Micro Therapeutics, Inc.

Thomas J Whalen

Richard J Greff

Earl Slee

Noah M Roth

George B Wallace

Douglas Ray Hayman

Chinh Ngoc Tran

Todd J Hewitt

Ed Olson

Mark A Pecor

Kevin P Gilmartin

Amanda Conner

Ed Olsen

Jacques Moret

Gary Curri

Disclosed are novel compositions for embolizing blood vessels which are particularly suited for treating vascular lesions via catheter delivery.

High viscosity embolizing compositions

Novel methods for embolizing blood vessels which are particularly suited for treating aneurysms are provided. The presently disclosed methods provide for the embolization of aneurysms wherein occlusion of the neck of the aneurysm during embolization by a flow arresting device such as balloon is not required. In one embodiment, the compositions employed in the methods of this invention comprise a biocompatible polymer, a biocompatible solvent and a biocompatible contrast agent wherein the viscosity of this composition is at least about 1000 centistokes at 40&#xb0; C. and, preferably, at least about 2500 centistokes at 40&#xb0; C.

Methods for embolizing aneurysmal sites with a high viscosity embolizing composition

This invention is directed to methods for treating aneurysms wherein the aneurysmal sac is filled with a non-particulate agent or plurality of such agents and/or with a fluid composition which solidifies in situ. Filling of the aneurysmal sac employs sufficient amount of the non-particulate agent or plurality of such agents and/or the fluid composition to inhibit blood flow into the aneurysm sac. In addition, the methods of this invention also provide for non-endogenous isolation of the parent artery proximal and distal to the aneurysmal sac from systemic blood flow of the treated mammal. The combination of these features provides for treatment of the aneurysmal sac while, at the same time, inhibiting aneurysm formation and/or regrowth in the diseased portions of the arterial wall proximal and distal to the treated aneurysm.

Methods for treating aneurysms

Disclosed are methods for vascular reconstruction of diseased, non-aneurysmal arteries.

Methods for vascular reconstruction of diseased arteries

Disclosed are novel compositions for embolizing blood vessels which are particularly suited for treating vascular lesions via catheter deliver.

Disclosed are novel methods for embolizing blood vessels comprising delivering, via a catheter, an embolic composition comprising a biocompatible polymer, a biocompatible water insoluble contrast agent, and a biocompatible solvent. In one embodiment, the method is conducted during a single surgical procedure whereby a flow-arresting device is positioned and activated at the vascular site to be embolized, the embolic composition is injected, and the flow-arresting device is deactivated. In another embodiment, the method is conducted during a single surgical procedure whereby two embolic compositions, situated adjacent to one another, are injected at the vascular site to be embolized.

Methods for embolizing vascular sites with an embolizing composition

An interface needle is used for connecting a syringe to a catheter to create a blunt interface between two or more liquids being delivered through the catheter. The interface needle is particularly useful for creating a blunt interface between a biocompatible solvent and a liquid embolic composition which is delivered to the body for treatment of various conditions including aneurysms. A system for liquid delivery with a blunt liquid interface includes a catheter or other cannula, an interface needle, and a syringe. The interface needle includes a tube extending from a distal end which delivers liquid to a lumen of the catheter bypassing a reservoir in the catheter hub to create the blunt liquid interface. One embodiment of the interface needle controls an injection pressure of high viscosity liquids.

Growing community of inventors

Encinitas, CA, United States of America

Thomas J Whalen