive implant.  
     
     
         31 . The assembly of  claim 29 , wherein the distal section of the carrier member is more flexible than the proximal section.  
     
     
         32 . The assembly of  claim 29 , wherein the proximal section of the elongated carrier member comprises a metal tube.  
     
     
         33 . The assembly of  claim 29 , wherein the elongated carrier member comprises a tubular portion.  
     
     
         34 . The assembly of  claim 29 , wherein the elongated carrier member comprises a portion that responds to fluid pressure within the lumen.  
     
     
         35 . A method for delivering an implant to a site in a mammal, comprising: 
 creating hydraulic pressure to thereby release an implant from a carrier member.    
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the created hydraulic pressure is used to expand a portion of the carrier member to thereby release the implant.  
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the portion of the carrier member that is expanded comprises a tubular portion.  
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the creating comprises delivering fluid within a lumen associated with the carrier member.  
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the implant comprises an occlusive implant.  
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the implant is frictionally coupled to the carrier member.