ENDOLUMINAL COIL DELIVERY SYSTEM HAVING A MECHANICAL RELEASE MECHANISM

摘要

The invention provides endoluminal coil delivery systems (10) and methods for positioning a coil (13) within a body lumen (44). In particular, the device uses a mechanical latch in the form of jaws to positively engage the coil (13) during positioning. The coil may be restrained in a straight configuration from within the coil (13), using an internal coil wire (22), or from outside using a catheter. Thus, the mechanism for releasing the coil (13) to form its relaxed convoluted shape is separate from the mechanism for disengaging the coil (13) from the delivery system (10). The use of an internal core wire allows a coil having a helical outer surface to be torqued against a fallopian tube or other body lumen wall, thereby firmly anchoring the coil (13) in the target position prior to disengaging the delivery system (10).