Method and apparatus for placement of an embolic coil

A method for positioning an embolic coil at a treatment site to effect embolization of a vascular aneurysm, comprising the steps of:

• providing an optic fiber for transmitting light energy therethrough;
• providing a connector means for releasably mounting the embolic coil means, including a double-ended energy absorbing body of material which is heated when exposed to light energy;
• crimpingly engaging the optic fiber with one end of the connector means, so as to assure attachment of the connector means to the fiber optic, despite heating of the connector body;
• bringing the embolic coil means into contact with another end of the connector means;
• bonding the embolic coil means to the other end of the connector means with a heat releasable adhesive means;
• advancing the optic fiber toward the treatment site so as to position the embolic coil thereat;
• transmitting light through the optic fiber to heat the connector means and to release the adhesive bond between the connector means and the embolic coil means;
• and
• moving the connector means out of engagement with the embolic coil means.

Apparatus for the intravascular delivery of a therapeutic device, comprising:

• an optic fiber for transmitting light energy therethrough, having a free end and an other end;
• connector means for releasably mounting the therapeutic device, including a double-ended energy absorbing body of material which is heated when exposed to light energy, the body having means at one end for attachment to the optic fiber free end so as to remain attached thereto despite heating of the connector body, and means at the other end for engaging the therapeutic device;
• and
• heat releasable adhesive means for bonding the therapeutic device to the other end of the connector means.

A method for the intravascular positioning of a therapeutic device at a treatment site, comprising the steps of:

• providing an optic fiber for transmitting light energy therethrough;
• providing a connector means for releasably mounting the therapeutic device, including a double-ended energy absorbing body of material which is heated when exposed to light energy;
• crimpingly engaging the optic fiber with one end of the connector means, so as to assure attachment of the connector means to the fiber optic, despite heating of the connector body;
• contacting the therapeutic device on another end of the connector means;
• and
• bonding the therapeutic device to the other end of the connector means with a heat releasable adhesive means;
• advancing the optic fiber toward the treatment site so as to position the therapeutic device thereat;
• transmitting light through the optic fiber to heat the connector means and to release the adhesive bond between the connector means and the therapeutic device;
• and
• moving the connector means out of engagement with the therapeutic device means.