Endovascular electrolytically detachable guidewire tip

Abstract

Abstract An artery, vein, aneurysm, vascular malformation or arterial fistula is occluded through endovascular electrothrombosis by the endovascular insertion of a platinum guidewire tip (30) into the vascular cavity followed by application of a positive current. The guidewire tip (30) is then separated from the guidewire by electrolytic separation of the tip from the guidewire (10). A portion (26) of the guidewire (10) connected between the tip (30) and the body of the guidewire (10) is comprised of stainless steel and exposed to the bloodstream so that upon continued application of a positive current to the exposed portion, the exposed portion is corroded away at least at one location and the tip (30) is separated from the body of guidewire (10). The guidewire (10) and the microcatheter are thereafter removed leaving the guidewire tip (30) embedded in the thrombus formed within the vascular cavity.

Inventors

• 👤 Guido Guglielmi
• 👤 Ivan Sepetka

Bibliographic Details