| abstract |
The vasoocclusive coil (1) has a primary coil configuration with a helical loop at least one end (2). The terminal helical loop can have a J-shaped configuration, preferably with a loop diameter of about 2 mm. The coil (1) is preferably provided with helical loops at both ends (2, 3), with helical loop at the proximal and distal ends of the coil (1) acting as an anchor to prevent the coil from coming free from the location being treated and escaping into the vasculature. In a presently preferred embodiment both ends of the coil (2, 3) have a J-shape. In another presently preferred aspect, the vasoocclusive coil includes one or more loops (4, 5) intermediate the ends of the coil. The device is formed from a multi-stranded micro-cable having a plurality of flexible strands of a shape memory material and at least one radiopaque strand. The strands can be made of a shape memory nickel titanium alloy, that is highly flexible at a temperature appropriate for introduction into the body via a catheter, and that after placement will take on the therapeutic shape. |