Delivery and detachment systems and methods for vascular implants

An implant delivery system, comprising:

• a delivery pusher;
• an implant device;
• a tether detachably connecting the implant device to the delivery pusher;
• and
• a heating element arranged coaxially about the tether and operable to sever the tether when energized;
• wherein the tether is in a substantially linear, non-tensioned configuration when it is connecting the implant device to the delivery pusher.

A method of releasing an implant from a delivery device comprising:

• (a) possessing a delivery device having an implant detachably connected to the delivery device with a tether having a substantially linear configuration, and a coiled heating element coaxially surrounding the tether and having a heat-generating zone configured to achieve a temperature sufficient to sever the tether when the heating element is activated;
• (b) using the delivery device to position the implant at a target location within a vascular lumen of a patient;
• and
• (c) activating the heating element so that the tether is severed near the implant so as to release the implant from the delivery device.