Multistrand coil for interventional therapy

Abstract

The embolic coil includes a microcoil and an elongated wire electrically connected to the microcoil for accelerating embolization of an aneurysm into which the embolic coil is placed. The microcoil is formed of a first metallic material having a first reduction potential, and the elongated wire is formed of a second metallic material having a second reduction potential lower than the first reduction potential of the first metallic material.

1 . An embolic coil for placement within an interior aqueous fluid environment of an aneurysm in a person's vasculature for accelerating embolization of the aneurysm, comprising:
 a microcoil having a distal end and a proximal end, said microcoil being formed of a first metallic material having a first reduction potential; and   an elongated wire having a distal end and a proximal end, said elongated wire being electrically connected to said microcoil at said proximal end of said microcoil, and said elongated wire being formed of a second metallic material having a second reduction potential different from the first reduction potential of the first metallic material, wherein said second metallic material is a metal selected from the group consisting of zinc and a zinc alloy;   a rounded tip secured to the distal end of the microcoil, wherein said rounded tip is also secured to the distal end of the elongated wire; and   a ring secured to said microcoil and said elongated wire at the proximal end of the microcoil.   
     
     
         2 . The embolic coil of  claim 1 , wherein said first metallic material is a metal selected from the group consisting of platinum and a platinum alloy. 
     
     
         3 . The embolic coil of  claim 1 , wherein said elongated wire extends between said distal end and said proximal end of said microcoil. 
     
     
         4 . The embolic coil of  claim 1 , wherein said second reduction potential is lower than the first reduction potential. 
     
     
         5 . The embolic coil of  claim 1 , wherein said rounded tip has a spherical or ovoid shape.