Twister implant detachment mechanism

Abstract

An intravascular implant detachment mechanism is disclosed that can include an intravascular implant, a connector, a push wire, and one or more lock wires. The connector can be attached to a pinched end of the implant and can include an opening at a second end. The connector can include a generally circular cavity distal to the opening. The push wire can have a distal end that includes one or more slot-like apertures and is configured to fit into the opening in a first orientation. The one or more lock wires can be configured to fit into the opening while the distal end of the push wire is in a second orientation. Axial rotation of the push wire can move the distal end of the push wire from the first orientation to the second orientation, securing the push wire to the implant.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to medical devices, and more particularly to a detachment mechanism for an embolic implant for treating aneurysms. [Background technology]

[0002] Cranial aneurysms can be difficult to treat due to their complexity and proximity to critical brain tissue. Recently, tubular braided implants have been introduced that potentially allow for easy, precise, and safe treatment of aneurysms and other arteriovenous malformations within parent vessels without blocking flow into the perforator vessels communicating with the parent vessel. Implant devices for treating aneurysms must be delivered through long, small, and tortuous vessels, and positioning must be precisely controlled to ensure aneurysm filling without causing further blockage or clotting in nearby vessels. Therefore, it is necessary to have a delivery and detachment mechanism that provides a connection point between the tubular braided implant and a delivery catheter capable of delivering, positioning, manipulating, and then releasing the implant. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide systems, devices, and methods that meet the above-mentioned needs. Generally, it is an object of the present invention to provide an intravascular implant detachment mechanism. The detachment mechanism may include an intravascular implant including a pinched end. The detachment mechanism may include a connector attached to the pinched end of the implant at a first end and including an aperture at a second end. The connector portion of the detachment mechanism may include a generally circular cavity distal to the aperture. The detachment mechanism may include a push wire having a distal end. The distal end may include one or more slot-like openings. The distal end may be configured to mate with the aperture in a first orientation (e.g., detached) relative to the aperture. The detachment mechanism may include one or more lock wires configured to mate with the aperture while the distal end of the push wire is in a second orientation. Axial rotation of the push wire can move the distal end of the push wire from a first orientation to (eg, attached to) a second orientation, thereby securing the push wire to the intravascular implant.

[0004] In some examples, the connector can be configured to detach from the push wire in response to removal of one or more lock wires from the opening and axial rotation of the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation.

[0005] In some examples, the release mechanism can include a spring integrated within the generally circular cavity, and the spring can be configured to rotate the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation in response to removal of the one or more lock wires.

[0006] In some examples, the one or more locking wires can be configured to prevent the spring from rotating the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation while the one or more locking wires are positioned within the opening.

[0007] In some examples, the connector may further include an angled inner surface configured to facilitate axial rotation of the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation in response to pulling the push wire in a proximal direction.

[0008] In some embodiments, the one or more locking wires may include two locking wires.

[0009] In some examples, the one or more locking wires can be effective to prevent the distal end of the push wire from axially rotating from the second orientation to the first orientation while the one or more locking wires are positioned within the opening of the connector.

[0010] In some examples, the detachment mechanism can further include a microcatheter sized to deliver the intravascular implant to the treatment site while the intravascular implant is in the undeployed configuration.

[0011] In some embodiments, the push wire can be configured to push the intravascular implant through the microcatheter to the treatment site.

[0012] In some examples, the intravascular implant can be configured to expand into a deployed configuration to occlude a substantially spherical cavity.

[0013] In another aspect, an intravascular implant detachment mechanism is disclosed. The detachment mechanism may include an intravascular implant including a pinched end. The detachment mechanism may include a connector attached to the pinched end at a first end and including an opening at a second end. The detachment mechanism may include a generally circular cavity distal to the opening. The detachment mechanism may include a push wire having a distal end. The distal end may include one or more slot-like apertures. The distal end may be configured to engage with the opening in a first orientation (e.g., detached) relative to the opening. The detachment mechanism may include one or more lock wires configured to engage with the opening while the distal end of the push wire is in a second orientation. The detachment mechanism may include a spring disposed within the generally circular cavity. The spring may be configured to rotate the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation in response to detachment of the one or more lock wires. Axial rotation of the push wire can move the distal end of the push wire from a first orientation to (eg, attached to) a second orientation, thereby securing the push wire to the intravascular implant.

[0014] In some embodiments, the connector is configured to detach from the push wire in response to removal of the one or more lock wires from the opening and axial rotation of the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation.

[0015] In some examples, the one or more locking wires can be configured to prevent the spring from rotating the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation while the one or more locking wires are positioned within the opening.

[0016] In some examples, the one or more locking wires can be effective to prevent the distal end of the push wire from axially rotating from the second orientation to the first orientation while the one or more locking wires are positioned within the opening of the connector.

[0017] In some examples, the detachment mechanism can include a microcatheter sized to deliver the intravascular implant to the treatment site while the intravascular implant is in the undeployed configuration.

[0018] In another aspect, a method of constructing an intravascular implant detachment mechanism is disclosed. The method may include providing an intravascular implant including a pinched end. The method may include forming a connector having a first end configured to attach to the pinched end of the intravascular implant, a second end including an oval opening, and a generally circular cavity distal to the oval opening. The method may include attaching the first end of the connector to the pinched end. The method may include providing a push wire. The push wire may include a distal end. The method may include flattening the distal end of the push wire to an oval shape. The method may include forming one or more slot-like apertures in the flattened distal end of the push wire. The method may include providing one or more lock wires configured to fit into the oval opening. The method may include positioning the flattened distal end of the push wire within the oval opening of the second end with the flattened distal end in a first orientation (e.g., detached) relative to the oval opening. The method may include securing the push wire to the connector by axially rotating the distal end from a first orientation to a second orientation (attached) relative to the oval opening. The method may include positioning one or more lock wires into the oval opening while the distal end of the push wire is in the second orientation.

[0019] In some examples, the method may include providing a spring within the generally circular cavity configured to rotate the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation in response to removal of the one or more lock wires.

[0020] In some examples, the method may include forming a sloped inner surface in the connector such that the distal end of the push wire rotates from the second orientation to the first orientation in response to pulling the push wire in a proximal direction.

[0021] In some examples, the method may include delivering a push wire, one or more lock wires, a connector, and an intravascular implant through a microcatheter to a treatment site while the intravascular implant is in an undeployed configuration.

[0022] In some examples, the method may further include expanding the intravascular implant to a deployed configuration, removing one or more lock wires from the oval opening of the connector, releasing the distal end of the push wire from the connector by rotating the distal end from the second orientation to the first orientation, and deploying the intravascular implant at the treatment site to occlude the substantially spherical cavity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] The above and further aspects of the present invention will be further discussed with reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate like structural elements and features in the various drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, focus instead being upon illustrating the principles of the present invention. The figures depict one or more implementations of devices of the present invention by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. [Figure 1A] 1A and 1B are diagrams of a detachment mechanism including a connector, a push wire, and one or more lock wires in a separated state, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] 1B is a diagram of the detachment mechanism of FIG. 1A in a connected state, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of a detachment mechanism as shown in FIG. 1B, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1D] 1D is a cross-sectional view of a detachment mechanism as shown in FIG. 1C, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A]2A-2C illustrate a detachment sequence of an implant from the exemplary detachment mechanism of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the detachment mechanism as shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 2B] 2A-2C illustrate a detachment sequence of an implant from the exemplary detachment mechanism of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the detachment mechanism as shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C] 2A-2C illustrate a detachment sequence of an implant from the exemplary detachment mechanism of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the detachment mechanism as shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 2D] 2A-2C illustrate a detachment sequence of an implant from the exemplary detachment mechanism of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the detachment mechanism as shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 2E] 2A-2C illustrate a detachment sequence of an implant from the exemplary detachment mechanism of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the detachment mechanism as shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 3A] 3A-3D illustrate a detachment sequence of another exemplary detachment mechanism having an inclined inner surface according to an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the detachment mechanism as shown in FIG. 3B and FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the detachment mechanism as shown in FIG. 3C. [Figure 3B] 3A-3D illustrate a detachment sequence of another exemplary detachment mechanism having an inclined inner surface according to an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the detachment mechanism as shown in FIG. 3B and FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the detachment mechanism as shown in FIG. 3C. [Figure 3C] 3A-3D illustrate a detachment sequence of another exemplary detachment mechanism having an inclined inner surface according to an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the detachment mechanism as shown in FIG. 3B and FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the detachment mechanism as shown in FIG. 3C. [Figure 3D] 3A-3D illustrate a detachment sequence of another exemplary detachment mechanism having an inclined inner surface according to an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the detachment mechanism as shown in FIG. 3B and FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the detachment mechanism as shown in FIG. 3C. [Figure 4A]10A-10C illustrate an exemplary implant detachment sequence from another exemplary detachment mechanism, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. [Figure 4B] 10A-10C illustrate an exemplary implant detachment sequence from another exemplary detachment mechanism, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. [Figure 4C] 10A-10C illustrate an exemplary implant detachment sequence from another exemplary detachment mechanism, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of an aneurysm occluded by an implant. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart of a method for constructing a detachment mechanism, according to an aspect of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] As used herein, the terms "about" or "approximately" in connection with any numerical value or range of values ​​indicates a suitable dimensional tolerance that enables a portion of a component or a collection of components to function for its intended purpose as described herein. More specifically, "about" or "approximately" may refer to a range of values ​​of ±20% of the recited value; for example, "about 90%" may refer to a range of values ​​of 71% to 99%.

[0025] The embodiments presented herein generally include a detachment mechanism that can be used with a braided implant that can be anchored within an aneurysm sac and occlude a substantial portion of the aneurysm neck. The implant can include a tubular braid that can be hardened to a predetermined shape and compressed for delivery through a microcatheter and implanted in at least one implantation location based on the predetermined shape and geometry of the aneurysm into which the braid is to be implanted. When compressed, the implant can be sufficiently short to mitigate frictional forces that would occur if the implant were delivered uncovered through a microcatheter, allowing for a simpler delivery system than some other known braided embolic implant delivery systems. The implant can be as described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,653,425, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully incorporated, as are variations, modifications, and alternative braided implants as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0026] The intravascular implant may include a shape-memory material that can be heat-set to a predetermined shape, but can be deformed for delivery via a catheter and self-expand to an implanted shape that is based on the predetermined shape and is held in place by the anatomical structure of the aneurysm in which it is implanted.

[0027] 1A-1D illustrate a detachment mechanism including a connector, a push wire, and one or more lock wires. As shown, the detachment mechanism 100 can include an intravascular implant 110 having a pinched end 112 connected to a first end 134 of a connector 130. The connector 130 can have a first end 134 connected to the intravascular implant 110 and a second end 133. The second end 133 can include an opening 132. While the opening 132 is illustrated as being generally oval, in some embodiments (not shown), the opening 132 can take various other shapes, such as a triangle, a rectangle, a hexagon, etc. The detachment mechanism 100 can include a push wire 160. The push wire 160 can include a distal end 162, which can be a generally flattened portion of the push wire 160. The distal end 162 of the push wire 160 may also include one or more slotted apertures 164, which may be sized to fit into the oval opening 132 of the connector's second end 133 when the distal end 162 and connector 130 are in a first orientation (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1A ) in which the distal end 162 and connector 130 are aligned such that a flattened portion of the distal end 162 is parallel to a flattened portion of the oval opening 132. The release mechanism may also include one or more lock wires 140.

[0028] 1B is a diagram of the detachment mechanism of FIG. 1A in a connected state. To attach connector 130 to push wire 160, distal end 162 of push wire 160 may be inserted into oval opening 132 in a first orientation, push wire 160 may then be axially rotated approximately 90 degrees to move distal end 162 to a second orientation, and one or more lock wires 140 may then be inserted into oval opening 132 of connector 130 while distal end 162 of push wire 160 is in the second orientation within oval opening 132. In some embodiments, detachment mechanism 100 may use two lock wires 140. In some embodiments, detachment mechanism 100 may use one lock wire 140. In other embodiments, detachment mechanism 100 may use multiple lock wires 140.

[0029] 1C is a cross-sectional view of the detachment mechanism as shown in FIG. 1B. FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of the detachment mechanism as shown in FIG. 1C. One or more slot-like apertures 164 of push wire 160 can be configured to mate with the walls of oval opening 132 such that when distal end 162 is rotated from a first orientation to a second orientation to lock the connector to push wire 160, a portion of the wall of oval opening 132 interacts with one or more slot-like apertures 164. That is, when distal end 162 of push wire 160 is in the second orientation, a portion of the wall of oval opening 132 can reside within one or more slot-like apertures 164.

[0030] 2A-2E illustrate the implant detachment sequence from the exemplary detachment mechanism of FIGS. 1A-1D. FIG. 2A shows the detachment mechanism 100 being delivered to a treatment site through a microcatheter 600 with the endovascular implant 110 in an undeployed (e.g., collapsed) configuration. The connector 130 is shown cut away for illustrative purposes. As shown, the distal end 162 of the push wire 160 is in a second (e.g., attached) orientation relative to the connector 130. In the second orientation, the push wire 160 is connected to the connector 130 and the endovascular implant 110. As shown, one or more lock wires 140 are configured to fit through the oval opening 132 into the generally circular cavity 138 while the distal end 162 of the push wire 160 is in the second orientation. In FIG. 2A, the endovascular implant 110 is attached to the push wire 160 via the connector.

[0031] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the detachment mechanism as shown in Figure 2 A. The cross-sectional view of Figure 2B is similar to the cross-sectional view of Figure 1C, with the addition of a microcatheter 600 to Figure 2B.

[0032] 2C shows the one or more lock wires 140 after they have been pulled proximally and exit the generally circular cavity 138. The connector 130 is shown cut away for illustrative purposes. The first step in the detachment sequence may include pulling the one or more lock wires 140 proximally. As shown, the one or more lock wires 140 may exit the oval opening 132 of the connector 130, thereby allowing the push wire 160 to be rotated from a second (e.g., attached) orientation to a first (e.g., detached) orientation. Although the arrow indicates clockwise rotation, in some configurations, the push wire 160 may be rotated counterclockwise to transition the push wire 160 from the second orientation to the first orientation.

[0033] 2D shows detachment mechanism 100 after push wire 160 has been rotated from the second orientation to the first orientation. Connector 130 is shown cut away for illustrative purposes. In the second orientation, no portion of the wall of oval opening 132 interacts with one or more slots 164 in distal end 162 of push wire 160. In other words, distal end 162 of push wire 160 can be removed from oval opening 132 without any interference.

[0034] 2E shows the push wire 160, the one or more lock wires 140, and the connector 130 fully disengaged from the push wire 160 as the microcatheter 600 is withdrawn. As the microcatheter 600 is withdrawn, the endovascular implant 110 can be configured to expand from an undeployed (e.g., collapsed) configuration to a deployed (e.g., expanded) configuration such that the endovascular implant 110 is effective to occlude a substantially spherical cavity at the treatment site. According to some embodiments, the substantially spherical cavity can be an aneurysm within the patient.

[0035] 3A-3D illustrate the detachment sequence of another exemplary detachment mechanism 100 having a sloped inner surface 136. In this embodiment, the connector 130 may have a sloped inner surface 136 within a generally circular cavity 138, and upon removal of one or more lock wires 140, the distal end 162 of the push wire 160 is biased to transition from a second (e.g., attached) orientation to a first (e.g., disengaged) orientation in response to the push wire 160 being pulled proximally. That is, an operator of the detachment mechanism 100 having the sloped inner surface 136 may not need to rotate the push wire 160 to disengage it from the connector 130. Rather, by pulling the push wire 160 proximally, the distal end 162 may automatically rotate from the second (e.g., engaged) orientation to the first (e.g., disengaged) orientation.

[0036] FIG. 3A shows a side view of the detachment mechanism 100 having the angled inner surface 136 in the connected configuration. The connector 130 is shown cut away for illustration purposes. The distal end 162 of the push wire 160 is in a first orientation within the connector 130. The detachment mechanism may include a pull wire 140 (not shown). The distal end 162 of the push wire 160 may be secured to the connector by the pull wire 140, similar to that shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, while the implant 110 may be moved through the microcatheter 600 by the push wire 160, similar to that shown in FIG. 2A. The pull wire 140 may be retracted, similar to that shown in FIG. 2B, to allow the distal end 162 of the push wire 160 to rotate.

[0037] 3B shows a side view of the detachment mechanism of FIG. 3A when push wire 160 is being pulled proximally. Connector 130 is shown cut away for illustrative purposes. Sloped surface 136 facilitates rotation of distal end 162 of push wire 160 from a first orientation to a second orientation as push wire 160 is pulled proximally.

[0038] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the release mechanism as shown in FIG. 3B.

[0039] FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the release mechanism as shown in FIG. 3C.

[0040] 4A-4C show the detachment sequence of another exemplary detachment mechanism having a spring. The illustrated detachment mechanism 100 is similar to the previous embodiment, except that this exemplary detachment mechanism includes a spring 190 integrated within a generally circular cavity 138 of the connector 130. More specifically, the spring 190 may be mounted within the generally circular cavity 138 such that the spring 190 interacts with the distal end 162 of the push wire 160. The spring 190 may be configured to be in a coiled configuration while the push wire 160 is in a second (e.g., attached) configuration.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4A, the one or more lock wires 140 can be pulled proximally to initiate the detachment sequence. In FIG. 4B, the one or more lock wires 140 are detached and the spring 190 applies a rotational force to the distal end 162 of the push wire 160, thereby moving the distal end 162 from the second (e.g., attached) orientation to the first (e.g., detached) orientation. FIG. 4C shows the connector 130 fully disengaged from the push wire 160 as the push wire 160, the one or more lock wires 140, and the microcatheter 600 are withdrawn. As the microcatheter 600 is withdrawn, the endovascular implant 110 can be configured to expand from an undeployed (e.g., collapsed) configuration to a deployed (e.g., expanded) configuration such that the endovascular implant 110 is effective to occlude a substantially spherical cavity at the treatment site. According to some embodiments, the substantially spherical cavity can be an aneurysm within the patient.

[0042] The features of the exemplary release features disclosed herein may be combined as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, for example, the spring 190 shown in Figures 4A-4C may be added to the release feature shown in Figures 1A-3C.

[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an aneurysm occluded by an implant. FIG. 5 illustrates measurements of the height HA, sac diameter DA, and neck diameter DN of spherical cavity A. In some embodiments, the spherical cavity may be an aneurysm in a patient. The location of plane 18 defining the boundary between spherical cavity A and the blood vessel is also illustrated. As illustrated, spherical cavity A may include a neck 16, a wall 14, and a distal wall 15. Spherical cavity A may also include a spherical cavity interior 12. The intravascular implant 110 may be configured to occlude spherical cavity A after disengagement from the detachment mechanism 100, as described above.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method 700 for constructing a detachment mechanism. At block 702, the method may include providing an intravascular implant 110 including an open end 114 and a pinched end 112. The implant, in some embodiments, may be a braided intravascular implant. At block 704, the method may include forming a connector 130. The connector 130 may have a first end configured to attach to the pinched end 112 of the implant 110. The pinched end 112 may be configured to mate with the first end 134 of the connector 130 with an interference fit. Other bonding methods may be used, including adhesives, welding, etc. The connector may be formed with a second end 133. The second end 133 may be molded with an oval opening 132. The interior of the connector 130 may be a generally circular cavity 138, or in some other embodiments, the interior of the connector 130 may have a beveled interior surface.

[0045] At block 706, the method may include attaching the first end 134 of the connector to the pinched end 112. As described above, the pinched end 112 of the implant 110 may be attached to the first end 134 by an interference fit or by another attachment method, such as adhesive glue, welding, etc.

[0046] At block 708, the method may include providing a push wire 160. The push wire may include a distal end 162. The push wire may be made from any suitable material, such as a metal alloy. In some examples, the push wire may be made at least in part from a shape memory material, such as Nitinol.

[0047] At block 710, the method may include flattening the distal end 162 of the push wire 160 into an oval shape. Flattening the distal end 162 of the push wire 160 into an oval shape may be accomplished by any desired method, such as compressing the generally circular distal end 162 with a compressor until the generally circular shape is transformed into a generally oval shape.

[0048] At block 712, the method may include forming one or more slot-like apertures 164 in the flattened distal end 162 of the push wire. For example, the one or more slot-like apertures 164 may be cut into the flattened distal end 162 using a suitable grinding tool, a laser etching procedure, or any other suitable technique known in the relevant art.

[0049] At block 714, the method may include providing one or more locking wires 140 configured to fit into the oval opening 132. The one or more locking wires may be constructed from a suitable metal alloy, and in some examples, may be constructed from a shape memory material such as Nitinol.

[0050] At block 716, the method may include positioning flattened distal end 162 of push wire 1260 within oval opening 132 of second end 133 with flattened distal end 162 in a first orientation relative to oval opening 132. For example, in the first orientation, oval opening 132 may be aligned with flattened distal end 162 such that an elongated, flat portion of flattened distal end 162 is aligned with an elongated portion of oval opening 132.

[0051] At block 718, the method may include securing the push wire 160 to the connector 130 by axially rotating the distal end 162 from a first orientation to a second orientation relative to the oval opening 132. In some examples, the second orientation may be rotated approximately 90 degrees relative to the first orientation.

[0052] At block 720, the method may include positioning one or more lock wires 140 into the oval opening 132 while the distal ends 162 of the push wires are in the second orientation. The one or more lock wires 140 may be configured to fit into the oval opening 132 when the distal ends 162 are in the second orientation relative to the oval opening 132, such that the one or more lock wires 140 prevent the distal ends 162 of the push wires 160 from being rotated to the first orientation while the one or more lock wires 140 are within the oval opening 132. Upon removal of the one or more lock wires 140, the distal ends 162 of the push wires 160 can be rotated from the second orientation to the first orientation to separate the push wires 160 from the connector 130.

[0053] The descriptions contained herein are examples of embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. As described herein, the present invention contemplates many variations and modifications of the implant, including alternative materials, alternative shapes, alternative release features, alternative delivery systems, alternative means for forming the braid into a predetermined shape, alternative processing methods, etc. These modifications would be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains and are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

[0054] [Embodiment] (1) An intravascular implant detachment mechanism, comprising: an intravascular implant having a pinched end; a connector attached to the pinch end at a first end and including an opening at a second end; a generally circular cavity distal to said opening; a push wire having a distal end, the distal end including one or more slot-like apertures, the distal end configured to fit into the opening in a first orientation relative to the opening; one or more lock wires configured to fit into the opening while the distal end of the push wire is in a second orientation; An intravascular implant detachment mechanism, wherein axial rotation of the push wire moves the distal end of the push wire from the first orientation to the second orientation, thereby securing the push wire to the intravascular implant. (2) An intravascular implant detachment mechanism as described in embodiment 1, wherein the connector is configured to detach from the push wire in response to removal of the one or more lock wires from the opening and axial rotation of the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation. (3) The intravascular implant detachment mechanism of embodiment 2, further comprising a spring embedded within the generally circular cavity configured to rotate the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation in response to the removal of the one or more lock wires. (4) The intravascular implant detachment mechanism of embodiment 3, wherein the one or more lock wires are configured to prevent the spring from rotating the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation while the one or more lock wires are positioned within the opening. (5) An intravascular implant detachment mechanism as described in embodiment 1, wherein the connector further includes an inclined inner surface configured to facilitate axial rotation of the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation in response to pulling the push wire in a proximal direction.

[0055] (6) An intravascular implant detachment mechanism as described in embodiment 1, wherein the one or more lock wires include two lock wires. (7) An intravascular implant detachment mechanism as described in embodiment 1, wherein the one or more lock wires are effective to prevent axial rotation of the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation while the one or more lock wires are positioned within the opening of the connector. (8) The intravascular implant detachment mechanism of embodiment 1, further comprising a microcatheter sized to deliver the intravascular implant to a treatment site while the intravascular implant is in an undeployed configuration. (9) An intravascular implant detachment mechanism as described in embodiment 8, wherein the push wire is configured to push the intravascular implant through the microcatheter to the treatment site. (10) An intravascular implant detachment mechanism as described in embodiment 1, wherein the intravascular implant is configured to expand into a deployed configuration to occlude a substantially spherical cavity.

[0056] (11) An intravascular implant detachment mechanism, comprising: an intravascular implant having a pinched end; a connector attached to the pinch end at a first end and including an opening at a second end; a generally circular cavity distal to said opening; a push wire having a distal end, the distal end including one or more slot-like apertures, the distal end configured to fit into the opening in a first orientation relative to the opening; one or more lock wires configured to fit into the opening while the distal end of the push wire is in a second orientation; and a spring disposed within the generally circular cavity, the spring configured to rotate the distal end of the push wire from a second orientation to the first orientation in response to removal of the one or more lock wires; An intravascular implant detachment mechanism, wherein axial rotation of the push wire moves the distal end of the push wire from the first orientation to the second orientation, thereby securing the push wire to the intravascular implant. (12) The intravascular implant detachment mechanism of embodiment 11, wherein the connector is configured to detach from the push wire in response to the removal of the one or more lock wires from the opening and axial rotation of the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation. (13) The intravascular implant detachment mechanism of embodiment 11, wherein the one or more lock wires are configured to prevent the spring from rotating the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation while the one or more lock wires are positioned within the opening. (14) The intravascular implant detachment mechanism of embodiment 11, wherein the one or more lock wires are effective to prevent axial rotation of the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation while the one or more lock wires are positioned within the opening of the connector. (15) The intravascular implant detachment mechanism of embodiment 11, further comprising a microcatheter sized to deliver the intravascular implant to a treatment site while the intravascular implant is in an undeployed configuration.

[0057] (16) A method for constructing an intravascular implant detachment mechanism, comprising: providing an intravascular implant with a pinched end; forming a connector having a first end configured to be attached to the pinched end of the intravascular implant, a second end including an oval opening, and a generally circular cavity distal to the oval opening; attaching the first end of the connector to the pinch end; providing a push wire, the push wire comprising a distal end; flattening the distal end of the push wire into an oval shape; forming one or more slot-like apertures in the flattened distal end of the push wire; providing one or more lock wires configured to fit into the oval opening; positioning the flattened distal end of the push wire within the oval opening of the second end with the flattened distal end in a first orientation relative to the oval opening; securing the push wire to the connector by axially rotating the distal end from the first orientation to a second orientation relative to the oval opening; and positioning one or more lock wires into the oval opening while the distal end of the push wire is in the second orientation. (17) The method of embodiment 16, further comprising providing a spring within the generally circular cavity configured to rotate the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation in response to removal of the one or more lock wires. (18) The method of embodiment 16, further comprising forming a sloped inner surface within the connector such that the distal end of the push wire rotates from the second orientation to the first orientation in response to pulling the push wire in a proximal direction. (19) The method of embodiment 16, further comprising delivering the push wire, the one or more lock wires, the connector, and the intravascular implant through a microcatheter to a treatment site while the intravascular implant is in an undeployed configuration. (20) expanding the intravascular implant to a deployed configuration; removing the one or more lockwires from the oval opening in the connector; releasing the distal end of the push wire from the connector by rotating the distal end from the second orientation to the first orientation; 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising deploying the intravascular implant at the treatment site to occlude a substantially spherical cavity.

Claims

1. 1. An intravascular implant detachment mechanism comprising: an intravascular implant having a pinched end; a connector attached to the pinch end at a first end and including an opening at a second end; a generally circular cavity distal to said opening; a push wire having a distal end, the distal end including one or more slot-like apertures, the distal end configured to fit into the opening in a first orientation relative to the opening; one or more lock wires configured to fit into the opening while the distal end of the push wire is in a second orientation; An intravascular implant detachment mechanism, wherein axial rotation of the push wire moves the distal end of the push wire from the first orientation to the second orientation, thereby securing the push wire to the intravascular implant.

2. 2. The endovascular implant detachment mechanism of claim 1, wherein the connector is configured to detach from the push wire in response to removal of the one or more lock wires from the opening and axial rotation of the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation.

3. 3. The endovascular implant detachment mechanism of claim 2, further comprising a spring embedded within the generally circular cavity configured to rotate the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation in response to the removal of the one or more lock wires.

4. 4. The endovascular implant detachment mechanism of claim 3, wherein the one or more locking wires are configured to prevent the spring from rotating the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation while the one or more locking wires are positioned within the opening.

5. 2. The endovascular implant detachment mechanism of claim 1, wherein the connector further comprises an angled inner surface configured to facilitate axial rotation of the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation in response to pulling the push wire in a proximal direction.

6. The endovascular implant detachment mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the one or more locking wires include two locking wires.

7. 2. The endovascular implant detachment mechanism of claim 1, wherein the one or more locking wires are effective to prevent axial rotation of the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation while the one or more locking wires are positioned within the opening of the connector.

8. The intravascular implant detachment mechanism of claim 1 , further comprising a microcatheter sized to deliver the intravascular implant to a treatment site while the intravascular implant is in an undeployed configuration.

9. The endovascular implant detachment mechanism of claim 8 , wherein the push wire is configured to push the endovascular implant through the microcatheter to the treatment site.

10. The intravascular implant detachment mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the intravascular implant is configured to expand into a deployed configuration to occlude a substantially spherical cavity.

11. 1. An intravascular implant detachment mechanism comprising: an intravascular implant having a pinched end; a connector attached to the pinch end at a first end and including an opening at a second end; a generally circular cavity distal to said opening; a push wire having a distal end, the distal end including one or more slot-like apertures, the distal end configured to fit into the opening in a first orientation relative to the opening; one or more lock wires configured to fit into the opening while the distal end of the push wire is in a second orientation; a spring disposed within the generally circular cavity, the spring configured to rotate the distal end of the push wire from a second orientation to the first orientation in response to removal of the one or more lock wires; An intravascular implant detachment mechanism, wherein axial rotation of the push wire moves the distal end of the push wire from the first orientation to the second orientation, thereby securing the push wire to the intravascular implant.

12. 12. The endovascular implant detachment mechanism of claim 11, wherein the connector is configured to detach from the push wire in response to the removal of the one or more lock wires from the opening and axial rotation of the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation.

13. 12. The endovascular implant detachment mechanism of claim 11, wherein the one or more locking wires are configured to prevent the spring from rotating the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation while the one or more locking wires are positioned within the opening.

14. 12. The endovascular implant detachment mechanism of claim 11, wherein the one or more locking wires are effective to prevent axial rotation of the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation while the one or more locking wires are positioned within the opening of the connector.

15. The endovascular implant detachment mechanism of claim 11 , further comprising a microcatheter sized to deliver the endovascular implant to a treatment site while the endovascular implant is in an undeployed configuration.

16. 1. A method for constructing an intravascular implant detachment mechanism, comprising: providing an intravascular implant with a pinched end; forming a connector having a first end configured to be attached to the pinched end of the intravascular implant, a second end including an oval opening, and a generally circular cavity distal to the oval opening; attaching the first end of the connector to the pinch end; providing a push wire, the push wire comprising a distal end; flattening the distal end of the push wire into an oval shape; forming one or more slot-like apertures in the flattened distal end of the push wire; providing one or more lock wires configured to fit into the oval opening; positioning the flattened distal end of the push wire within the oval opening of the second end with the flattened distal end in a first orientation relative to the oval opening; securing the push wire to the connector by axially rotating the distal end from the first orientation to a second orientation relative to the oval opening; and positioning one or more lock wires into the oval opening while the distal end of the push wire is in the second orientation.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a spring within the generally circular cavity configured to rotate the distal end of the push wire from the second orientation to the first orientation in response to removal of the one or more lock wires.

18. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising forming an angled inner surface in the connector such that the distal end of the push wire rotates from the second orientation to the first orientation in response to pulling the push wire in a proximal direction.

19. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising delivering the push wire, the one or more lock wires, the connector, and the intravascular implant through a microcatheter to a treatment site while the intravascular implant is in an undeployed configuration.

20. expanding the intravascular implant to a deployed configuration; removing the one or more lockwires from the oval opening in the connector; releasing the distal end of the push wire from the connector by rotating the distal end from the second orientation to the first orientation; 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising deploying the intravascular implant at the treatment site to occlude a substantially spherical cavity.

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