MXPA98006137A

MXPA98006137A - Methods and apparatus for blocking the flow through sanguin vessels

Info

Publication number: MXPA98006137A
Application number: MXPA/A/1998/006137A
Authority: MX
Inventors: C Evard Philip; Makower Joshua; R Machold Timothy; Jensen Marc; Tgaribotto John; E Macaulay Patrick; B Whitt Jason; Flaherty Jc
Original assignee: Transvascular Inc
Priority date: 1996-02-02
Filing date: 1998-07-30
Publication date: 1999-09-20

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses to occlude the blood flow within a blood vessel. In a first series of embodiments, the present invention comprises a plurality of embolic devices that can be deployed through the lumen of a conventional catheter such that when deployed. the embolic devices remain resident and occlude the blood flow at a specific site within the lumen of the blood vessel. Such embolic devices comprise either embolic, mechanical devices that become embedded within or are pressed against the lumen of the vessel or vaso-occlusive agents, chemicals that hermetically seal the blood flow at a given site. A second embodiment of the present invention comprises the use of a vacuum / cauterization device capable of sucking into the lumen of the vessel around the device to maintain the vessel in a closed condition where a sufficient amount of energy is then applied to cause the tissue It collapses around the device to denature in a closure. In a third series of embodiments, the present invention comprises the combination of an embolization facilitator coupled with the application of an energy force to form an intraluminal closure at a specified site within a

Description

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR BLOCKING FLOW THROUGH BLOOD VESSELS Related Applications This patent application claims the priority for the US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60 / 010,614, filed on February 2, 1996, and is a continuation in part of the co-pending US Patent Applications 08 / 730,327, filed on October 11, 1996 and 08 / 730,496, filed on October 11, 1996, the complete description of each related request that is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to devices < doctors, and more particularly to methods and apparatuses to block or close the lumens of the blood vessels or other anatomical conduits.

Background of the Invention In the practice of modern medicine, it is often desirable to block or otherwise prevent the flow through the lumen of a blood vessel or other anatomical conduit. Examples of medical procedures where it is desirable to block lumens of blood vessels include: a) methods proposed to decrease or block blood flow in vascular aneurysms (e.g., cerebral aneurysms); b) proposed methods for obstructing lateral branches that arise from a segment of a peripheral vein to prepare the segment of the vein for use as a bypass in situ; c) proposed procedures to treat varicose veins; d) catheter-based, transvascular procedures for diverting diseased or injured arteries, obstructed as described in US Patent Applications Nos. 08 / 730,327 and 08 / 730,496; e) proposed methods for blocking or decreasing blood flow to a tumor; f) proposed procedures to close acquired congenital or arteriovenous malformations; and g) methods proposed to temporarily or permanently block blood flow through a vessel as an adjunct to the placement of an endovascular graft for the treatment of an aneurysm or other therapeutic intervention. Examples of embolization devices that can be used to block the lumens of some blood vessels have been described in the following North American patents: Nos. 5,382,260 issued to Dormandy, Jr. et al; 5,342,394 issued to Matsuno et al; 5,108,407 issued to Geremia et al; and 4,994,069 issued to Ritchart et al .; 5,382,261 issued to Palmaz; 5,486,193 issued to Bourne et al; 5,499,995 issued to Teirstein; 5,578,074 issued to Mirigian; and also the International Publication of the Patent Cooperation Treaty No. O96 / 00034 issued to Palermo. The new transvascular, catheter-based diversion procedures described in copending application Nos. 08 / 730,327 and 08 / 730,496 include 'certain coronary artery diversion procedures wherein a tissue penetration catheter is advanced. , transluminally, within the coronary vasculature and used to form at least one passage for blood flow (eg, a puncture tract or interstitial tunnel) between an obstructed coronary artery and an adjacent coronary vein, at an upstream site of arterial obstruction. The arterial blood will then flow from the coronary artery, obstructed within the adjacent coronary vein. The lumen of the coronary vein is blocked or closed immediately next to the first passage of blood flow such that arterial blood entering the vein will be forced to flow through the vein in the retrograde direction. In this way, the arterial blood of the obstructed artery can retropress the myocardium through the coronary vein. Or, optionally, one or more secondary blood flow passages (eg, puncture tracts or interstitial tunnels) can be formed between the coronary vein within which the arterial blood has been diverted and the artery obstructed or other coronary artery, to allow arterial blood to re-enter the coronary artery tree after having prevented arterial obstruction. In cases where such passages are formed for blood flow, secondary between the coronary vein and one or more adjacent arteries, the lumen of the coronary vein may be blocked or closed distal to such secondary passages, to facilitate the reintroduction of arterial blood. diverted within the coronary artery circulation. These cross-catheter, transvascular, coronary artery bypass procedures present unique and hitherto neglected problems in relation to the type (s) of blocking devices that can be used to block the lumen of the coronary vein. proximal and / or distal to the arterial-venous blood flow passages (eg, puncture tracts or interstitial tunnels) formed during the procedure. In particular, when arterial blood is diverted through a proximal segment of the Major Coronary Vein, it will typically be desirable to block the coronary vein lumen at or near its confluence of coronary venous sinuses. This proximal segment of the Greater Coronary Vein is of tapered or angular configuration and, as a result, the deployment of embolization reels, typical of the type traditionally used to embolize or block the lumens of the blood vessels or the defined spaces of the aneurysm. being unappropriated, due to the fact that such embolization reels may become loosened or loosened due to the gradually tapering or enlarged anatomy of the proximal segment of the Major Coronary Vein. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for the development of new methods and apparatuses to block or otherwise seal the lumens of blood vessels or other anatomical conduits, and which are usable in tapered (ie, widened) segments of the blood vessel (eg, the proximal end of the Major Coronary Vein) and / or are capable of being removed after implantation and / or may be pierced or pierced after implantation.

Brief Description of the Invention The present invention provides methods and devices for blocking or closing the lumens of blood vessels to prevent blood flow therethrough. The devices of the present invention provide certain advantages over the prior art, such as i) possible quality of being movable after implantation and / or ii) possible quality of being pierceable or traversed again after implantation and / or iii ) the ability to provide blockage of substantially immediate and permanent flow through a tapered or enlarged region of a blood vessel lumen (e.g., the proximal portion of the greater coronary vein). The devices of the present invention generally fall into two main categories-- i) implantable lumen locking devices and ii) devices that can be used to weld or otherwise cause the lumenal walls of the blood vessel to constrict a closed configuration or constricting in a limb that has been placed within the lumen of the blood vessel.

Implantable Lumen Locking Apparatus The implantable lumen locking device of the present invention generally comprises i) a coupling portion with the blood vessel which is operative to fix the apparatus to the surrounding wall of the blood vessel and ii) a blocking portion of the lumen, which is operative to prevent the flow of blood in at least one direction, through the lumen of the blood vessel. According to the invention, these initially implantable lumen locking devices can be deployed in a radially compact configuration to facilitate their transluminal delivery through the vasculature (eg, into a delivery catheter or other delivery tool). After reaching the desired implantation site, such lumen locking devices are radially expandable to an operative configuration wherein the coupling portion to the blood vessel of the apparatus will be coupled to the wall of the blood vessel and the blocking portion of the lumen of the apparatus. It will block the lumen of the blood vessel to prevent blood from flowing through it in at least one direction. In addition, according to the invention, the vessel coupling portion of the apparatus may comprise a structural configuration of wire or other suitable material. The blocking portion of the lumen of the apparatus may comprise a membrane, sponge, tissue panel, plug, disc or other member sized to be transversely positioned within the lumen of the vessel to block blood flow. Still further in accordance with the invention, the vessel coupling portion of the apparatus may comprise a plurality of members that emerge outward from a point of support such that, when pressure is applied against the fulcrum, such pressure will cause the plurality of limbs become pushed outward and thus expand radially, lengthen or exert pressure outward against the wall of the blood vessel, thereby preventing the device from releasing or migrating from its seated position within the vessel blood In addition, according to the invention, these implantable lumen blocking devices may comprise radiographically visible material to allow the lumen locking device to be displayed radiographically after implantation. Still further, according to the invention, these implantable lumen blocking devices may comprise a shape or resilient or elastic memory material which will self-expand from its operational configuration by its own resilient force or by undergoing a phase transformation when it is exposed and heated to body temperature. Alternatively, such implantable lumen blocking devices may comprise plastically deformable material that can be deformed from its radially compact configuration to its operative configuration by the application of pressure or force. Such plastically deformable modalities, may be initially mounted in a delivery catheter equipped with a tool exerting outward pressure (eg, a balloon or other mechanical means) such that, after the device has been placed in its desired location within a blood vessel, the pressurizing tool can be used to plastically deform the device to its radially expanded configuration where the coupling portion of the device will engage the vessel wall. Alternatively, some of these apparatuses may be inflatable from their radially compact configuration to their operational configuration. Still further according to the invention, at least some embodiments of the implantable lumen blocking devices are removable after implantation within the lumen of a blood vessel. The means by which such removal can be effected can include a connector or other union, a member for facilitating the attachment or connection to a wire, a catheter or other retraction apparatus for pulling, withdrawing, releasing, extracting, sucking or other way to move the previously implanted in the lumen of the catheter or other removal vehicle to remove the apparatus from the body. 0, in embodiments wherein the vessel coupling portion of the apparatus is formed of a shape memory alloy, the implanted apparatus can be subjected to an in situ treatment to cause it to contract radially. Such in situ treatment may comprise the infusion of a cooled liquid (such as an exit solution) to cause the transition of the memory material from the shape of the apparatus from one crystalline state to another with the concurrent radial contraction of the apparatus, from its operational configuration to a more radially compact configuration, suitable for extraction and removal. Still further according to the invention, some embodiments of the implantable lumen locking device may incorporate a lumen blocking portion that is traversable (i.e., punctureable). In this manner, a needle or other piercing element can be passed through the apparatus after its implantation to restore blood flow, or to gain access to portions of the blood vessel that are distal to the site in which the device is placed. implanted Still further according to the invention, some of these implantable lumenal locking devices may comprise a tissue of fabric or other permeable tissue material that will undergo cell growth inwardly endothelialization. In these modalities, the process of in-cell growth and endothelialization can be used to increase the fixation of the apparatus within the lumen of the blood vessel and / or to improve the long-term biocompatibility of the device after implantation. of the same.

Lumen Welding Devices The invention also includes apparatus for welding the lumen of a blood vessel. Agree These embodiments of the invention will provide intraluminally insertable devices having at least one suction orifice and at least one emission region of energy. Suction is applied through the suction orifice to cause the lumen of the blood vessel to collapse in an area adjacent to the device's energy emission region. Then, energy is supplied from the energy emission region to weld, cauterize or otherwise fuse or join the collapsed lumenal wall of the blood vessel, thereby closing the lumen of the blood vessel at that site. As an alternative for the use of emitted energy, these devices can supply an adhesive or other chemical substance capable of chemically adhering or fusing the lumen of the blood vessel to form the desired lumen closure. Further, according to this embodiment of the invention, an intraluminally insertable device is provided having a balloon formed therein, a fluid supply port, and an energy emission region. When the balloon is inflated, the balloon will temporarily block the vessel lumen. Therefore, a conductive medium that can flow (eg, saline) can be introduced through the fluid supply port and into the lumen of the vessel adjacent to the location of the energy emission region. Energy is then emitted such that energy will be transmitted through the conductive substance previously introduced to the wall of the blood vessel, thereby resulting in shrinkage or contraction of the vessel wall to result in closure of the lumen of the vessel. blood vessel in that site. Still further in accordance with this aspect of the invention, intraluminal devices are provided which deploy a core or embolic member which has a diameter smaller than the lumenal diameter of the blood vessel. These devices subsequently emit radiofrequency energy or other energy to cause the blood vessel wall to shrink or restrict around the previously deployed nucleus or embolic member. Therefore, the device can be removed, leaving the embolic core or member firmly implanted within the shrunken or restricted region of the blood vessel, thereby closing the blood vessel at this site. Additional objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art with reading and understanding of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, and with consideration of the accompanying drawings showing examples and certain preferred modalities.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a side view of a catheter used to deploy certain embolic devices within the vasculature according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along lines 2-2 of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a longitudinal, partial cross-sectional view of the catheter of Figure 1 which is used to deploy the second of two (2) embolic devices within one of two adjacently located blood vessels, each having a flow passage blood formed between them by means of two (2) anastomotic connections; Figure 3a is a perspective view of an embolic device of the jellyfish type according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the embolic device of the jellyfish type of Figure 3a according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embolic device of the sinusoidal wire type according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5a is a perspective view of the embolic device of the sinusoidal wire type according to a preferred, alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5b is a perspective view of the embolic device of the sinusoidal wire type according to a preferred, alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is an embolic device of the bird cage type according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6a is a perspective view of an alternative, preferred embodiment of the embolic device of the bird cage type; Figure 6b is a perspective view of an alternative, preferred embodiment of the embolic device of the bird cage type; Figure 7 is a perspective view of an embolic device of the umbrella type according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a perspective view of an embolic device of the cup type according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9a is a perspective view of an embolization device of the traversable type according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device assuming a first closed position; Figure 9b is a perspective view of the embolisation device of the traversable type of Figure 9a assuming a second open position; Figure 10 is a perspective view of an embolic device of the diaphragm type according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 is a perspective view of an embolic device of the covered reel type according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12a is a cross-sectional view of an embolic device of the ring embolization type according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ring embolizing device which assumes a first uninflated state within the lumen of a blood vessel; Figure 12b is a cross-sectional view of the embolic device of the ring embolization type of Figure 12a which assumes a second inflated state within the lumen of the blood vessel; Figure 13a is a cross-sectional view of an embolic device of the Stent mass / expansion sock type according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Stent mass device / expansion sock assuming a first elongated position inside the lumen of a blood vessel; Figure 13b is a cross-sectional view of the embolic device of the Stent mass / expansion sock type of Figure 13a assuming a second inverted state that causes the device to expand within the lumen; Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of an embolic device of the hook embolization type according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, seated within the lumen of a blood vessel; Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of an embolic device of the spherical reel type, covered in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, seated within the lumen of a blood vessel; Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of an embolic device of the hourglass type according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, seated within the lumen of a blood vessel; Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of an embolic device of the removable balloon type according to a first preferred embodiment; Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of an embolic device of the removable balloon type according to a second preferred embodiment; Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of an embolic device of the Spackle finder / applicator type according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, placed within the lumen of a blood vessel; Figure 20 is a perspective view of an embolic mass-stented, three-way valve device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, placed within the lumen of a blood vessel; Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of an embolization agent deploying within the lumen of a vessel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 22 is a perspective view of a system for blocking blood flow within a vessel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 23 is a perspective view of the distal end of a device for blocking blood flow within a vessel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end of the device of Figure 23 positioned within a longitudinal section of a blood vessel; Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end of the device of Figure 23 which is used to draw the lumen of the vessel wall around the distal tip of the device; Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 23 which is used to form an intraluminal closure within the blood vessel; Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end of a catheter that is used to deposit a mass of tissue derived from itself within the lumen of the blood vessel; Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of a collection of embolic, conductive threads deposited within the lumen of a blood vessel with an exposed, electrical ground shown extending therefrom; Figure 29a is a cross-sectional view of a textured electrode plug positioned within the lumen of a blood vessel with an insulated conductive wire extending therefrom; Figure 29b is a cross-sectional view of the electrode plug of Figure 29a that fuses to the lumen of the blood vessel, the electrode plug which is coupled to an energy source by means of a conductive wire; Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end of a catheter that is used to make an infusion of a conductive substance into the lumen of a blood vessel, the distal end of the catheter having an isolated electrode protruding therefrom and a balloon that assumes an inflatable state placed near the distal end; and Figure 30a is a cross-sectional view of a blood vessel having an intraluminal closure formed therein.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Mood With reference now to the drawings, and initially to Figures 1-21, methods and apparatuses are shown for occluding the blood flow within a vessel at a desired location within the vasculature. The methods and apparatuses described herein are particularly well suited for occluding readily, if not immediately, blood flow within a vessel having a tapered or enlarged lumen; such as the major coronary vein, where vaso-occlusion is especially difficult. In the same way, the methods and apparatuses described herein are ideally designed to be able to withstand the differences and fluctuations of arterial-venous blood pressure such that the blood flow can be occluded at the desired location for prolonged, if not indefinite, lengths. of time. This need to achieve vasoocclusion especially has its own nature in certain in situ deviation procedures where the blood flow passages are formed between two blood vessels located adjacently (eg, between a blocked coronary artery and a coronary vein). adjacent) to divert a diseased, injured or obstructed segment of a blood vessel, as depicted in Figure 3, and has previously been described in US Patent Applications Serial Nos. 08 / 730,327 and 08 / 730,496, the teachings of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. As shown, in order for the blood flow 18 to be directed back around an ill or obstructed segment 20 of the vessel 22, it is required that the blood flow 18 be directed back into the vessel 22 from which the blood flow originates . To ensure that the blood flow 18 again enters the obstructed vessel 22, or enters any other vessel after having prevented the obstruction, it is essential that the adjacently located blood vessel 24, through which the flow 18 is directed again, be sufficiently vaso-occluded at a site both upstream and downstream of the newly directed blood flow 18. While the prior art is replete with various embolization devices, such as helical reels, balloon catheters and the like, such embolic devices lack features such as recoverability, quality of being crossed and increased capacity to remain seated within the vasculature and resistances to the blood pressure differences of the veins-arteries, particularly at points that have a widened section of the lumen, in order to avoid migration when deployed at the site to be embolized. In this respect, such embolization devices of the prior art, most notably of which are the helical reels and chemical embolic agents, are typically and poorly sized or adapted to maintain long-term blockage in the enlarged, desired section of the lumen at to be embolized when the enlarged lumen, coupled with the blood pressure of the non-uniform, continuous vein-artery, exerted against the device, causes the same to migrate away from the position in which such a device is deployed. Additionally, such embolic devices of the prior art suffer from the disadvantage of being poorly designed to be advanced through and deployed from the lumen of a delivery catheter. In this regard, such embolic devices must necessarily be compressed or otherwise reduced in size to be advanced through the lumen of the catheter and then be able to assume an expanded position sufficient to occlude the blood flow. Such devices, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,499,995 issued to Teirstein, however, fail to achieve a sufficiently compressed state to allow easy deployment through the lumen of a catheter or, alternatively, once deployed through the catheter fails to assume a sufficiently expanded or vaso-occlusive configuration capable of occluding not only the blood flow, but remaining firmly placed within the lumen of the vessel at the desired deployment site.

In a first series of embodiments illustrated in Figures 2-21 and discussed further herein, a multiplicity of embolic devices and embolic agents are shown which are designed and configured to be deployed at the desired site to be occluded within the vasculature. using a conventional catheter 10, as shown in Figure 1. As is well known in the art, such catheters 10 have a lumen 12 formed therein through which the embolic devices described herein can be developed on-site wanted. In this respect, the embolic device 16, such as that illustrated in Figure 2, is loaded into lumen 12 of the catheter and advanced on all sides by means of a pusher 26, more clearly shown in Figure 3. Once that the desired site is accessed to be embolized by the distal end 14 of the catheter 10, the embolic device 16 is advanced through the lumen 12 of the distal end 14 of the catheter 10 where it remains non-migratory or resident. Common to each of the embodiments described herein is the advantage of each device to be either more easily deployed, and more particularly, delivered through lumen 12 of catheter 10; resist dislodging and remain more firmly placed or seated in the desired site to be vaso-occluded; includes means for quality to be traversed that allows additional procedures to be performed through them at a later date; or includes means for allowing such devices to be retrieved, typically through a catheter, at a later date. It is further advantageous to provide such embolic devices that are opaque to radiation so that the position of such devices, and more particularly the placement thereof, can be determined with a high degree of precision. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, such characteristics provide the physician or practitioner with enhanced capabilities to achieve greater vaso-occlusion within a patient at specific sites within the vasculature, as well as access or retrieval thereof in the future, as may be necessary in subsequent proceedings. With respect to the first of such embolic devices, an embolic device of the jellyfish type 16 comprising a combination of a woven, composite, braided or polymeric tip 16a placed on a wire structure or configuration is shown in Figures 2, 3 and 3a. , cylindrical 16b. The tissue or polymer tip 16a is preferably manufactured from a thin, stretchable material such as any silicone, urethane, polyethylene, Teflon, nylon, Carbothane, Tecoflex, Tecothane, Tecoth or other similar materials well known to those skilled in the art. technique. The tip of fabric or polymer 16a can be further textured or corrugated to aid in the endothelialization of the tip 16a and further, it can be preferentially reinforced with the fabric comprised of polyester, nylon, Dacron, ePFTE and the like, which can be molded on deck 16a or expose on the surface thereof. Alternatively, such reinforcing fabric can cover the polymer cover, complete 16a or can be strategically located to prevent wear of such cover 16a. For example, such a fabric can be used to join or sew the cover over the cylindrical wire structure 16b.

The cylindrical structure 16b is preferably manufactured of a malleable, radiopaque and biologically compatible material, such as titanium wire of nickel, tantalum, stainless steel, platinum, gold, tungsten, coated tungsten, titanium, Elgioy MP35M, platinum, as well as also other alloys of these metals and the like, and are preferentially formed to have a zigzag configuration. The cylindrical structure 16b is further formed such that the structure can exist in a first collapsed state, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, for deployment through lumen 12 of a catheter 10, and assuming a second expanded position, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 3a, once expelled from the distal end 14 of the catheter 10 at the desired point to be embolized. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, by forming the cylindrical structure 16b of the heat-or superelastic expansive material, such as Nitinol, such an embolic device 16 can thus assume a low profile for easier delivery through the lumen. 12 of the deployed catheter 10. To further increase the ability of the device 16 to assume such a low profile, the two wires comprising the cylindrical structure 16b can be formed to further compress on themselves such that the diameter of the structure is greatly reduced. Likewise, such materials advantageously allow the device 16 to assume an expanded configuration which thus facilitates the vaso-occlusion within the vessel 24. In this respect, the device 16 is preferably formed such that the elastic tip 16a only about one half to one third of the distal end of the cylindrical portion 16b is formed to thereby allow the free end of the cylinder 16b to fully expand around the lumen of the vessel 24 once it is deployed and allowed that assumes the expanded configuration. To further facilitate the ability of the cylindrical portion 16b to adhere to the lumen of the vessel 24 when in the expanded configuration, the cylindrical structure 16b may have curvatures formed around it to thereby increase the frictional engagement between the structure 16b and the lumen of the vessel 24. As it should be recognized, in order to achieve the optimal vaso-occlusive effect, the embolic device 16 must be deployed such that the membrane 16a faces the flow of blood 18 in front. By facing the blood flow 18 in front, such blood pressure actually facilitates the ability of the device 16 to remain seated within the desired site within the vessel lumen 24. In this respect, the uncovered, free portion of the cylindrical structure 16b does not it is constrained or otherwise restricted from assuming a fully expanded configuration. In fact, as illustrated in Figure 3a, the free ends of the cylindrical structure 16b can be configured to yield outwardly to thereby be embedded within the wall of the lumen at the vaso-occlusion site. As will be recognized, the embolization device 16, when housed within the lumen 24 of a vessel in the expanded state, is oriented such that the tip of elastomeric tissue or polymer 16a produces a vaso-occlusive surface that restricts blood flow to through the glass. However, advantageously, such a tissue or polymer tip 16a further provides a means for accessing it through the vaso-occluded site, when it may be necessary to perform certain procedures at a later time. In this respect, a catheter, for example, can be advanced axially through the barrel-like occlusive barrier formed by the elastomeric tip 16a without otherwise altering the ability of the cylindrical structure 16b to remain axially seated around the lumen. of the glass. In the same way, such device 16, by virtue of the cylindrical structure 16b which is made of the heat-constrictive material, allows the device 16 to be easily recovered through the lumen 12 of a catheter 10 by exposing the structure 10b at reduced temperatures, which in this way causes the cylindrical structure 16b to assume a restricted configuration which makes it possible for it to be withdrawn axially in the lumen 12 of a catheter 10. With reference to Figures 4, 5 and 6, alternative embodiments of the embolic device are shown. of the jellyfish type according to the present invention. With respect to Figure 4, an embolic device 28 comprised of a plurality of longitudinally extending wires 28b collectively connected at one end by a welded or outer hypotube is shown. The tissue or polymer tip 28a is placed about a third or a distal half of the longitudinally extending wires 28b such that when deployed, the elastomeric tip 28a expands radially to form a vaso-occlusive surface. As will be recognized, the longitudinally extending wires 28b, by virtue of their arrangement, are oriented to radially embed themselves within the lumen of the vessel and to actually increase the ability of the device 28 to become more firmly seated at the vessel site -occlusion as more pressure is exerted by the occluded blood flow on the tissue of the polymer tip 28a. Additionally, it should be noted that such an arrangement of the longitudinally extending wires 28b can easily be collapsed to enable the device 28 to be recovered through the lumen of a catheter, if necessary at a later time. To increase such recoverability, such a device may also preferably include a ring member (not shown) formed in welded connection of the elongated wires 28b to thereby provide a means for engaging the device and recovering it through the lumen of a Catheter should be necessary to remove the device and restore blood flow through the occluded vessel. Figure 5 represents yet another embodiment of this first class of embolic devices wherein the cylindrical structure 30b comprises round wires that assume a sinusoidal configuration. The cylindrical structure 30b, as shown, is completely covered with the elastomeric tip 30a such that when deployed, the cylindrical structure 30b expands, thereby causing the elastomeric tip 30a to expand correspondingly, radially around the lumen of the vessel, thus inhibiting the blood flow through it. Advantageously, by completely covering the cylindrical structure 30b with the elastomeric cover 30a, a maximum locking effect with respect to a vaso-occlusion through the vessel is thus achieved. In a preferred embodiment, the configuration of the wound wire 30b shown in Figure 5 can assume a zigzag configuration 30c, as illustrated in Figure 5a. As illustrated, the wire structure is provided with a continuous series of straight sections 30d, rigidly connected at the apexes to form a zigzag structure where, in a compressed state, tension is stored in the straight sections 30d of the device with the which minimizes the tension in the joints / apexes and allows the low profile supply. In yet another preferred embodiment, the configuration of the wire structure 30b, 30c and the images 5 and 5a, respectively, can be configured to form a frusto-conical structure 30d, such as that shown in Figure 5b. Such an embodiment is deployed such that the narrow end of the device is placed in the direction of blood flow with the enlarged end which is thus allowed to expand more fully, and thus impart a greater compressive, axial force around the lumen of the vessel. . Referring now to Figure 6, an alternate bird cage type embolization device 32 is shown according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the embolic device 32 comprises a multiplicity of wires running longitudinally to form a cylindrical structure 32b, connected at both ends by a joint or weld or an outer hypotube such that the central portion of the cylinder yields outward to form a shape of bulb. The elastomeric tip 32a is placed around a respective end of the device 32 to thereby occlude the blood flow once deployed within a lumen of a vessel. In the variations of this modality, the cylindrical portion 32b may be formed such that the ends 32c ', 32c "of the structure are inverted at both ends axially within the structure, as shown in Figure 6a. Such a configuration minimizes trauma to the vessel with deployment and afterwards. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 6b, the embolic device can be formed such that the center portion of the structure 32b is compressed to form a straight section 32d with bulbous structures 32e ', 32e' 'that are formed in the opposite ends of the structure 32b. Advantageously, such a configuration provides greater addition to the vessel wall because the two (2) bulbous structures 32e, 32e '' make axial contact around the lumen of the vessel. With respect to Figure 7, there is shown an embolic device of the umbrella type 34 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device, similar to the aforementioned medusa-type embolisers, includes a network of longitudinally extending wires 34b surrounded by a tissue or elastic polymer tip 34a. However, the wires 34b in accordance with this embodiment engage outwardly to force such wires 34b outwardly to a larger diameter. As such, the device 34 readily assumes a collapsed first position where it can be advanced through the catheter for deployment, and then can expand into a second state whereby the wires are radially outwardly wound around the vessel lumen. . By virtue of the orientation of the embolic device 34 within the vessel, it must be recognized that the flow of blood to the device 34 actually facilitates the ability of the device 34 to remain seated within the vessel. As an option, the device 34 can be further provided with a retaining ring to make it possible for the device to be retrieved should it become necessary at a later time to remove it.

Figure 8 depicts a cup-type embolization device 36 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Such device 36 comprises at least two (2) self-expandable wire structures 36a, 36b bent at substantially their respective midpoints and intersecting in the curvatures to preferentially form an angle of approximately 90 ° C, although other angles may be possible. . The device 36 is covered with a graft or other micropore membrane 36c such that when deployed, the graft micropore membrane 36c facilitates and increases the formation of a blood clot, thus occluding the blood flow. As will be recognized, the self-expanding wire structures 36a, 36b provide radial force, substantial for seating the device within the vessel. Additionally, such a device 36 offers the advantages of being able to be easily compressed, to make it possible in this way for the device to be advanced and deployed through the lumen of a catheter. Such a device 36 further provides the advantage of being able to be recovered, much like the umbrella embolic device discussed above, with respect to the insertion of the wire structures 36a, 36b provides an ideal location for hooking and retrieving such device 36 through the lumen of a catheter. A retaining ring (not shown) can also be formed at the intersection of the wire structures 36a to provide a simpler means for recovering such a device 36. Referring now to Figures 9a and 9b, an atraveable embolization device is shown. 38 according to still another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device 38 comprises a resilient spring disk 36a which forms a conical blocker 38a. The pointed end of the blocker rests on the vessel in communication with the blood flow path represented by the letter A. To ensure that such a closure is maintained, a plurality of inwardly biased members 38c are provided which force the device 38 to assume a first 'closed position as shown in Figure 9a. Actually, as it should be recognized, the flow of blood in the direction A to the conical shape 38a actually increases and facilitates the ability of the device 38 to remain seated within the vessel.

However, advantageously, the traversable embolization device 38 is able to assume a second open position whereby the entry through the side of the device opposite to the blood flow, represented by the letter B, will cause an opening to be formed. axial within the device such that the blood flow can be restored or the vessel can be accessed if necessary. Referring now to Figure 10, an embolic device of the diaphragm type 42 is depicted according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Such a device comprises a membrane 42b stretched on an outer, annular, resilient spring 42a thereby forming a disc with a flexible cover. The annular, outer spring 42a may preferably be comprised of a shape memory alloy, such as Nitinol, which expands when heated at certain temperatures, and more particularly, the temperatures normally associated with the human body (i.e. , approximately 37 ° C (98.6 ° F)). As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the stretchable membrane 42b used to approximately extend the annular spring 42a can be penetrated and crossed, i.e., atraveable, so that at a later time any side of the vaso-occluded site can be access, it should become necessary to access it in the future. Referring now to Figure 11, a covered reel embolic device 40 is shown according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Essentially, the device comprises a helical reel 40a contained within an elastomeric bag 40b. The device 40 is capable of being compressed, thus allowing it to be advanced through the lumen of the deployment catheter where it is then pushed out, by means of a pusher or pusher, at the desired site to be occluded. Once ejected, the spool 40a expands axially within the vessel in alignment with the direction of blood flow, thereby causing the elastic material 40b covering the respective ends of the spool to occlude the blood flow. Such a device 40, in addition to achieving the desired vaso-occlusion, has the advantage of providing an atraveable axial path, formed by stretched elastomeric material on the respective ends of the device 40, which can be accessed via a catheter through the occluded site. it should be necessary at some time afterwards to perform a procedure inside the vessel at the site opposite to the vaso-occlusion. Figures 12a and 12b depict a ring embolizing device 44 comprised of the combination of a first hard cover of non-compliant material 44a coupled with a second inflatable occluder 44b that is made of more compliant material. The device 44 is expelled through the distal end of the catheter with the occluder 44b remaining in an uninflated state. The device is expelled from the catheter such that the occluder 44b is axially positioned within the direction of blood flow, represented by the letter C, and then inflated with a biologically compatible material, such as saline. By virtue of the force of the blood flow which is compressed against the inflated occluder 44b, in this way the distensible material of the occluder 44b is caused to expand radially and to widen or bite or clamp within the lumen of the vessel 46 as shown in FIG. Figure 12b. In this respect, occluder 44b, by virtue of its having a fixed surface area, provides radial compression around the vessel lumen 46 to thereby cause device 44 to remain in a fixed position relative to the lumen of the vessel. Referring now to Figures 13a and 13b, there is shown an embolic device of Stent mass / expansion sock 48 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device 48 comprises a matrix 48a formed of a biologically compatible material, such as Nitiniol, with a sock 48b formed at the respective end thereof. Matrix 48a is constructed such that it can assume a collapsed first position, thus making it possible for device 48 to be advanced through a delivery catheter. In such a collapsed state, as illustrated in Figure 13a, the device 48 deploys at the site to be occluded with the sock 48b formed at the end of the device that is ejected in the direction of blood flow, represented by the letter D. Blood flows through the cylindrical structure 48a and thus tends to decrease its length thereby causing a corresponding increase in its diameter, thus closing the structure 48a in place. In this respect, the matrix comprising the cylindrical structure 48a is compressed radially around the lumen of the vessel, thereby causing it to remain resident. As it should be recognized, the cover or sock 48b is attached to the end of the cylinder to be oriented upstream of the blood flow, such that the cover or sock 48b is caused to invert axially within the cylindrical structure to thereby block the blood flow, as represented by the letter F. Such design of device 48 advantageously prevents the migration of the desired site of vaso-occlusion when an increase in blood pressure pushing against such device 48 actually increases the capacity of the device 48 to become more securely seated within the vessel at the site of the vaso-occlusion and further provides a means for traversing the embolic device through the sock 48b axially positioned within the matrix 48a. With reference now to Figure 14, an embolic device of the hook type 50 is shown according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device 50 comprises a structure similar to a sponge 50a comprised of entangled wire having hooks or protrusions 50b extending radially about to embed the device 50 within the vessel wall in the downstream direction of the blood flow. By virtue of the frictional coupling between the hooks 50b and the lumen of the vessel 52, the device 50 is held in place indefinitely in this way. The device may also preferably include radiological markers or may be radiopaque. Figure 15 depicts yet another preferred embodiment of a spherical reel embolizing device, covered 54 according to the present invention. Such a device comprises a heat-expandable reel (not shown) contained within an elastomeric cover 54a, such as silicone or polyurethane. The spool is preferably manufactured from the shape memory alloy such as Nitinol, which becomes elongated when heated to body temperature. Essentially, the spool will radially expand to approximately 37 ° C (98.6 ° F) and will compress radially around the lumen of vessel 56 which thus causes the device to remain resident at a specific site. As will be recognized, the reel will be deployed through the catheter in a contracted state so that the device can be easily delivered to a specific site. To further increase the ability of the device 54 to remain resident at a specific site within the lumen of a vessel, the reel may be designed such that when the multiple, heat-expanded ends of the reel 54b protrude from the elastomeric cover 54a which may serve for embedding the device 54 within the lumen of the vessel 56, thereby increasing its capacity to remain resident. Referring now to Figure 16, an embolic device of the hourglass type 58 is shown according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device 58 comprises a tubular, cylindrical structure in which the diameter of the ends are greater than the diameter of the center of the device. Each respective end of the device is covered with a graft or other membrane 58c which, when placed within the lumen of the vessel, occludes the blood flow. The tubular structure is formed by means of a series of posts or columns 58a maintained engaged at their midpoint 58b, thereby allowing the respective ends of the posts or columns to be chamfered radially outward thereby exerting a pressure radial at both ends of the device, as represented by the legend G. In an alternative embodiment, the posts or columns, when opposed to being held coupled at their midpoint, are skewed at their respective midpoints such that when they are held collectively together they form the tubular, cylindrical structure shown in Figure 16. Advantageously, by exerting a radial pressure at two points along the length of the vessel, such device 58 achieves a greater capacity to remain seated, and thus does not will migrate from your desired site of occlusion. In this regard, such a device 58 actually becomes more firmly embedded within the lumen of the vessel when greater pressure is exerted against the ends of the device 58. In addition, when the slanted posts or columns are used in the alternative embodiment mentioned above, provision is made additionally an axial path, traversable in the vaso-occluded site when the posts or columns do not need to be coupled at their midpoint, which would otherwise obstruct such an axial path. In addition, such a device 58 provides the advantage of being more easily deployed, as well as recovered, as the device 58 can easily assume a linear, collapsed configuration by aligning the posts or columns 58a in general in parallel relation to each other, thereby reducing the size of the radially extending ends of the poles or columns of the device. Such a reduction in the diameter of the ends of the device 58 allows it to be easily advanced through or removed from the lumen of a catheter. Referring now to Figure 17, there is shown an embolic, removable device 60, according to a preferred embodiment, comprised of an inner core 60a and an outer coating 60b, wherein the inner core 60a consists of a material that expands and it is contracted by means of a controllable means, such as a chemical that reacts to either heat or cold, such as by contacting the device 60 with a rapidly heated or cooled saline solution. Such expansion and contraction of the inner core 60a can be further controlled by the use of shape memory, thermal, such as Nitinol, or plastic having a necessary expandable force. Such inner core 60a may further be comprised of hydrogel contained within an elastomeric bag. As will be recognized, once the inner core 60a is deployed and reacted to assume an expanded state, the outer coating 60b expands to compress radially around the lumen of the vessel, thus occluding the blood flow. As will be recognized, such a device 60 advantageously allows the reversible vaso-occlusion as soon as the inner core 60a can be constricted, and thus the embolic device can be removed, as the subsequent time might be necessary to facilitate the removability of such device 60, outer liner 60b can be preferably manufactured from elastomeric materials having a smooth surface that is resistant to inward growth and prevents blood from coagulating around. As will be recognized, such features make it possible for such a device 60 to be more easily removed without the possibility of damaging or otherwise disrupting the luminal tissue. Similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 17, Figure 18 depicts a removable balloon embolization device 62 comprising a balloon filled with heat expandable material such that at temperatures above 32.2 ° C (90 ° F), the Expandable material expands outward to keep the balloon in a fixed position relative to the vessel wall. By virtue of the balloon-like nature of the outer periphery of the device, a less traumatic means of occluding the blood flow is thus provided. As with the device shown in Figure 17, the removable balloon embolization device 62 can be advantageously recovered by the application of a cooling source, such as cold saline. Similarly, to increase such a removable quality, the balloon embolization device 62 should be made of stretchable material having a smooth outer surface which is resistant to inward growth and which prevents the blood from coagulating around. Referring now to Figures 19 and 20, and more particularly 19, two (2) embodiments of the present invention are shown capable of restricting blood flow in more than one direction, and can also be used to redirect blood flow in a given address. With respect to the embodiment shown in Figure 19, there is shown a Spackle embolizing paste finder / applicator 64 consisting of a double balloon catheter having a central lumen, having a plurality of openings 64d formed therein, disposed between the same and integrally formed with it. When deployed as shown, each respective balloon 64a, 64b is inflated to expand around the lumen of the vessel and thereby occlude blood flow therethrough. The lumen 64c placed between the respective balloons 64a, 64b can be used to infuse a contrast medium through the openings 64d formed therein to define branching vessels 68 that extend from the occluded vessel portion 66. The lumen 64c placed between the balloons furthermore it can be used advantageously to make an infusion of an embolization means to thereby include any branching vessel 68 that extends from the embolized section of the vessel 66.

Such a modality, in addition to providing the desired vaso-occlusion, further provides the advantage of defining branching vessels 68 that may otherwise go undetected (ie, difficult to visualize) due to the high velocity of blood flow passing to through the main vessel to be occluded. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, such high blood flow velocity has a tendency to eliminate or otherwise prevent the growth of sufficient contrast media at the concentrations detectable in such branching vessels. Additionally, such embodiment 64 further advantageously allows the infusion of the embolization means while such a catheter remains in place in the vessel, thereby eliminating the need for additional devices and the procedure in the event that it is necessary to occlude such vessels. branch. Figure 20 depicts a stent-mass, three-valve device 70 movable within a vessel which, in addition to occluding the blood flow, can be advantageously manipulated to redirect blood flow through a vessel as it might be wanted. In this respect, the stent mass device 70, which can be deployed like all other modalities mentioned above, specifically, by means of ejection through the lumen of a catheter of a desired location, is provided with three (3) valves 70a, 70b, 70c capable of occluding or facilitating blood flow. The respective valves 70a, 70b, 70c can be manipulated such that the blood flow pathways can be controlled at particular pressure differentials. Advantageously, such an embodiment 70 can be adapted to create a flow channel under a set of pressure conditions and a different flow path under different conditions. Referring now to Figure 21, there is still a still further, preferred way to achieve the specific, desired vaso-occlusion of the specific site by deployment of a vaso-occlusive agent 72 through the distal end of the catheter. As will be recognized, such an embolic agent 72 can be an injectable fluid, such as a liquid polymer, which gels in a solid, space-filling mass at the site or sites to be occluded. Alternatively, such embolic agent 72 may comprise microspheres comprised of solid or woven material that adheres to and accumulates around the site to be occluded. Such accumulation in this way causes the blood vessel to become occluded due to the generation of a blood clot around the embolic agent. To provide a means to controllably release such an embolic agent, a vacuum source capable of applying controlled suction within the lumen 12 of the deployment catheter 10 can be provided to thereby suck again any excess embolic agent. While it is understood that the aforementioned embolic devices, described herein, are particularly well suited and adapted for vaso-occlusion within a vessel, it should be further recognized that such devices may have applicability for all cases where the occlusion within a pathway. Referring now to Figures 22-26, additional methods and apparatus for occluding blood flow at a specific site within the vasculature are shown. As illustrated in Figure 22, the system 74 comprises the combination of a suction source 76 and an energy source 78 that are connected and can be applied through a catheter or similar device by means of a voice union. Plug. The suction source 76 can be any of a number of devices capable of generating and sustaining a suction source. The power source 78 may comprise either an RF generator or a microwave generator, a laser or light source, or it may be only a source of an electric current. With reference now to Figure 23, a preferred embodiment of the distal end 80 of a deployment catheter used to occlude the blood flow at a desired site is shown according to a preferred embodiment of the system 74. As illustrated, the distal end 80 comprises a distal tip 82 that has at least one electrode 84 formed at the most distal end thereof designed to impart the energy received from the energy source 78. The distal tip 82 is further provided with at least one opening 86 through which the force can be applied suction, provided by means of the suction source 76. As will be recognized, the distal end 80 preferably includes two openings 86a, 86b formed on opposite sides of the distal tip 82 to thereby provide a uniform suction around. The proximal end 80 is preferably provided with a balloon 88 capable of radially inflating around the delivery catheter. Referring now to Figures 24 through 26, the steps illustrating the intraluminal closure of a vessel according to the application of the system 74 are schematically shown. As shown in Figure 24, the catheter, and more particularly the distal end 80 thereof, is advanced through from the vasculature to the desired site to be occluded. As discussed above, the desired site to be embolized can be accessed using a conventional means known to those skilled in the art, such as by the use of a number of imaging modalities, such as by means of an image marker specific that can be placed on the distal end 80 of the catheter. Once the desired site is accessed, the distal tip 82 of the distal end 80 is placed just proximal to the site to be occluded. The balloon 88 formed in the distal end 80 is then inflated to temporarily occlude the blood flow, as well as to maintain the position of the distal tip 82 at the desired site where the intraluminal closure is to be formed. Then, the suction source 76 is applied such that the lumen of the vessel 90 is attracted and collapses around the distal tip 82 of the device, as illustrated in Figure 25. To facilitate adherence of the lumen 90 of the vessel around the tip distal 82, such distal tip 82 can be tapered preferentially. However, it should be recognized that the lumen of the vessel can collapse around the distal tip of the device by a mechanical means, such as by a hook extending through the distal end of the catheter, which can be embedded within the lumen of the vessel and put it in contact with the distal end of the catheter. While remaining in such a collapsed state around the distal tip 82 of the distal end 80, as illustrated in Figure 26, the power source 78 connected to the device can be energized to transfer energy to the electrodes 84 placed on the tip. distal 82. As illustrated, the electrodes 84 supply the energy to the junction between the walls of the collapsed vessel, juxtaposed 90, thereby causing the lumen walls 90 to become fused or otherwise denatured to form a permanent closure inside the lumen of the vessel. It should be noted that in order to increase the ability of the device to more fully fuse or otherwise close the lumen of the vessel, an energy absorbing substance applied to the vessel lumen 90 which denatures or otherwise becomes fused can additionally be provided. to the lumen of the glass. Such energy absorbing substances can comprise substances such as fibrin, polymers or collagen. Alternatively, a conductive substance applied to or around the lumen of the vessel 90, such as saline, may be provided to thereby facilitate the transfer of energy from the electrodes 84 to the lumen of the vessel 90. As will be recognized, the closure Intraluminal formed by means of two (2) step processes, specifically, by collapsing the tissue within the lumen of the vessel and fusing it to form an occlusive mass, forms a permanent closure within the lumen of the vessel, however such closure can be open again at a later time when cutting or otherwise forming a hole through the mass of denatured tissue. In fact, it is contemplated that certain channel connectors, such as those described in the PCT international patent application, co-pending, of the applicant No., they can be placed within the fused tissue to thereby provide a means to restore blood flow through the vessel. Referring now to Figures 27 to 30a, there is shown yet another set of methods and methods for occluding blood flow within a vessel. With respect to the following class of embodiments, the combination of an embolic facilitator coupled with the application of an energy force is provided to thereby fuse the embolic facilitator to the lumen of a vessel at the specific site to be occluded. As with the first series of embolic device modalities illustrated in Figures 2-21 above, the embolic facilitator is deposited inside the vasculature, by means of a catheter, at the desired site to be embolized. Once placed, a source of cauterization or denaturation energy is applied which in this way causes the lumen of the vessel to fuse around and frictionally adhere to the embolic device.

Referring now to Figure 27, the first such modality is shown. The particular embodiment 92, shown, comprises the use of a tissue mass derived from itself, formed 94 harvested or collected from the patient, which is deposited, by means of a catheter, at the site to be occluded. Then, a denaturing or cauterizing energy can be applied, by means of an electrode placed within the lumen of the deployment catheter, to the tissue 94 to thereby weld the same to the lumen of the vessel 96. However, it should be recognized that self-derived tissue 94 can alternatively be welded at the desired site to be embolized without being fused to the lumen of the vessel. Such an embodiment 92 advantageously provides high biocompatibility, coupled with the fact that an abundant source of such material can be easily derived from the host patient. Furthermore, the vasoocclusion achieved by using tissue derived from itself has the advantage of being easily removed in that such tissue can be easily removed at a later time by the degradation of the tissue, such as by cauterizing or cutting it, at the later date.

In an alternative embodiment, as depicted in Figure 28, the embolic facilitator device comprises an interlaced wire mesh mass 100, referred to herein as embolization threads, which connect at several random points within its structure and join together. to an electrode or electrodes 102 whereby such wires 100 can be sufficiently energized to cause coagulation, and therefore embolization, within the lumen of the vessel. Now, it is believed that the application of 2 to 50 watts to the wires 100 is sufficient to cause the necessary coagulation in the site to be embolized. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the application of such energy necessarily requires that an external ground plate 106 be applied to thereby complete the circuit used to supply such energy. Referring now to Figures 29a and 29b, yet another embodiment of the embolization system according to the present invention is shown. Referring first to Figure 29a, a tubular, cylindrical electrode plug 110 having an insulated wire / conductor 112 extending from the proximal end thereof is provided. The wire / conductor 112 preferably includes a break or break point 112a formed at the distal end thereof, only proximate the electrode plug 110. As shown in Figure 29b, the wire / conductor 112 is connected, via from a connector 118, to an energy source 116, which preferably comprises an RF generator. Once the site to be occluded has been accessed, the RF energy is applied by means of an electrode plug 110 where such energy causes the vessel 114 to shrink around the plug 110 due to dehydration and denaturation of the lumen tissue. 114, as illustrated in Figure 29b. The plug 110 thus becomes fused to the lumen 114 of the vessel and, as such, occludes the blood flow. After the plug 110 has sufficiently fused to the lumen 114 tissue, the wire / conductor 112 is separated from the plug 110 by causing the wire 112 to move away from the break point 112a formed at the distal end thereof. As will be recognized, the wire 112 can be configured to separate at the point of break or break 112 when forming the wire 112 such that it will break at the point of break or break 112a when sufficient tension is applied thereto. In this regard, it will be recognized that the tension necessary to break the wire 112 at the point of breakage 112a will be less than the tension necessary to release the plug 110 of the fabric from which it is fused within the lumen of the vessel. As an alternative, the break point 112a can be formed to act as a fuse that could be broken by the overload of current of energy running through it. With reference now to Figure 30, there is still another preferred embodiment according to the embolization method of the present invention. In this embodiment 120, a deployment catheter 10 having an inflatable balloon 128 formed just proximal to the distal end thereof is advanced to a site within the vasculature to be occluded. The balloon 128 is inflated to a sufficient point to occlude the blood flow, as well as fixing the distal end 14 of the catheter in position to form an intraluminal closure within the vessel at the desired site. In this respect, once held in the desired position, by means of the balloon 128, a conductive substance 122, such as saline solution, is injected, for example, from the distal end of the lumen of the catheter 14. A current is then passed through. of the conductive substance by means of an isolated electrode 126 that extends through the distal end of the catheter 14. A current is then passed through the conductive substance 122 and around the lumen of the vessel 130, thereby causing the lumen 130 is denatured, such that a seal 130a is formed, as shown in 30a. As will be recognized, the deployment of the balloon 128 before performing such a procedure is necessary in that the application of the electric current in the presence of blood or another fluid containing protein causes the latter to denature and coagulate, possibly as thus causes an undesirable thrombogenic event within the patient. In this manner, a plurality of methods and apparatuses for selectively occluding blood flow at a specific site or sites within the vasculature have been described. While it is understood that the methods and apparatuses described herein are particularly well suited for intraluminal closure within the blood vessel, it should be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that the method and general devices as described herein they are equally applicable to all cases where the fabric needs to be lifted in apposition or addition for the purpose of creating a bond between the surfaces of the fabric. Such applications of the present invention may include, but are not limited to, closure of wounds, intestines, lymphatic vessels, adducts, openings between tissues, or punctured access sites. It should be further understood that the methods and apparatus described herein may be used to increase drug delivery at specific sites within the body. Therefore, it is understood that modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it relates.

Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following:

Claims

1. A device that is implantable in a blood vessel to block blood flow in at least one direction through the blood vessel, the device is characterized in that it comprises: a) a blood vessel coupling portion that is initially disposable in a radially configuration collapsed such that the device can be passed into the lumen of the tapered segment of the blood vessel, and subsequently expandable to an operative configuration where it will frictionally engage the surrounding blood vessel wall to hold the device in a fixed position within the lumen of the vessel blood and b) a locking portion of the lumen which is fixed to the coupling portion, the blocking portion of the lumen which is configured such that, when the coupling portion is in its operative configuration and in contact with the blood vessel wall, the Lumen blocking portion will block blood flow in at least one direction through the lumen.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling portion to the blood vessel is a wire structure.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the blood vessel coupling portion is an inflatable member.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling portion to the blood vessel has projections that are embedded in the wall of the blood vessel.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling portion to the blood vessel has hooks that are embedded in the blood vessel.

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling portion to the blood vessel comprises an adhesive that adheres to the wall of the blood vessel.

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the blood vessel coupling portion comprises a plurality of members which are connected at a central location, and which emerge outward from the central location such that, when the coupling portion is in its operative configuration, the elongated members will exert a radial pressure outwards against the wall of the blood vessel, the central location which is also located and configured such that, when the device is implanted in a blood vessel the hemodynamic pressure against the central location will cause that the elongated members exert more pressure against the wall of the blood vessel.

8. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the blocking portion of the lumen comprises a membrane.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that the membrane is an elastomeric membrane.

10. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that one side of the membrane is formed of a first material that is resistant to cell growth inward, and the other side of the membrane is formed of a second material that is susceptible to cell growth into.

11. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the blocking portion of the lumen is a sponge.

12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the sponge is formed of a material selected from the group of materials consisting of: gel foam; collagen; foam material, polymeric; Textile material; and cloth fabric.

13. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the blocking portion of the lumen is a disc.

14. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the blocking portion of the lumen is a cloth tissue member.

15. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the blocking portion of the lumen is at least partially formed of a material that is capable of being penetrated by a penetration member that can advance transluminally, after the device has been implanted in the lumen of the blood vessel.

16. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling portion to the blood vessel of the device is radially contractible after implantation to decouple from the wall of the blood vessel, thereby facilitating the removal of the device.

17. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that the device further comprises a connector formed in the device to facilitate the connection of the device to a transluminally inserted recovery instrument which is operative to pull the device into an adjacent catheter.

18. The device according to claim 17, characterized in that the coupling portion to the blood vessel is constructed such that, when the recovery instrument is attached to the connector and a pulling force is applied to the recovery instrument, it will be caused that the portion of coupling to the blood vessel of the device whereby it contracts radially and disengages from the wall of the blood vessel, thereby facilitating retraction of the device within the adjacent catheter.

19. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling portion of the blood vessel is formed of a shape memory material which has transitions to the operating configuration when heated to room temperature, but which can be contracted radially in if you bathe the device in a cold liquid to cool the device to a memory transition temperature of the form that is lower than the body temperature.

20. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling portion of the blood vessel is formed of self-expanding, resilient material which is derived or predisposed to the operative configuration such that, when not restricted, the device will resiliently self-expand to the configuration operative

21. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the blood vessel coupling portion is formed of a plastically deformable material which is initially of the radially compact configuration, but which is subsequently deformable to the operative configuration by the application of the pressure against the device.

22. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that: a) the coupling portion of the blood vessel comprises a structure that is generally cylindrical when it is in its radially compact configuration, the structure having a first and second opposite ends, the structure which is capable of assuming a generally frustoconical shape conforming to the shape of a tapered blood vessel wall, when the structure expands to its operative configuration and in the coupling with the vessel wall; and, b) the blocking portion of the lumen comprises a flexible seal that is mounted on the structure, the seal being configured and placed to form a transverse barrier within the lumen of the blood vessel when the structure is expanded to its operative configuration and in engagement with the vessel wall.

23. The device according to claim 22, characterized in that the cylindrical structure is made of a memory material of the shape having the collapsed configuration when it is at room temperature and which has transition to the operational configuration when heated to room temperature .

24. The device according to claim 22, characterized in that the cylindrical structure has a plurality of projections formed therein to be embedded within the wall of the blood vessel.

25. The device according to claim 24, characterized in that the structure is formed of wire members and wherein the projections comprise bends formed in the wire members.

26. The device according to claim 22, characterized in that the flexible seal is formed at the first end of the cylindrical structure and is positioned relative to the direction of blood flow through the lumen of the blood vessel, such that by exerting the normal blood pressure against the seal it will push the second end of the cylindrical structure to expand further, thereby increasing the pressure exerted by the second end of the structure against the wall of the blood vessel.

27. The device according to claim 26, characterized in that the second end of the cylindrical structure is flared or flared outwardly such that, when in its operational configuration, the second end will conform and engage the lumen of a tapered segment of the vessel blood

28. The device according to claim 22, characterized in that the seal is an elastomeric membrane having a porous tissue mounted thereon.

29. The device according to claim 22, characterized in that the cylindrical structure comprises a radiographically visible material.

20. The device according to claim 22, characterized in that: a) the cylindrical structure comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending wires, connected collectively to a respective end thereof; and b) the seal is formed around the first end of the cylindrical structure such that the longitudinally extending wires extend from one side thereof.

31. The device according to claim 30, characterized in that the seal is oriented on the structure relative to the blood flow direction such that the hemodynamic pressure in the seal will push the longitudinally extending wires to embed within the lumen of the vessel.

32. The device according to claim 22, characterized in that: a) the cylindrical structure comprises elongate members formed in a generally sinusoidal configuration; and b) the elastomeric seal completely covers the structure.

33. The device according to claim 32, characterized in that the elongate members are formed in a zigzag configuration with the apices of the zigzag configuration which are located at the first and second ends of the cylindrical structure.

34. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that the coupling portion to the vessel is a structure having a longitudinal axis, the structure being formed of a plurality of elongated wire members, each wire member having a first and a second ends, the wire members that are arranged around and parallel to the longitudinal axis, the first and extreme ends of the members that are coextensive and connected collectively to form the ends of the structure and the wire members that yield radially towards the longitudinal axis, such that the structure has a generally bulbous shape.

35. The device according to claim 34, characterized in that the ends of the structure are axially inverted within the structure.

36. The device according to claim 34, characterized in that the middle section of the structure is radially compressed to cause the structure to have a radially toothed middle portion between the first and second bulbous portions.

37. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that: a) the vessel coupling portion comprises a conical structure; and, b) the blocking portion of the lumen comprises a flexible cover formed on the structure.

38. The device according to claim 37, characterized in that the conical structure comprises a plurality of elongated wire members having first ends and second ends, the first ends of the wire members that are converging and connected collectively to form an end of the structure, the second ends of the wire members that are disconnected and biased or biased outward such that when the structure is expanded to its operational configuration, the second ends of the wire members will project radially outward and will engage the wall of the blood vessel.

39. The device according to claim 38, characterized in that the structure has a catch or catch ring formed therein to enable the device to be selectively removed where such a device sits.

40. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that: a) the blood vessel coupling portion comprises at least two self-expanding wire structures having curvatures formed in substantially the respective midpoints thereof, at least two self-expanding wire structures which are formed to intersect in the curvatures formed at the midpoints thereof, the wire structures that are designed and configured to assume a first compressed configuration for deployment through the catheter, and a second expanded configuration to compress radially against and adhere to the lumen of the blood vessel; and b) the blocking portion of the lumen comprises a microporous membrane, formed around the intersecting wire structures, the membrane that is formed around the intersecting wire such that when the intersecting wires assume the second expanded configuration, a structure is formed similar to a cup.

41. The device according to claim 40, characterized in that the microporous membrane is designed and configured to facilitate the formation of a blood clot when the device is deployed within the lumen of the blood vessel.

42. The device according to claim 40, characterized in that the device further includes a catch or catch ring formed at the intersection of the wire structures, the catch or catch ring that is designed and configured to allow the device to be removed of its position settled within the lumen of the blood vessel.

43. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises an annular spring disk having a plurality of elongated, inwardly extending, elongated, inwardly-spaced limb members having a flexible tissue formed thereon. same as a cone-like structure is formed, the device is designed and configured to be oriented such that the conical structure is positioned in the direction of blood flow to be occluded.

44. The device according to claim 43, characterized in that the annular spring is designed to radially compress against and settle firmly into the device within the lumen of the blood vessel.

45. The device according to claim 44, characterized in that the conical-like structure has an opening formed in the most distal tip thereof, the opening is designed and configured to assume a first closed position and a second open position, the second open position which is appropriate when a force is exerted axially through the device through the side opposite to the occluded blood flow.

46. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises an annular spring having a flexible membrane formed around it, the annular spring that is derived or predisposed outwards such that when the device is deployed within the lumen of the vessel, the annular spring imparts a radially compressive force around the lumen of the blood vessel.

47. The device according to claim 46, characterized in that the annular outer spring is comprised of heat-expandable material that causes the spring to expand radially when heated to the body temperature such that when the device is deployed within the lumen of a vessel, the annular spring expands radially to compress against the lumen of the vessel.

48. The device according to claim 46, characterized in that the membrane can be selectively penetrated.

49. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises: a) a helical reel that is dimensioned and adapted to be placed axially within the lumen of the vessel, the helical reel is designed to assume a first compressed configuration for deployment through the lumen in the catheter, and a second expanded configuration to compress radially against the lumen of the vessel when the device is selectively placed therein; and b) an elastomeric bag covering the helical reel, the elastomeric pouch that is designed and configured to stretch around the opposite ends of the helical reel such that a vaso-occlusive barrier is formed.

50. The device according to claim 49, characterized in that the elastomeric bag can be selectively penetrated such that when the helical reel of the device is axially positioned within the lumen, an axial path traversable at the specific site where the blood flow is occluded is defined.

51. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises a hard cover of non-compliant material coupled with an inflatable occluder, the hard cover and the occluder are sized and adapted to be deployed through the lumen of the catheter when the occluder it is maintained in an uninflated state, the occluder being thus inflatable that when the device is deployed at the specific site, the occluder expands radially and compresses against the lumen of the vessel such that the device becomes firmly seated in the same.

52. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the occluder is formed to have a fixed surface area and is designed to be oriented in the direction of blood flow to be occluded, such that when the occluder is deployed and brought into contact With a compressive blood flow force, the occluder imparts a radially comprehensive, additional force around the lumen at the specific site.

53. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that: a) the portion of coupling to the blood vessel comprises a cylindrical wire matrix, designed to assume a first diametrically compressed configuration and a second diametrically expanded configuration, the matrix that is deployed through of the lumen of the catheter when held in the first compressed configuration, the matrix that is rigidly placeable within the vessel lumen when held in the second expanded configuration; and b) the blocking portion of the lumen comprises a sock for occluding the blood flow formed axially around a respective end of the matrix, the sock that is thus connected to the matrix such that when the device is deployed within the lumen of a As the sock is oriented in the direction of blood flow, the sock is inverted axially within the matrix which causes the matrix to assume the second expanded configuration.

54. The device according to claim 53, characterized in that the sock can be penetrated selectively, such that the device forms an axial path, traversable at the specified site where the blood flow is occluded.

55. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises a central mass of the wire mesh having a plurality of projections extending • radially around, the protrusions being designed and oriented to radially embed within the lumen of the Such a vessel remains firmly seated at the specified site where the blood flow is occluded.

56. The device according to claim 55, characterized in that the wire mesh is designed and configured to promote the formation of a clot around the device such that a vaso-occlusive mass is formed around the device.

57. The device according to claim 55, characterized in that the protrusions comprise hooks oriented to be embedded within the lumen of the blood vessel.

58. The device according to claim 55, characterized in that the device is made of the memory material of the form such that the device assumes a first compressed configuration for deployment through a catheter when it is subjected to a reduced first temperature, and assumes a second expanded configuration for radially compressing against and adhering to the lumen of the blood vessel when subjected to a second increased temperature.

59. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises a spherical spool contained within an elastomeric cover, the spherical spool which is designed to assume a first compressed configuration and a second expanded configuration such that when the device is held in the compressed condition, the device is deployed through the lumen of the catheter and when held in the expanded configuration, it can expand radially and compress around the lumen of the catheter such that the device remains rigidly seated at the specified site where it is occluded. Blood flow.

60. The device according to claim 59, characterized in that the spherical reel is comprised of heat-expandable material such that when exposed to a reduced first temperature, the spherical reel assumes the first compressed configuration and when exposed to a second increased temperature assumes the second expanded configuration.

61. The device according to claim 59, characterized in that the spherical spool has a plurality of elongated protrusions extending radially through the elastomeric cover, the protrusions that are designed and configured to be embedded within the lumen of the blood vessel to seat rigidly such a device at the specified site where the blood flow is occluded.

62. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the portion of coupling to the blood vessel comprises a cylindrical tubular structure having a middle section and a first and second opposite ends, the first and second exposed ends having a diameter greater than the diameter of the middle section, the locking portion of the lumen comprises a first and second elastomeric seals formed in the first and second ends of the middle section, such that when the device is placed axially within the lumen of the blood vessel, the elastomeric seals produce barriers vaso-occlusive, the first and second opposite ends that are designed and configured to be compressed radially against the lumen of the vessel such that the device remains rigidly seated at the specified site where the blood flow is occluded.

63. The device according to claim 61, characterized in that the tubular, cylindrical structure is comprised of a plurality of poles or columns maintained coupled at the respective midpoints thereof, the poles or columns that thus engage at their midpoint such that the respective ends of the posts or columns are derived or predisposed to tilt radially out to thereby compress against the lumen of the vessel.

64. The device according to claim 63, characterized in that the posts or columns are thus coupled at their respective midpoints such that the cylindrical structure can assume a collapsed first column whereby the diameter of the first and second opposite ends can be decreased such that the device can be deployed and recovered through the lumen of a catheter.

65. The device according to claim 64, characterized in that the tubular, cylindrical structure assumes the first collapsed position when aligning the posts or columns in general in parallel relation to each other.

66. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises an inner core contained within an upper coating, the inner core which is designed to selectively assume a first compressed configuration and a second expanded configuration wherein the device is held in the First compressed configuration, the device can be deployed through a lumen of a catheter and when the device assumes the second expanded configuration, the device expands to compress radially and become rigidly seated at the specified site.

67. The device according to claim 66, characterized in that the outer coating is made of a material having a smooth outer surface which is resistant to inward growth and prevents coagulation of surrounding blood.

68. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises a balloon filled with heat-expandable material, such that the balloon can selectively assume a first collapsed configuration and a second expanded configuration, the balloon being deployed through the lumen of the balloon. catheter when the heat expandable material assumes the first collapsed configuration, the balloon expands radially within the lumen of the blood vessel to form a vaso-occlusive mass and remain rigidly seated at the specified site when held in the second expanded configuration.

69. The device according to claim 68, characterized in that the device assumes the first collapsed position when subjected to a first reduced temperature, the balloon which assumes the second expanded configuration when subjected to a second increased temperature.

70. The device according to claim 69, characterized in that the device assumes the second expanded configuration when heated to body temperature.

71. The device according to claim 68, characterized in that the balloon is made of a flexible material having a smooth outer surface which is resistant to inward growth and prevents coagulation of the surrounding blood.

72. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises: a) a catheter with a first and a second balloon selectively placeable along a segment of lumen of a blood vessel, the first and second balloons that are inflatable such that the blood flow through the segment is occluded; and b) a central lumen positioned between the first and second catheter balloons, the central lumen having a plurality of openings formed therein for infusing the embolization medium therethrough, the embolization means forming a vessel barrier -occlusive around the lumen of the vessel.

73. The device according to claim 72, characterized in that the first and second balloons are placeable along a section of the lumen having at least one branched, lateral vessel extending therefrom, the lumen placed between the first and second catheter balloons that are designed and configured to infuse an embolization means to occlude blood flow through at least one branch vessel.

74. The device according to claim 72, characterized in that the contrast media can be infused through the openings of the lumen placed intermediate to the first and second balloons of the catheter before making the infusion the embolization means so that the vessels of branch can be defined.

75. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises a three valve Stent mass, selectively disposable within a lumen section of a vessel having at least one branching vessel extending therefrom, the mass of Stent which is thus placeable that the blood flow through the vessel and at least one branch vessel extending from it can be controlled selectively, the Stent mass being designed and configured to assume a configuration compressed such that the Stent mass can be deployed through the lumen of a catheter, the Stent mass is designed to assume a second expanded configuration such that when placed within the lumen section, the Stent mass imparts an axial force around the lumen such that the Stent mass remains rigidly seated at the specified site.

76. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises a chemical agent which, when deployed from the catheter, adheres to the lumen of the blood vessel and freezes to form a vaso-occlusive mass.

77. The device according to claim 76, characterized in that such a device comprises an agent consisting of a clot inducing substance that adheres to the lumen and forms a blood clot around it, the blood clot becomes fused with the agent that a vaso-occlusive mass is formed.

78. The device for closing the lumen of a blood vessel, the device is characterized in that it comprises: an elongated probe member having a distal end; means for collapsing the wall of the blood vessel at a location adjacent to the distal end of the probe; a means of melting the vessel wall to fuse the wall of the blood vessel; the probe which is insertable into a blood vessel at a location where it is desired to seal the lumen of the blood vessel, the means for collapsing the wall of the blood vessel which is then usable to collapse a portion of the blood vessel adjacent the distal end of the probe, the means of fusion of the vessel wall is then usable to collapse the wall of the blood case in the collapsed area, whereby the lumen of the blood vessel is closed.

79. The device according to claim 78, characterized in that the means for collapsing the wall of the blood vessel is a suction lumen extending longitudinally through the probe and ending in at least one suction orifice, such that the suction is it can be applied to the lumen of the blood vessel adjacent to the distal end of the probe to cause the blood vessel to collapse in this location.

80. The device according to claim 78, characterized in that the means for collapsing the wall of the blood vessel is a device that is connectable to the wall of the blood vessel and that is usable to force the wall of the blood vessel to a collapsed configuration.

81. The device according to claim 78, characterized in that the melting medium of the vessel wall is a lumen through which an adhesive can be passed, the lumen terminating in an adhesive exit orifice, such that it can be made an infusion of the adhesive through the probe to seal the lumen of the blood vessel in the area where the wall of the blood vessel collapses.

82. The device according to claim 78, characterized in that the fusion means of the wall of the blood vessel is a member that emits energy formed in the probe and operable to emit energy to seal the lumen of the blood vessel in the area where the Blood vessel wall collapses.

83. The device according to claim 82, characterized in that the energy emission member is an electrode.

84. The device according to claim 83, characterized in that the electrode is a monopolar electrode.

85. The device according to claim 83, characterized in that the electrode is a bipolar electrode.

86. The device according to claim 79, characterized in that the device further comprises: an inflatable balloon mounted on the probe in a location proximate to at least one suction orifice and at least one energy emitting member, the balloon that is configured such that when the balloon is inflated, it will substantially occlude the lumen of the blood vessel and impede blood flow therethrough.

87. A device for closing the lumen of a blood vessel, the device is characterized in that it comprises: a transluminally insertable, elongated probe having a detachable core member, mounted at the distal end thereof and an energy transmission path extending longitudinally through the probe, the probe which is insertable into the lumen of the blood vessel such that the core member is located at the site in which it is desired to close the lumen of the blood vessel, the energy that can subsequently be passed through the probe member to cause that the wall of the blood vessel is constricted about and engages the core member, thereby closing the lumen of the blood vessel, the core member which is then separable from the probe member such that the probe member can be removed and remove from the body, leaving the implanted core member within the contreterated region of the blood vessel.

88. A device for sealing the lumen of a blood vessel, the device is characterized in that it comprises: an elongated catheter having a hollow lumen extending longitudinally therethrough and terminating in a distal opening; a power supply member that can be advanced outside the distal opening of the catheter; the catheter that can be advanced through a blood vessel to a location in which the distal end of the catheter is adjacent to the site in which the blood vessel must be closed, an amount of energy, non-protein, transmission fluid, which is infusible through the lumen of the catheter to fill the lumen of the blood vessel adjacent the distal end of the catheter, the energy transmission member that can be advanced outside the catheter opening and into the energy transmission fluid such that the energy supplied from the energy supply member will be transmitted by the energy transmission fluid to the surrounding wall of the blood vessel, whereby the blood vessel is caused to constrict and close at that location. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Methods and devices to occlude blood flow within a blood vessel. In a first series of embodiments, the present invention comprises a plurality of embolic devices that can be deployed through the lumen of a conventional catheter such that when deployed, the embolic devices remain resident and occlude the blood flow at a specific site within the lumen of the blood vessel. Such embolic devices comprise either embolic, mechanical devices that become embedded within or compressed against the lumen of the vessel or vaso-occlusive agents, chemicals that hermetically seal the blood flow at a given site. A second embodiment of the present invention comprises the use of a vacuum / cauterization device capable of sucking into the lumen of the vessel around the device to maintain the vessel in a closed condition where a sufficient amount of energy is then applied to cause the tissue It collapses around the device to denature in a closure. In a third series of embodiments, the present invention comprises the combination of an embolization facilitator coupled with the application of an energy force to form an intraluminal closure at a specified site within a vessel.