Therapeutic appliance releasing device

摘要

PCT No. PCT/US96/11031 Sec. 371 Date Aug. 19, 1997 Sec. 102(e) Date Aug. 19, 1997 PCT Filed Jun. 26, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO97/01368 PCT Pub. Date Jan. 16, 1997This invention is a device (10) for releasing a therapeutic appliance, such as an embolic coil (12) inside an aneurysm (16). The device includes a coupling (24) of a shape memory alloy which is responsive to a change in temperature beyond a predetermined transformation point so as to change the shape of the coupling from a first configuration, wherein the coupling receives and holds the proximal end (72) of the coil, to a second configuration wherein the coil can be released from the coupling. An energy receiver (46) is operably associated with the coupling to heat the coupling to a temperature above the transformation point with laser or electrical energy received from an external source.