Detachable aneurysm neck bridge

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to systems and apparatus for treating aneurysms, and more specifically, to systems and apparatus for bridging a neck of an aneurysm.

BACKGROUND

Various implantable medical devices have been developed for treating a number of ailments associated with body lumens. In particular, occlusive devices have been proven useful in filling vascular aneurysms, which are formed due to a weakening in the wall of an artery. Vascular aneurysms are often the site of internal bleeding and stroke. A variety of different embolic agents are known to be, at least arguably, suitable for treatment of vascular aneurysms by filling them to prevent further vessel wall weakening or rupture. Use of these agents are commonly known as "artificial vaso-occlusion."

Over the past few years, advancements in the artificial occlusion of vessels and aneurysms have included the delivery and implantation of metal coils as vaso-occlusive devices. Implantable metal coils that are useful as artificial occlusion devices in vasculature lumens or aneurysms are herein referred to as "vaso-occlusive coils." Vaso-occlusive coils are typically constructed of a wire made of a metal or metal alloy wound into a helix. Such vaso-occlusive coils are typically manufactured to assume a certain shape upon discharge of the device from the distal end of the catheter into a treatment site. A variety of such vaso-occlusive coils are known. For instance, <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US4994069A"><text>U.S. Patent No. 4,994,069</text></patcit>, ("the '069 patent"), discloses a flexible, preferably coiled wire for use in small vessel vaso-occlusion. Unlike vaso-occlusive coils used prior to that time, the '069 patent discloses using a coil that is relatively soft and is delivered to the site using a pusher within a catheter lumen. Upon discharge from the delivery catheter, the coil may undertake a number of random or predetermined configurations useful to fill the site.

Known vaso-occlusive coils may be used for filling relatively small vessel sites, e.g., 0.5-6.0 mm in diameter. The coils themselves are described as being between 0.254 and 0.762 mm in diameter. The length of the wire making up the vaso-occlusive coil is typically 15 to 20 times the diameter of the vessel to be occluded. The wire used to make up the coils may be, for instance, 0.051 to 0.152 mm in diameter. Tungsten, platinum, and gold threads or wires are typically preferred. These coils have a variety of benefits, including the fact that they are relatively permanent, they may be easily imaged radiographically, they may be located at a well defined vessel site, and they can be retrieved, if necessary.

In addition to the various types of known space filling mechanisms and geometries of vaso-occlusive coils, other particularized features of coil designs, such as mechanisms for their delivery through catheters and implanting them in a desired occlusion site, are well know in the art. Examples of known vaso-occlusive coils categorized by their delivery mechanisms include pushable coils, mechanically detachable coils, and electrolytically detachably coils. One example of a "pushable coil" is disclosed in Ritchart et al., discussed above. Pushable coils are commonly provided in a cartridge and are pushed or "plunged" from the cartridge into a lumen of a delivery catheter. A pusher (e.g., a wire or a pressurized fluid) advances the pushable coil through and out of the delivery catheter lumen, into the desired occlusion site.

Mechanically detachable vaso-occlusive coils are typically integrated with a pusher rod and are mechanically detached from the distal end of that pusher after exiting a delivery catheter. Examples of such mechanically detachable vaso-occlusive coils are found in <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US5261916A"><text>U.S. Patent Nos. 5,261,916</text></patcit> and <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US5250071A"><text>5,250,071</text></patcit>. Examples of electrolytically detachable vaso-occlusive coils may be found in <patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="US5122136A"><text>U.S. Patent Nos. 5,122,136</text></patcit> and <patcit id="pcit0005" dnum="US5354295A"><text>5,354,295</text></patcit>. In these devices, the vaso-occlusive portion of the assembly is attached to a pusher via a small, electrolytically severable joint. The electrolytically severable joint is eroded by the placement of an appropriate voltage on the core wire.

As noted above, aneurysms present a particularly acute medical risk due to the dangers of potential rupture of the thin vascular wall inherent in such aneurysms. Occlusion of aneurysms by use of vaso-occlusive coils without occluding the adjacent artery is a special challenge and is a desirable method of reducing such risk of rupture. Vaso-occlusive devices may be placed in an aneurysm in a manner described in <patcit id="pcit0006" dnum="US4739768A"><text>U.S. Patent No. 4,739,768</text></patcit>. In particular, a microcatheter is initially steered into or adjacent to the entrance of an aneurysm, typically aided by the use of a steerable guidewire. The wire is then withdrawn from the microcatheter lumen and replaced by one or more vaso-occlusive coils, which are then advanced through and out of the microcatheter, and into the aneurysm.

However, after, or perhaps during delivery of a coil into the aneurysm, there is a risk that a portion of the coil might migrate out of the aneurysm entrance zone and into the feeding vessel. The presence of the coil in that feeding vessel may cause a highly undesirable occlusion there. Also, there is a risk that the blood flow in the vessel and aneurysm may induce movement of the coil farther out of the aneurysm, resulting in a more developed embolus in the feeding vessel.

One type of aneurysm, commonly known as a "wide neck" aneurysm, is known to present particular difficulty in the placement and retention of vaso-occlusive coils, because vaso-occlusive coils lacking substantial secondary shape strength may be difficult to maintain in position within an aneurysm no matter how skillfully they are placed. Wide neck aneurysms are herein referred to as aneurysms of vessel walls having a neck or "entrance zone" from the adjacent vessel, wherein the entrance zone has a diameter that either: (1) is at least 80% of the largest diameter of the aneurysm; or (2) is clinically observed to be too wide effectively to retain commercially available vaso-occlusive coils that are deployed using the techniques discussed above.

Certain techniques have been developed in order to deal with the disadvantages associated with embolic material migration into the parent vessel. One such technique, commonly referred to as flow arrest, involves temporarily occluding the parent vessel proximal of the aneurysm, so that no blood flow occurs through the parent vessel until a thrombotic mass has formed in the sac of the aneurysm. While this technique helps reduce the tendency of the embolic material to migrate out of the aneurysm sac, a thrombotic mass can still dissolve through normal lysis of blood. Also, occluding the parent vessel may not prevent all embolic material migration into the parent vessel. Further, in certain cases, it is highly undesirable to occlude the parent vessel even temporarily. Thus, a flow arrest technique is, at times, not effective or even not available as a treatment option.

Another approach to occlude a wide neck aneurysm is described in <patcit id="pcit0007" dnum="US6168622B"><text>U.S. Patent No. 6,168,622</text></patcit> ("the '622 patent"), which describes a vaso-occlusive device with a secondary shape having a bulbous body portion and an anchor. The bulbous body portion is deployed within the aneurysm while the anchor is set just outside of the aneurysm, covering the aneurysm's neck or entrance zone. As described in the '622 patent, the device may be integrally formed from a tube - clamped at both ends - of braided Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) wires. The bulbous body functions to occlude the aneurysm, while the anchor covers the entrance zone. In some cases, it may still be desirable to deploy vaso-occlusive coils with such a device, but the bulbous body of the vaso-occlusive device may not provide much space within the aneurysm to allow for insertion and deployment of coils.

<patcit id="pcit0008" dnum="WO0013593A"><text>WO-A-00/13593</text></patcit> discloses a device in accordance with the pre-characterising section of claim 1.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a device for bridging a neck of an aneurysm as defined in claim 1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of device in accordance with the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Of the described and illustrated devices, only the <figref idref="f0004">Fig 9A/9B</figref> device is in accordance with the present invention. Nevertheless, the other drawings and description assist in understanding the invention, and similar elements in the different drawings are referred to by common reference numerals. <figref idref="f0001"><b>FIG. 1</b></figref> is a cross sectional plan view of an aneurysm treatment system including a neck bridge comprising an array of elements; <figref idref="f0002"><b>FIG. 2</b></figref> is a partial cross sectional view of a distal end of the system of <figref idref="f0001"><b>FIG. 1</b></figref><b>;</b><figref idref="f0002"><b>FIG. 3</b></figref> is a partial cross sectional view of a variation of the distal end of the system of <figref idref="f0001"><b>FIG. 1</b></figref>, particularly showing a junction region of the neck bridge coupling to a distal tip of an inner tubular member; <figref idref="f0002"><b>FIG. 4</b></figref> is a partial cross sectional view of the distal end of the inner tubular member shown in <figref idref="f0002"><b>FIG. 3</b></figref>, particularly showing the neck bridge assuming a delivery shape; <figref idref="f0003"><b>FIG. 5</b></figref> is a top view of the neck bridge of <figref idref="f0001"><b>FIG. 1</b></figref><b>;</b><figref idref="f0003"><b>FIG. 6</b></figref> is a top view of a variation of the neck bridge, particularly showing a cover having a plurality of loops; <figref idref="f0003"><b>FIGS. 7A-7C</b></figref> are side views of further variations of the neck bridge; <figref idref="f0003"><b>FIG. 8</b></figref> is a top view of a still further variation of the neck bridge, particularly showing the array elements having substantially rectilinear shapes; <figref idref="f0004"><b>FIGS. 9A</b> and <b>9B</b></figref> show an embodiment of neck bridge in accordance with the present invention, particularly showing the array elements having different unfolded configurations; <figref idref="f0004"><b>FIGS. 10A</b> and <b>10B</b></figref> show yet another variation of the neck bridge, particularly showing the array elements having upright loop shapes; <figref idref="f0005"><b>FIG.11</b></figref> is a side view of a still another variation of the neck bridge, particularly showing the neck bridge having a pair of collars coupled to control wires; <figref idref="f0005"><b>FIG. 12</b></figref> is a top view of the neck bridge of <figref idref="f0005"><b>FIG. 11</b></figref> in a deployed (i.e., non-constrained) configuration; <figref idref="f0005"><b>FIG. 13</b></figref> is a top view of yet another variation of the neck bridge, particularly showing the neck bridge having a braided structure; <figref idref="f0006"><b>FIGS. 14A</b> and <b>14B</b></figref> show a delivery shape and an unfolded configuration, respectively, of the neck bridge of <figref idref="f0005"><b>FIG. 13</b></figref><b>;</b><figref idref="f0006"><b>FIGS. 15A</b> and 15B</figref> show a variation of the delivery shape and the unfolded configuration, respectively, of the neck bridge of <figref idref="f0005"><b>FIG. 13</b></figref><b>;</b><figref idref="f0007"><b>FIG. 16</b></figref> is a further variation of the neck bridge, particularly showing the junction region of the neck bridge coupled to a wall section of the inner tubular member; <figref idref="f0007"><b>FIG. 17</b></figref> is a still further variation of the neck bridge, particularly showing the junction region of the neck bridge coupled to a core wire by a severable joint; <figref idref="f0008"><b>FIGS. 18A-18E</b></figref> show a procedure for introducing an embodiment of the neck bridge, along with a vaso-occlusive device, into an aneurysm; <figref idref="f0009"><b>FIG. 19A</b></figref> shows a neck bridge in combination with an "anchor" adapted to be placed within an aneurysm; <figref idref="f0009"><b>FIG. 19B</b></figref> is a top view of the neck bridge of <figref idref="f0009"><b>FIG. 19A</b></figref>; and <figref idref="f0009"><b>FIG. 19C</b></figref> shows a placement of the neck bridge depicted in <figref idref="f0009"><b>FIG. 19A</b></figref> within an aneurysm.

The disclosed invention relates to devices and procedures for stabilizing the position and, in some instances, the structure of vaso-occlusive devices placed in a target occlusion site, usually an aneurysm. Use of the retaining devices and neck bridges disclosed herein reduce the potential migration of vaso-occlusive devices (e.g., helically wound coils) from target occlusion sites, by forming at least a partial barrier at the entrance zone to the aneurysm, i.e., where the aneurysm meets a feeding vessel.

<figref idref="f0001"><b>FIG. 1</b></figref> shows an aneurysm treatment system 100, which includes an aneurysm neck bridge 106. The aneurysm treatment system 100 also includes a tubular delivery catheter 102, and an inner elongated tubular member 104 slidable within the tubular delivery catheter 102. The aneurysm neck bridge 106 is removably coupled to a distal end 107 of the elongated tubular member 104 via an electrolytically severable joint 122, and is configured to be placed within an aneurysm sac or directly across a neck (i.e., in between the tissue defining the neck) of an aneurysm. The system 100 further includes a vaso-occlusive device 108 that is deliverable via the inner tubular member 104. The vaso-occlusive device 108 is coupled to a core wire 110 via another electrolytically severable joint 130. The severable joints 122 and 130 are of a scale that cannot easily be seen in <figref idref="f0001"><b>FIG. 1</b></figref> and are depicted in greater clarity in <figref idref="f0002"><b>FIG. 2</b></figref><b>.</b>

Schematically, the electrolytically severable joints 122 and 130 are configured to electrically couple to first and second power supplies 112 and 114, respectively, which are used to deliver current to severe the respective joints in a well known manner. The severance of the severable joints 122 and 130 releases the aneurysm neck bridge 106 and the vaso-occlusive device 108, respectively, at the site. Alternatively, a single power supply may be used to supply current for detachment of the vaso-occlusive device 108 and the aneurysm neck bridge 106.

<figref idref="f0002"><b>FIG. 2</b></figref> is a partial cross section of a distal end of the system 100. The distal end 103 of delivery catheter 102 carries a radio-opaque marker 116 to assist navigating the distal end 103 through a vasculature. The inner tubular member 104 also carries a radio-opaque marker 118. In alternate embodiments, the inner tubular member 104 may have a shape other than that shown in <figref idref="f0002"><b>FIG. 2</b></figref>. For example, the inner tubular member 104 may have an angle or a curvilinear shape. Preferably, the inner tubular member 104 is malleable or heat settable so that a physician or operator can create a desired shape at the time the system 100 is used.

A conductor wire 120 is provided for conducting current from the first power supply 112 to the electrolytically detachable joint 122. The aneurysm neck bridge 106 includes a junction region 124, which is detachably coupled to a distal end 107 of the inner delivery member 104. The junction region 124 may include an opening 128 (shown in <figref idref="f0003"><b>FIG. 5</b></figref>), and may have a shape of a tubular member or a ring. The junction region 124 preferably fits around the inner tubular member 104 in a loose manner, and is maintained in position only by the electrolytic joint 122. In alternate embodiments, the exterior profile of the junction region 124 can vary from the circular shape shown in the illustrated embodiment. Examples of variations in the shape of the junction region 124 are shown and described herein.

The severable joint 122 is preferably created by insulating a portion of the conductor wire 120. For example, a portion of the conductor wire 120 may be insulated with an electrical insulator which is not susceptible to dissolution via electrolysis in blood or other ionic media, leaving the un-insulated portion of the conductor wire 120 susceptible to electrolytic dissolution. The electrical insulator may be the wall of the tubular member 104, as shown in <figref idref="f0002"><b>FIG. 2</b></figref>, or alternatively, it may be a coating placed over the conductor wire 120. Suitable coatings include insulating materials, such as polyfluorocarbons (e.g., Teflon), polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyimides, and other suitable polymeric materials. It will also be apparent that the sacrificial joint 122 is more susceptible to electrolysis than any other element of the device located near that joint 122. In use, current supplied by the first power supply 112 passes to the electrolytically severable joint 122, typically with the cooperation of an external return electrode pad (not shown) placed on a skin of a patient to complete the circuit. Passage of current through the electrolytically severable joint 122 causes the joint 122 to severe, thereby de-coupling the neck bridge 106 from the tubular member 104. Further information regarding the construction, placement, and other physical details of electrolytically severable joints used may be found in <patcit id="pcit0009" dnum="US5234437A"><text>U.S. Patent Nos. 5,234,437</text></patcit>, <patcit id="pcit0010" dnum="US5250071A"><text>5,250,071</text></patcit>, <patcit id="pcit0011" dnum="US5261916A"><text>5,261,916</text></patcit>, <patcit id="pcit0012" dnum="US5304195A"><text>5,304,195</text></patcit>, <patcit id="pcit0013" dnum="US5312415A"><text>5,312,415</text></patcit>, and <patcit id="pcit0014" dnum="US5350397A"><text>5,350,397</text></patcit>. It will be appreciated that mechanical joints, and other types of detachable joints known in the art for placing occlusive devices in aneurysms may alternatively be used to couple the neck bridge 106 to the tubular member 104. Examples of such mechanical joints may be found in <patcit id="pcit0015" dnum="US5234437A"><text>U.S. Patent Nos. 5,234,437</text></patcit>, <patcit id="pcit0016" dnum="US5250071A"><text>5,250,071</text></patcit>, <patcit id="pcit0017" dnum="US5261916A"><text>5,261,916</text></patcit>, <patcit id="pcit0018" dnum="US5304195A"><text>5,304,195</text></patcit>, <patcit id="pcit0019" dnum="US5312415A"><text>5,312,415</text></patcit>, and<patcit id="pcit0020" dnum="US5350397A"><text> 5,350,397</text></patcit>.

As shown in <figref idref="f0002"><b>FIG. 2</b></figref>, because the neck bridge 106 is coupled to the tubular member 104 in a way that does not obstruct the distal opening 131 of the tubular member 104, the vaso-occlusive device 108 may be delivered via the inner tubular member 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the vaso-occlusive device 108 is detachably coupled to a distal end of the core wire 110 by the electrolytically severable joint 130, which is formed by insulating a proximal portion of the core wire 110 by an insulating layer 128. As noted above, delivery of vaso-occlusive devices using an electrolytically severable joint is well known in the art. Alternatively, the vaso-occlusive device 108 may be delivered by using a pusher or plunger, the distal advancement of which within the inner tubular member 104 pushes the vaso-occlusive device 108 out from the distal end of the inner tubular member 104. Other methods of delivering the vaso-occlusive device 108 known in the art may also be used.

<figref idref="f0002"><b>FIG. 3</b></figref> shows another variation of the neck bridge 106. Unlike the previously shown embodiment, in which the junction region 124 of the neck bridge 106 is configured to fit around the distal end 107 of the inner tubular member 104, the junction region 124 of the neck bridge 106 of <figref idref="f0002"><b>FIG. 4</b></figref> is distal to the distal end 107 of the tubular member 104, and is configured to couple to a distal end 107 of the inner tubular member 104 via the severable joint 122. In this variation, the cross sectional dimension of the junction region 124 is substantially the same as the cross sectional dimension of the inner delivery member 104 to form a substantially continuous outer surface. Vaso-occlusive devices 108 exiting the distal end 107 of the tubular member 104 can be delivered to an aneurysm by passing through the opening 128 of the junction region 124, as discussed previously. The distal end 107 of the inner tubular member 104 may further include a Teflon liner or an extension (not shown) coupled to the interior surface of the inner tubular member 104, such that fluid (e.g., an embolic agent) can be delivered through the opening 128 of the junction region 124 without escaping into the gap between the tip of the inner tubular member 104 and the junction region 124.

The neck bridge 106 includes one or more radially expanding array elements or wires 126 attached to the junction region 124, and a cover 127 attached to the junction region 124. In alternate embodiments, the cover 127 may also be secured to the array elements 126. In further alternate embodiments, the cover 127 may be attached to both the array elements 126 and the junction region 124. Upon placement in an aneurysm, the array elements 126 together with the cover 127 spread to the general shape shown in <figref idref="f0002"><b>FIG. 2</b></figref>. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the array elements 126 is a wire loop or ribbon rim. The number of array elements 126 may vary between embodiments, depending on factors such as the size of an aneurysm, the width of the tubular delivery catheter 102, and the thickness of the wire making up the array elements 126. Before the neck bridge 106 is deployed to a target site, the neck bridge 106 resides within a lumen 132 of the delivery catheter 102, and it is generally stretched to assume and maintain the shape of the lumen 132 as shown in <figref idref="f0002"><b>FIG. 4</b></figref><b>.</b> The cover 127 is folded into a low profile when positioned in the lumen 132. When the neck bridge 106 is pushed from the distal end of the delivery catheter 102, the array elements 126 assume their so-called "unfolded" shapes or configurations, thereby unfolding the cover 127.

The array elements 126 may be required to undertake relatively significant changes in shape during deployment of the neck bridge 106. To undertake such stress, it is usually preferable that the array elements 126 be produced of a material such as a super-elastic alloy. Super-elastic or pseudoelastic shape recovery alloys are well known in this art. For instance, <patcit id="pcit0021" dnum="US3174851A"><text>U.S. Patent Nos. 3,174,851</text></patcit>, <patcit id="pcit0022" dnum="US3351463A"><text>3,351,463</text></patcit>, and <patcit id="pcit0023" dnum="US3753700A"><text>3,753,700</text></patcit> each describe one of the more well known super-elastic alloys, known as Nitinol. These alloys are characterized by their ability to be transformed from an austenitic crystal structure to a stress-induced martensitic (SIM) structure at certain temperatures and then to return elastically to the austenitic shape when the stress is removed. These alternating crystal structures provide the alloy with its super-elastic properties.

The above described alloys are especially suitable because of their capacity to recover elastically, and almost completely to an unfolded configuration once a bending stress is removed. Typically during use, these alloys suffer little permanent plastic deformation, even at relatively high strains. This ability allows the neck bridge 106 to undertake substantial bends while residing within the lumen 132 of the tubular delivery catheter 102 and while passing through a vasculature. In spite of this bending, the neck bridge 106 returns to its original shape, i.e., unfolded configuration, without retaining any substantial permanent kinks or bends once deployed from the lumen 132.

Of the super-elastic alloys currently available, the preferred material is 50.6.+-.2% nickel with most of the remainder being titanium. Up to about 5% of the alloy may be a member of the iron group of metals, particularly chromium and iron. The alloy is preferred to not contain more than about 500 parts per million of oxygen, carbon, or nitrogen. The transition temperature of this material is not particularly important, but it should be reasonably below the typical temperature of the human body so as to allow it to be in its austenitic phase during use. The wires or ribbons making up the various array elements 126 preferably have a diameter less than about 0.254 mm (0.010 inches). These super-elastic alloys are not always sufficiently visible under fluoroscopy as it is used in the human body. Consequently it may be desirable to add a radio-opacity covering to the array elements 126. Radio-opaque metals such as gold and platinum are well known. Radio-opaque metals may be added to the array elements 126 by plating or by wrapping the array element 126 in a radio-opaque wire or ribbon, as is known in the art.

Alternatively, one or more radio-opaque markers may be secured to the array elements 126, for example at a perimeter of the neck bridge defined by the array elements 126.

Other metals may also be appropriate for construction of the array elements 126. Such metals include stainless steels and other highly elastic, if not super-elastic, alloys. Polymeric materials which are somewhat easier to work with in forming a device may also be used for construction of the array elements 126. Polymeric materials are somewhat easier to work with in forming a device. Such polymeric materials may include members from the group of polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetraflouroethylene, various Nylons, and the like. Suitable polymers may also include most biocompatible materials, which may be made into fibers, including thermoplastics, e.g., polyesters such as polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) especially Dacron; polyamides including Nylons; polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polybuylene, their mixtures, alloys, block and random copolymers; polyglycolic acid; polylactic acid; fluoropolymers (polytetrafluoro-ethylene), or even silk or collagen.

<figref idref="f0003"><b>FIG. 5</b></figref> shows a top view of the neck bridge 106. As shown in <figref idref="f0003"><b>FIG. 5</b></figref>, the cover 127 is unfolded to have a substantially continuous surface when the array elements 126 assume their unfolded configurations. The cover 127 may be a fabric, a woven or non-woven mesh, or other sheeting or planar structure. Although the array elements 126 are each preferably of a form that retains a large measure of elasticity after having been bent, the cover 127 may be less elastic. The cover 127 may be made from a variety of materials such as polymers, nylons, and polyester. These materials do not provide substantial strength to the cover 127, so as to allow the device to be readily folded into a low profile and placed into the delivery catheter lumen 132 without adding unnecessary stiffness. The sole function of the cover 127 is to retain an implanted vaso-occlusive device in an aneurysm. The function of the array elements 126 is to maintain the structural integrity of the neck bridge device as it is situated within an aneurysm. Alternatively, the cover 127 may be made to have a similar elasticity as the array elements 126. Therefore, any of the materials discussed previously with reference to the array elements 126 may also be suitable for construction of the cover 127. Other materials suitable for construction of the cover 127 include Dacron (polyethyleneterephthalate), collageneous materials, polyluorocarbons, combinations thereof, and other vascular graft materials. Fibrous materials, such as polyglycolic acid, wool, or cotton, may also be used.

<figref idref="f0003"><b>FIG. 6</b></figref> shows a variation of the cover 127, which has a braided or mesh-like structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the neck bridge 106 includes six array elements 126 attached to the cover 127. The cover 127 includes a plurality of loops 210, each of which formed by securing ends of a fiber to the junction region 124. The loops 210 may overlap one another, or alternatively, be inter-woven with each other, to form the cover 127. It should be noted that the shape of the loop 210 is not limited to that shown in the illustrated embodiment. Furthermore, the cover 127 may have different braided patterns than those shown herein.

In each of the above-described neck bridges, the cover 127 may be placed at a top side of the array elements 126 (<figref idref="f0003"><b>FIG. 7A</b></figref>), a bottom side of the array elements 126 (<figref idref="f0003"><b>FIG. 7B</b></figref>), or it may cover both sides of the array elements 126 (<figref idref="f0003"><b>FIG. 7C</b></figref>). In the variant of neck bridge shown in <figref idref="f0003"><b>FIG. 7C</b></figref>, the neck bridge may further include a disk (not shown) placed between the bottom and top surfaces of the cover 127 for reducing the porosity of the neck bridge. Notably, the shape of the cover 127 is not limited to the circular shape shown in the previously discussed embodiments. The cover 127 can have other shapes, such as an elliptical or rectangular shape (<figref idref="f0003"><b>FIG. 8</b></figref>).

Generally, as with the variants shown in <figref idref="f0003"><b>FIGS. 7A</b> and <b>7C</b></figref>, the cover 127 is not required to be directly secured to any of the array elements 126. Rather, the array elements 126 exert a bearing and/or frictional force on the cover 127 when they assume an unfolded configuration. However, the cover 127 may optionally be secured to the array elements 126 at one or more various points. The securing may be accomplished using a glue, epoxy, heat bond, or other suitable adhesives, depending upon the materials from which the respective cover 127 and array elements 126 are made. By way of further example, the cover 127 may also be secured to the array elements 126 by sewing them together using a thread. Securing the cover 127 to the array elements 126 may assist the array elements 126 in unfolding the cover 127 into a desired shape as the array elements 126 assume their unfolded configurations. Alternatively, the array elements 126 may be embedded within the cover 127, or inter-woven with the cover 127.

It should be noted that the shape of the individual array element is not limited to the loop shape shown in the previous variants, and that the array element 126 may have other shapes as well. <figref idref="f0003"><b>FIG. 8</b></figref> shows a variation of the array element 126 that has a substantially rectilinear profile. As shown in the illustrated variant, the array elements may optionally have blunted tips to avoid trauma to the arteries in which they are placed. The array elements 126 may also have other shapes as well. In the variant of <figref idref="f0003"><b>FIG. 8</b></figref>, the cover 127 has a rectangular shape, as previously noted.

The manner in which the array elements fold or bend when positioned within the lumen of a tubular delivery member is not limited. By way of illustration, <figref idref="f0004"><b>FIGS. 9A</b> and <b>9B</b></figref> show an embodiment of neck bridge in accordance with the present invention, wherein the array elements 126 are folded in a manner that is different from that shown in <figref idref="f0002"><b>FIG. 4</b></figref><b>.</b> In the embodiment of <figref idref="f0004"><b>FIGS</b>. <b>9A</b> and <b>9B</b></figref>, each of the array elements 126 has an end 211 coupled to a tip 212. The tip 212 includes a radio-opaque marker 216. The tip 212 also includes an opening 217 through which a vaso-occlusive device or occlusion fluid may be delivered. The array element 126 has a mid portion that flares outward while maintaining the end 211 of the array element 126 in close proximity to an axis 214 of the junction region 124. The array elements 126 are stretched to the delivery shapes shown in <figref idref="f0004"><b>FIG. 9A</b></figref> when positioned within the lumen 132 of the delivery catheter 102, and assume the unfolded configurations shown in <figref idref="f0004"><b>FIG. 9B</b></figref> when unconfined outside the delivery catheter 102. The array elements 126 can also have curvilinear shapes or other unfolded configurations, so long as the array elements 126 unfold the cover 127 once deployed outside the lumen 132 of the delivery catheter 102.

<figref idref="f0004"><b>FIGS. 10A</b> and <b>10B</b></figref><b>,</b> respectively show side and top views of another variation of the neck bridge 106, wherein the array elements 126 have upright loop shapes. Although the array elements 126 are shown attaching to an interior surface of the junction joint 124, the array elements 126 may also be secured to the ends or the side of the junction joint 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the array elements 126 wrap around a perimeter of the cover 127 such that the cover 127 is between the ends of the wires defining the loop shape array elements 126. Alternatively, as shown by the dashed-lines, the cover 127 may also be placed at a bottom side of the array elements 126.

The array elements 126 may also be deployed using mechanical methods. <figref idref="f0005"><b>FIG.11</b></figref> shows another variation of the neck bridge 220 that is delivered on the exterior of a delivery member 221. This variation includes a number of radially extending array elements 222 which are joined at their outer ends. The radially extending array elements 222 are joined by a cover 224 which also may be scrim-like. The array elements 222 are joined to a pair of collars 226 that slide on the delivery member 221 and are controlled by one or more control wires 228. Each of the control wires 228 may have a releasable joint 229, desirably an electrolytically severable joint, as discussed previously. During delivery of the neck bridge 220, the array elements 222 lie generally against the delivery member 221. During deployment, the control wires 228 are axially manipulated to extend the radially extending array elements 222 into the deployed shape depicted in <figref idref="f0005"><b>FIG. 12</b></figref>.

In the previously discussed variants, the neck bridge includes one or more array elements attached to the cover. However, the array elements may not be required. <figref idref="f0005"><b>FIG. 13</b></figref> shows a variation of the neck bridge which includes a junction region 202 and a braided or mesh-like structure 230 secured to the junction region 202. The braided structure 230 may carry a radio-opaque marker (not shown), or be plated or coated with a radio-opaque material. The braided structure 230 is preferably made from an elastic material, such as Nitinol. However, any of the materials discussed previously with reference to the array element 216 may also be suitable for construction of the braided structure 230. The advantage of making the braided structure 230 using elastic material is that the braided structure 230 can assume an unfolded shape without the help of the array elements. The braided structure 230 may also be made from a radio-opaque material. In the illustrated embodiment, the braided structure 230 includes a number of loops 232, each of which formed by securing ends of a fiber to the junction region 202. However, the braided structure 230 can have other woven or non-woven patterns as well.

<figref idref="f0006"><b>FIGS. 14A</b> and <b>14B</b></figref> show that the braided structure 230 can assume a delivery shape by bending the loops 232 such that the portions of the loops 232 defining the periphery of the braided structure 230 are distal to both ends of the fibers making up the loops 232.

<figref idref="f0006"><b>FIGS. 15A</b> and <b>15B</b></figref> show a variation of the neck bridge of <figref idref="f0005"><b>FIG. 13</b></figref><b>.</b> As shown in the embodiment, a first end of the fiber making up each of the loops 232 is secured to a first portion 202a of the junction region 202, and a second end of the fiber making up each of the loops 232 is secured to a second portion 202b of the junction region 202. When residing within the delivery catheter 102, the braided structure 230 is stretched or bent into a delivery shape such as that shown in <figref idref="f0006"><b>FIG. 15A</b></figref><b>.</b> When the neck bridge is deployed outside the delivery catheter 102, the first portion 202a and the second portion 202b of the junction region move closer to each other, and the portion of the loop 232 near the mid-section 234 of the loop 232 becomes the periphery of the braided structure 230. It should be noted that the manner in which the braided structure 230 is folded or deployed should not be limited to the examples described previously, and that other methods of folding or deploying the braided structure 230 can also be used.

In all of the previously described variants, the junction region includes the opening 128 through which a vaso-occlusive device 108 may be delivered. However, the opening 128 is optional. <figref idref="f0007"><b>FIG. 16</b></figref> shows a cross sectional view of a variation of the junction region 124 that does not have the opening 128. In the illustrated variant, the junction region 124 is detachably secured to a wall section of the inner tubular member 104 by an electrolytically severable joint 240. The vaso-occlusive device 108 may also be delivered via the inner tubular member 104, as discussed previously.

The neck bridge 126 may be detachably coupled to other structures instead of the inner tubular member 104 described previously. <figref idref="f0007"><b>FIG. 17</b></figref> shows a cross sectional view of a neck bridge 126 that is detachably coupled to a core wire 250 by an electrolytically severable joint 252. A proximal portion of the core wire 250 is insulated by an insulating layer 254 to form the severable joint 252. In this case, the delivery catheter 102 is used to deliver both the neck bridge 106 and the vaso-occlusive device 108.

The method of using the previously described neck bridges will now be discussed with reference to <figref idref="f0008"><b>FIGS. 18A-18E</b></figref><b>.</b> First, the delivery catheter 102 is inserted into the body of a patient. Typically, this would be through a femoral artery in the groin. Other entry sites sometimes chosen are found in the neck and are in general well known by physicians who practice these types of medical procedures. The delivery catheter 102, which may be a microcatheter or a sheath, may be positioned so that the distal end of the delivery catheter 102 is appropriately situated, e.g., near the neck of an aneurysm 306 to be treated. (<figref idref="f0008"><b>FIG. 18A</b></figref>) The placement of the delivery catheter 102 may be assisted by the use of guide wire and/or a radio-opaque marker, as are known in the art.

A neck bridge 308, which is representative of any of the neck bridges discussed previously, is carried within the delivery catheter 102 before it is deployed. While positioned within the delivery catheter 102, the neck bridge 308 is stretched into a delivery shape. If the neck bridge 308 is coupled to the inner tubular member 104, the neck bridge 308 may be deployed by retracting the delivery catheter 102 relative to the tubular member 104, or by advancing the tubular member 104 relative to the delivery catheter 102. Alternatively, if the neck bridge 308 is coupled to the core wire 250, such as that shown in <figref idref="f0007"><b>FIG. 17</b></figref>, the neck bridge 308 may be deployed by retracting the delivery catheter 102 relative to the core wire 250 or by advancing the core wire 250 relative to the delivery catheter 102. Once the neck bridge 308 is unconfined outside the delivery catheter 102, it assumes an unfolded configuration. <figref idref="f0008"><b>FIG. 18B</b></figref> shows the neck bridge 308 having been deployed and placed within the aneurysm 306.

Next, one or more vaso-occlusive devices 314 may be delivered into the aneurysm using any of the conventional methods. (<figref idref="f0008"><b>FIG. 18C</b></figref><b>)</b> If the neck bridge 308 includes a junction region 316 that has an opening, such as the opening 128 shown in <figref idref="f0003"><b>FIG. 5</b></figref>, the vaso-occlusive device 314 may be delivered via the inner tubular member 104, through the opening 128 of the junction region 316 of the neck bridge 308, and into the aneurysm 306. It should be noted that instead of vaso-occlusive devices, other occlusion substance such as occlusion fluid or occlusion particles may also be delivered through the opening of the junction region 316 and into the aneurysm 306. If the junction region 316 of the neck bridge 308 does not have an opening, such as the variant shown in <figref idref="f0007"><b>FIG. 16</b> or <b>17</b></figref>, the vaso-occlusive device 314 may be delivered to the aneurysm 306 along a path that is exterior to the tubular member 104 or to the core wire 250 if one is used. In this case, the neck bridge 308 should be made sufficiently flexible to distend around the vaso-occlusive delivery device. Alternatively, the vaso-occlusive device 314 may be delivered into the aneurysm 306 by going through an opening in the cover, such as a pre-made opening, or an opening defined by the fibers making up the cover. The vaso-occlusive device 314 may also be delivered into the aneurysm by puncturing the cover of the neck bridge 308.

After a desired number of the vaso-occlusive coils 314 have been placed in the aneurysm 306, the electrolytically severable joint 122 (or joint 129, 140, or 252) is then severed, thereby de-coupling the neck bridge 308 from the tubular member 104 or from the core wire 250 if one is used. (<figref idref="f0008"><b>FIGS. 18D</b> and <b>18E</b></figref>) The delivery catheter 102 and the inner tubular member 104 are then withdrawn, leaving the vaso-occlusive device 314 in place within the aneurysm 306. As shown in <figref idref="f0008"><b>FIG. 18E</b></figref>, the neck bridge 308 stabilizes the presence of the vaso-occlusive device 314 and prevents the vaso-occlusive coil 314 from being drawn or escaping into the feed vessel. If desired, a stent or a perfusion balloon may optionally be placed in the parent vessel to help seat the neck bridge 308 within the aneurysm 306.

It should be noted that the neck bridge may also be placed outside the neck of an aneurysm. <figref idref="f0009"><b>FIGS. 19A-19C</b></figref> show another variation of the neck bridge 400 having a junction region 402, a number of radially extending array elements 404, and a cover 406. Unlike the previously described embodiments, the neck bridge 400 also includes a cage 408 made up of a plurality of, e.g., platinum or nickel-titanium coils or wires 409. A connector 410 connects the cage 408 to the junction region 402 or to the array elements 404, and is situated within the neck of the aneurysm after implantation. The array elements 404 are typically joined to a releasable joint, which may be an electrolytically severable joint as discussed previously. As may be seen from <figref idref="f0009"><b>FIG. 19B</b></figref>, the cage 408 extends outwardly from the general center-line of the device and generally should be sized to conform to the size of, and generally to the shape of, the aneurysm.

<figref idref="f0009"><b>FIG. 19C</b></figref> shows the general placement of the device within an aneurysm 414. The cage 408, which is within the sac of the aneurysm 414, anchors the cover 406, which is placed outside the neck of the aneurysm 414. The method of using the neck bridge 400 is similar to that described previously with reference to <figref idref="f0008"><b>FIGS. 18A-18E</b></figref><b>.</b>

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill in this art, without departing from the scope of the invention. The illustrated variants have been shown only for purposes of clarity and the examples should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined in the following claims.