Importance

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Abstract

Devices and methods for coupling, delivery, detaching and controllably releasing a medical implant, and methods for the assembly and use of the devices, provide for mechanically simple and rapidly operated release of the implant without disturbing its precisely selected position. Embodiments of various aspects of the present invention employ, among other structures, a loop or other aperture-bearing engagement element releasably held by a mating retaining element, in some instances with the assistance of a member for constraining the engagement element relative to the retaining element. In another aspect, the loop or other aperture-bearing element may be at least temporarily placed in a tensile state to maintain coupling of the implant prior to release. Embodiments of the invention permit release through a practitioner actuation, such as causing one or more rotations that lead to the withdrawal of the retaining element from the loop or aperture-bearing element. Release may be immediate, or near-immediate, while the loop, which may in various embodiments be of a flexible material, is left behind with minimal or no disturbance of the implant.

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First Claim