Importance

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Abstract

A vaso-occlusive device includes a microcoil formed into a minimum energy state secondary configuration comprising a plurality of curved segments, each defining a discrete axis, whereby the device, in its minimum energy state configuration, defines multiple axes. In a preferred embodiment, the minimum energy state secondary configuration comprises a plurality of tangentially-interconnected, substantially circular loops defining a plurality of discrete axes. In an alternative embodiment, the minimum energy state secondary configuration defines a wave-form like structure comprising a longitudinal array of laterally-alternating open loops defining a plurality of separate axes. In either embodiment, the device, in its minimum energy state secondary configuration, has a dimension that is substantially larger than the largest dimension of the vascular site in which the device is to be deployed. Thus, when the device is deployed in an aneurysm, the confinement of the device within the aneurysm causes the device to assume a three-dimensional configuration that has a higher energy state than the minimum energy state. Because the minimum energy state of the device is larger (in at least one dimension) than the aneurysm, the deployed device is constrained by its intimate contact with the walls of the aneurysm from returning to its minimum energy state configuration. Therefore, the device still engages the surrounding aneurysm wall surface, thereby minimizing shifting or tumbling due to blood flow dynamics. Furthermore, the minimum energy state secondary configuration (to which the device attempts to revert) is not one that is conducive to 'coin stacking', thereby minimizing the degree of compaction that is experienced.

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First Claim