Importance

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Abstract

Apparatus and method are disclosed by which a distal end portion of a wire may be deposited at selected sites in body passageways. The apparatus includes an elongate wire having a distal end section for detachment and delivery to a target location, the wire also having a discontinuity located rearwardly of the distal end section for rupturing when vibrational energy is applied to the wire. Also included is a vibrational energy source couplable to the proximal end of the wire for selectively applying vibrational energy to the wire to travel to the discontinuity and cause detachment of the end section. The discontinuities may take the form of cuts formed in the wire, reduced diameter sections in the wire, adhesive, welded or soldered couplings between the wire and the distal end section, or the wire transitioning from the wire to a large mass disposed on the distal end section.

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First Claim