Coils with a series of proximally-and-distally-connected loops for occluding a cerebral aneurysm

Description

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND
Field of Invention

This invention relates to devices and methods for occluding a blood vessel aneurysm.

INTRODUCTION TO CEREBRAL ANEURYSMS

An aneurysm is an abnormal bulging of a blood vessel wall. The vessel from which the aneurysm protrudes is the parent vessel. Saccular aneurysms look like a sac protruding out from the parent vessel. Saccular aneurysms have a neck and can be prone to rupture. Fusiform aneurysms are a form of aneurysm in which a blood vessel is expanded circumferentially in all directions. Fusiform aneurysms generally do not have a neck and are less prone to rupturing than saccular aneurysms. As an aneurysm grows larger, its walls generally become thinner and weaker. This decrease in wall integrity, particularly for saccular aneurysms, increases the risk of the aneurysm rupturing and hemorrhaging blood into the surrounding tissue, with serious and potentially fatal health outcomes.

Cerebral aneurysms, also called brain aneurysms or intracranial aneurysms, are aneurysms that occur in the intercerebral arteries that supply blood to the brain. The majority of cerebral aneurysms form at the junction of arteries at the base of the brain that is known as the Circle of Willis where arteries come together and from which these arteries send branches to different areas of the brain.

Although identification of intact aneurysms is increasing due to increased use of outpatient imaging such as outpatient MRI scanning, many cerebral aneurysms still remain undetected unless they rupture. If they do rupture, they often cause stroke, disability, and/or death. The prevalence of cerebral aneurysms is generally estimated to be in the range of 1%-5% of the general population or approximately 3-15 million people in the U.S. alone. Approximately 30,000 people per year suffer a ruptured cerebral aneurysm in the U.S. alone. Approximately one-third to one-half of people who suffer a ruptured cerebral aneurysm die within one month of the rupture. Sadly, even among those who survive, approximately one-half suffer significant and permanent deterioration of brain function.

CATEGORIZATION AND REVIEW OF THE PRIOR ART

It can be challenging trying to classify prior art into discrete categories. This is the certainly the case in the field of devices and methods for treating aneurysms. There are numerous examples of potentially-relevant prior art. However, classification of the prior art into categories, even if imperfect, can be an invaluable tool for reviewing the relevant prior art. Towards this end, I herein identify 38 categories of relevant prior art and provide examples of prior art in each category (including patent or patent application number, inventor, publication date, and title). Some examples of prior art disclose multiple concepts and thus appear in more than one category. This review primarily focuses on structural endovascular approaches to treating aneurysms and does not include extravascular aneurysm clips or the many different pharmaceutical coatings for aneurysm treatment devices.

The 38 categories of prior art which are used for this review are as follows: (1) stent with circumferential variation in wall porosity in parent vessel; (2) stent with longitudinal variation in wall porosity in parent vessel; (3) stent with longitudinal or cross-sectional variation in size and/or flexibility in parent vessel; (4) stent in branching parent vessel; (5) stent with helical structure in parent vessel; (6) stent with special structure or flexibility in parent vessel; (7) stent with multiple layers in parent vessel; (8) stent with non-porous walls in parent vessel; (9) stent with integrated actuators and/or sensors in parent vessel; (10) stent with other complex structure in parent vessel; (11) stent in parent vessel to contain embolics within aneurysm sac; (12) multiple stents in parent vessel; (13) temporary balloon in parent vessel; (14) multi-balloon device; (15) aneurysm neck bridge or saddle in relatively-straight parent vessel; (16) aneurysm neck bridge or saddle in parent vessel with three-way junction; (17) aneurysm neck bridge or saddle with spherical structure in parent vessel; (18) localized aneurysm neck bridge in parent vessel; (19) aneurysm neck bridge spanning aneurysm sac and parent vessel; (20) aneurysm neck bridge inside aneurysm sac with radial protrusions; (21) aneurysm neck bridge inside aneurysm sac with convex shape; (22) single-chamber woven/mesh structure in aneurysm sac; (23) multi-chamber woven/mesh structure in aneurysm sac; (24) embolic coils with relatively-traditional structures in aneurysm sac; (25) embolic coils with complex structures in aneurysm sac; (26) embolic coils with inter-connecting members in aneurysm sac; (27) embolic coils with special coatings in aneurysm sac; (28) polymer or hydrogel longitudinal embolic members in aneurysm sac; (29) longitudinal embolic members with string-of-pearls structure in aneurysm sac; (30) accumulation of mass in aneurysm sac by spooling and/or axial rotation; (31) liner or balloon with non-porous walls in aneurysm sac; (32) liner, balloon, net, or mesh with porous walls in aneurysm sac; (33) liquid embolic composition into aneurysm sac; (34) gelatinous embolic composition into aneurysm sac; (35) embolic spheres and/or particles into aneurysm sac; (36) customized pre-molded member into aneurysm sac; (37) extravascular sleeve around aneurysm sac and parent vessel; and (38) other devices for aneurysm treatment.

1. Stent with Circumferential Variation in Wall Porosity in Parent Vessel:

The prior art discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising generally-cylindrical stents with circumferential variation in wall porosity which are implanted within the parent vessel of an aneurysm. In an example, a less porous portion of such a stent can comprise a “patch” which covers the aneurysm neck. In an example, a less-porous section of such a stent can be located so as to span an aneurysm neck and reduce blood flow to the aneurysm, while a more-porous section of the stent can be located so as to allow continued blood flow to a nearby (small) branching vessel. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,599 (McCrory, Sep. 14, 1999, “Occlusion System for Endovascular Treatment of an Aneurysm”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,605,111 (Bose et al., Aug. 12, 2003, “Endovascular Thin Film Devices and Methods for Treating and Preventing Stroke”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,468 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 8, 2004, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,969,401 (Marotta et al., Nov. 29, 2005, “Endovascular Prosthesis”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,147,659 (Jones, Dec. 12, 2006, “Expandable Stent Having a Dissolvable Portion”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,156,871 (Jones et al., Jan. 2, 2007, “Expandable Stent Having a Stabilized Portion”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,491,226 (Palmaz et al., Feb. 17, 2009, “Endoluminal Implantable Stent-Grafts”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,572,288 (Cox, Aug. 11, 2009, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,611,530 (Pomeranz et al., Nov. 3, 2009, “Expandable Stent Having Removable Slat Members”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,641,680 (Palmaz et al., Jan. 5, 2010, “Endoluminal Implantable Stent-Grafts”); and U.S. Pat. No. 7,769,603 (Jung et al., Aug. 3, 2010, “Stent Customization System and Method”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 7,780,645 (Jones, Aug. 24, 2010, “Method of Delivering Embolic Particles to an Aneurysm”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,038,706 (Eidenschink et al., Oct. 18, 2011, “Crown Stent Assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,252,040 (Cox, Aug. 28, 2012, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,267,986 (Berez et al., Sep. 18, 2012, “Vascular Stenting for Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,353,943 (Kuppurathanam et al., Jan. 15, 2013, “Variable Weave Graft with Metal Strand Reinforcement for In Situ Fenestration”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,382,825 (Garcia et al., Feb. 26, 2013, “Flexible Vascular Occluding Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,398,701 (Berez et al., Mar. 19, 2013, “Flexible Vascular Occluding Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,409,267 (Berez et al., Apr. 2, 2013, “Vascular Stenting for Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,409,269 (Berez et al., Apr. 2, 2013, “Procedures for Vascular Occlusion”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,425,548 (Connor, Apr. 23, 2013, “Occluding Member Expansion and then Stent Expansion for Aneurysm Treatment”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,430,922 (Jung et al., Apr. 30, 2013, “Stent Customization System and Method”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,470,013 (Duggal et al., Jun. 25, 2013, “Systems and Methods for Aneurysm Treatment and Vessel Occlusion”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,475,517 (Jung et al., Jul. 2, 2013, “Stent Customization System and Method”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,500,788 (Berez et al., Aug. 6, 2013, “Vascular Stenting and Other Procedures”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,529,614 (Berez et al., Sep. 10, 2013, “Vascular Stenting and Other Procedures”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,529,614 (Berez et al., Sep. 10, 2013, “Vascular Stenting and Other Procedures”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,550,344 (Jung et al., Oct. 8, 2013, “Specialty Stents with Flow Control Features or the Like”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,551,155 (Jung et al., Oct. 8, 2013, “Stent Customization System and Method”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,556,953 (Berez et al., Oct. 15, 2013, “Vascular Stenting for Aneurysms”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 8,562,667 (Cox, Oct. 22, 2013, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,577,693 (Jung et al., Nov. 5, 2013, “Specialty Stents with Flow Control Features or the Like”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,597,320 (Sepetka et al., Dec. 3, 2013, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,597,342 (McKinsey et al., Dec. 3, 2013, “Textile Graft for In Situ Fenestration”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,715,312 (Burke et al., May 6, 2014, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,715,317 (Janardhan et al., May 6, 2014, “Flow Diverting Devices”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,721,706 (Jung et al., May 13, 2014, “Specialty Stents with Flow Control Features or the Like”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,747,432 (Janardhan et al., Jun. 10, 2014, “Woven Vascular Treatment Devices”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,753,371 (Janardhan et al., Jun. 17, 2014, “Woven Vascular Treatment Systems”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,784,446 (Janardhan et al., Jul. 22, 2014, “Circumferentially Offset Variable Porosity Devices”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,813,625 (Janardhan et al., Aug. 26, 2014, “Methods of Manufacturing Variable Porosity Flow Diverting Devices”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,845,679 (Janardhan et al., Sep. 30, 2014, “Variable Porosity Flow Diverting Devices”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20020169473 (Sepetka et al., Nov. 14, 2002, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20030018294 (Cox, Jan. 23, 2003, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”); 20030109917 (Rudin et al., Jun. 12, 2003, “Stent Vascular Intervention Device and Method”); 20030139802 (Wulfman et al., Jul. 24, 2003, “Medical Device”); 20040181253 (Sepetka et al., Sep. 16, 2004, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20050267568 (Berez et al., Dec. 1, 2005, “Flexible Vascular Occluding Device”); 20060206200 (Garcia et al., Sep. 14, 2006, “Flexible Vascular Occluding Device”); 20060206201 (Garcia et al., Sep. 14, 2006, “Flexible Vascular Occluding Device”); 20070021816 (Rudin, Jan. 25, 2007, “Stent Vascular Intervention Device and Methods for Treating Aneurysms”); 20070067015 (Jones et al., Mar. 22, 2007, “Expandable Stent Having a Stabilized Portion”); and 20070239261 (Bose et al., Oct. 11, 2007, “Aneurysm Occlusion System and Method”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20080114391 (Dieck et al., May 15, 2008, “Aneurysm Covering Devices and Delivery Devices”); 20080114436 (Dieck et al., May 15, 2008, “Aneurysm Covering Devices and Delivery Devices”); 20090069880 (Vonderwalde et al., Mar. 12, 2009, “Implantable Graft Assembly and Aneurysm Treatment”); 20090270974 (Berez et al., Oct. 29, 2009, “Vascular Stenting for Aneurysms”); 20090287241 (Berez et al., Nov. 19, 2009, “Methods and Apparatus for Luminal Stenting”); 20090287288 (Berez et al., Nov. 19, 2009, “Methods and Apparatus for Luminal Stenting”); 20090292348 (Berez et al., Nov. 26, 2009, “Vascular Stenting and Other Procedures”); 20090319017 (Berez et al., Dec. 24, 2009, “Vascular Stenting for Aneurysms”); 20100010624 (Berez et al., Jan. 14, 2010, “Vascular Stenting for Aneurysms”); 20100082091 (Berez et al., Apr. 1, 2010, “Vascular Stenting and Other Procedures”); and 20100106240 (Duggal et al., Apr. 29, 2010, “Systems and Methods for Aneurysm Treatment and Vessel Occlusion”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20100274276 (Chow et al., Oct. 28, 2010, “Aneurysm Treatment System, Device and Method”); 20110082491 (Sepetka et al., Apr. 7, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20110137332 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 9, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20110152998 (Berez et al., Jun. 23, 2011, “Procedures for Vascular Occlusion”); 20110166592 (Garcia et al., Jul. 7, 2011, “Flexible Vascular Occluding Device”); 20110224776 (Sepetka et al., Sep. 15, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20120004682 (Connor, Jan. 5, 2012, “Occluding Member Expansion and Then Stent Expansion for Aneurysm Treatment”); 20130123901 (Connor et al., May 16, 2013, “Stent with In Situ Determination of Wall Areas with Differences in Porosity”); 20130172975 (Berez et al., Jul. 4, 2013, “Methods and Apparatus for Luminal Stenting”); 20130204288 (Johnson et al., Aug. 8, 2013, “Modifiable Occlusion Device”); 20130204288 (Johnson et al., Aug. 8, 2013, “Modifiable Occlusion Device”); and 20130231732 (Vonderwalde et al., Sep. 5, 2013, “Implantable Graft Assembly and Aneurysm Treatment”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20130238083 (Duggal et al., Sep. 12, 2013, “Systems and Methods for Aneurysm Treatment and Vessel Occlusion”); 20130282096 (Berez et al., Oct. 24, 2013, “Procedures for Vascular Occlusion”); 20140018843 (Berez et al., Jan. 16, 2014, “Methods and Apparatus for Luminal Stenting”); 20140039606 (Rudakov et al., Feb. 6, 2014, “Medical Device”); 20140074149 (Garcia et al., Mar. 13, 2014, “Flexible Vascular Occluding Device”); 20140094896 (Berez et al., Apr. 3, 2014, “Vascular Stenting for Aneurysms”); 20140114342 (Berez et al., Apr. 24, 2014, “Flexible Vascular Occluding Device”); 20140128901 (Kang et al., May 8, 2014, “Implant for Aneurysm Treatment”); 20140172071 (Berez et al., Jun. 19, 2014, “Vascular Stenting for Aneurysms”); 20140260928 (Janardhan et al., Sep. 18, 2014, “Methods of Using Non-Cylindrical Mandrels”); 20140265096 (Janardhan et al., Sep. 18, 2014, “Non-Cylindrical Mandrels”); and 20140288633 (Burke et al., Sep. 25, 2014, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”); and Yet unpublished U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/889,451 (Connor et al., 2013, “Method of Radially-Asymmetric Stent Expansion”).

2. Stent with Longitudinal Variation in Wall Porosity in Parent Vessel:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising generally-cylindrical stents with longitudinal variation in wall porosity which are implanted within the parent vessel of an aneurysm. In an example, a less-porous section of such a stent can be located so as to span an aneurysm neck and reduce blood flow to the aneurysm, while a more-porous section of the stent can be located so as to allow continued blood flow to a nearby (small) branching vessel. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,693,088 (Lazarus, Dec. 2, 1997, “Intraluminal Vascular Graft”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,884 (Solovay, Jun. 23, 1998, “Controlled Porosity Endovascular Implant”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,599 (McCrory, Sep. 14, 1999, “Occlusion System for Endovascular Treatment of an Aneurysm”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,199 (Brown et al., Jul. 25, 2000, “Intra-Luminal Device for Treatment of Body Cavities and Lumens and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,115 (Dubrul, Jul. 10, 2001, “Bifurcated Stent and Distal Protection System”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,463 (Rourke et al., Nov. 6, 2001, “Micro-Porous Mesh Stent with Hybrid Structure”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,758 (Chouinard et al., Jul. 1, 2003, “Multi-Section Filamentary Endoluminal Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,676,701 (Rourke et al., Jan. 13, 2004, “Micro-Porous Mesh Stent with Hybrid Structure”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,468 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 8, 2004, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,913,618 (Denardo et al., Jul. 5, 2005, “Intravascular Flow Modifier and Reinforcement Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,041,129 (Rourke et al., May 9, 2006, “Micro-Porous Mesh Stent with Hybrid Structure”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,288,112 (Denardo et al., Oct. 30, 2007, “Intravascular Flow Modifier and Reinforcement Device”); and U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,624 (Yodfat et al., Dec. 11, 2007, “Implantable Intraluminal Device and Method of Using Same in Treating Aneurysms”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 7,491,226 (Palmaz et al., Feb. 17, 2009, “Endoluminal Implantable Stent-Grafts”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,572,290 (Yodfat et al., Aug. 11, 2009, “Implantable Intraluminal Device and Method of Using Same in Treating Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,641,680 (Palmaz et al., Jan. 5, 2010, “Endoluminal Implantable Stent-Grafts”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,695,509 (Rourke et al., Apr. 13, 2010, “Micro-Porous Mesh Stent with Hybrid Structure”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,763,011 (Ortiz et al., Jul. 27, 2010, “Variable Density Braid Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,769,603 (Jung et al., Aug. 3, 2010, “Stent Customization System and Method”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,811,300 (Feller et al., Oct. 12, 2010, “Thin Film Devices for Temporary or Permanent Occlusion of a Vessel”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,857,843 (Henderson, Dec. 28, 2010, “Differentially Expanded Vascular Graft”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,862,608 (Hogendijk et al., Jan. 4, 2011, “Vascular Prosthesis and Methods of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,942,925 (Yodfat et al., May 17, 2011, “Implantable Intraluminal Device and Method of Using Same in Treating Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,007,529 (Yan, Aug. 30, 2011, “Medicated Porous Metal Prosthesis”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,267,986 (Berez et al., Sep. 18, 2012, “Vascular Stenting for Aneurysms”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,353,943 (Kuppurathanam et al., Jan. 15, 2013, “Variable Weave Graft with Metal Strand Reinforcement for In Situ Fenestration”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 8,409,267 (Berez et al., Apr. 2, 2013, “Vascular Stenting for Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,409,269 (Berez et al., Apr. 2, 2013, “Procedures for Vascular Occlusion”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,419,787 (Yodfat et al., Apr. 16, 2013, “Implantable Intraluminal Device and Method of Using Same in Treating Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,430,922 (Jung et al., Apr. 30, 2013, “Stent Customization System and Method”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,470,013 (Duggal et al., Jun. 25, 2013, “Systems and Methods for Aneurysm Treatment and Vessel Occlusion”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,475,517 (Jung et al., Jul. 2, 2013, “Stent Customization System and Method”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,491,646 (Schreck, Jul. 23, 2013, “Stent Graft”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,500,788 (Berez et al., Aug. 6, 2013, “Vascular Stenting and Other Procedures”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,506,618 (Chouinard et al., Aug. 13, 2013, “Multi-Section Filamentary Endoluminal Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,506,619 (Ortiz et al., Aug. 13, 2013, “Variable Density Braid Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,529,614 (Berez et al., Sep. 10, 2013, “Vascular Stenting and Other Procedures”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,529,614 (Berez et al., Sep. 10, 2013, “Vascular Stenting and Other Procedures”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,535,590 (Milner et al., Sep. 17, 2013, “Spray System and Method of Making Phase Separated Polymer Membrane Structures”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,550,344 (Jung et al., Oct. 8, 2013, “Specialty Stents with Flow Control Features or the Like”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 8,551,155 (Jung et al., Oct. 8, 2013, “Stent Customization System and Method”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,556,953 (Berez et al., Oct. 15, 2013, “Vascular Stenting for Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,577,693 (Jung et al., Nov. 5, 2013, “Specialty Stents with Flow Control Features or the Like”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,597,320 (Sepetka et al., Dec. 3, 2013, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,715,317 (Janardhan et al., May 6, 2014, “Flow Diverting Devices”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,721,706 (Jung et al., May 13, 2014, “Specialty Stents with Flow Control Features or the Like”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,747,432 (Janardhan et al., Jun. 10, 2014, “Woven Vascular Treatment Devices”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,753,371 (Janardhan et al., Jun. 17, 2014, “Woven Vascular Treatment Systems”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,784,446 (Janardhan et al., Jul. 22, 2014, “Circumferentially Offset Variable Porosity Devices”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,813,625 (Janardhan et al., Aug. 26, 2014, “Methods of Manufacturing Variable Porosity Flow Diverting Devices”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,845,679 (Janardhan et al., Sep. 30, 2014, “Variable Porosity Flow Diverting Devices”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20020169473 (Sepetka et al., Nov. 14, 2002, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20030074049 (Hoganson et al., Apr. 17, 2003, “Covered Stents and Systems for Deploying Covered Stents”); 20030100945 (Yodfat et al., May 29, 2003, “Implantable Intraluminal Device and Method of Using Same in Treating Aneurysms”); 20030195606 (Davidson et al., Oct. 16, 2003, “Bifurcation Stent System and Method”); 20040111142 (Rourke et al., Jun. 10, 2004, “Micro-Porous Mesh Stent with Hybrid Structure”); 20040181253 (Sepetka et al., Sep. 16, 2004, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20040193246 (Ferrera, Sep. 30, 2004, “Methods and Apparatus for Treating Aneurysms and Other Vascular Defects”); 20050010281 (Yodfat et al., Jan. 13, 2005, “Implantable Intraluminal Device and Method of Using Same in Treating Aneurysms”); and 20050090888 (Hines et al., Apr. 28, 2005, “Pleated Stent Assembly”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20050283220 (Gobran et al., Dec. 22, 2005, “Blood Flow Diverters for the Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms”); 20070032855 (Davidson et al., Feb. 8, 2007, “Extendible Stent Apparatus”); 20070060994 (Gobran et al., Mar. 15, 2007, “Blood Flow Diverters for the Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms”); 20070150045 (Ferrera, Jun. 28, 2007, “Methods and Apparatus for Treating Aneurysms and Other Vascular Defects”); 20070219619 (Dieck et al., Sep. 20, 2007, “Partially Covered Stent Devices and Methods of Use”); 20080004653 (Sherman et al., Jan. 3, 2008, “Thin Film Devices for Occlusion of a Vessel”); 20080039933 (Yodfat et al., Feb. 14, 2008, “Implantable Intraluminal Device and Method of Using Same in Treating Aneurysms”); 20090069880 (Vonderwalde et al., Mar. 12, 2009, “Implantable Graft Assembly and Aneurysm Treatment”); 20090270970 (Yodfat et al., Oct. 29, 2009, “Implantable Intraluminal Device and Method of Using Same in Treating Aneurysms”); 20090270974 (Berez et al., Oct. 29, 2009, “Vascular Stenting for Aneurysms”); and 20090287241 (Berez et al., Nov. 19, 2009, “Methods and Apparatus for Luminal Stenting”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20090287288 (Berez et al., Nov. 19, 2009, “Methods and Apparatus for Luminal Stenting”); 20090292348 (Berez et al., Nov. 26, 2009, “Vascular Stenting and Other Procedures”); 20090319017 (Berez et al., Dec. 24, 2009, “Vascular Stenting for Aneurysms”); 20090319023 (Hildebrand et al., Dec. 24, 2009, “Stents and Stent Grafts”); 20100010624 (Berez et al., Jan. 14, 2010, “Vascular Stenting for Aneurysms”); 20100082091 (Berez et al., Apr. 1, 2010, “Vascular Stenting and Other Procedures”); 20100106240 (Duggal et al., Apr. 29, 2010, “Systems and Methods for Aneurysm Treatment and Vessel Occlusion”); 20100152834 (Hannes et al., Jun. 17, 2010, “Implant for Influencing Blood Flow”); 20100198334 (Yodfat et al., Aug. 5, 2010, “Implantable Intraluminal Device and Method of Using Same in Treating Aneurysms”); 20100274346 (Chouinard et al., Oct. 28, 2010, “Multi-Section Filamentary Endoluminal Stent”); 20110046716 (Parkinson et al., Feb. 24, 2011, “Stent”); 20110054589 (Bashiri et al., Mar. 3, 2011, “Stent with Variable Cross Section Braiding Filament and Method for Making Same”); 20110082491 (Sepetka et al., Apr. 7, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20110137332 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 9, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); and 20110152998 (Berez et al., Jun. 23, 2011, “Procedures for Vascular Occlusion”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20110224776 (Sepetka et al., Sep. 15, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20120253377 (Slazas et al., Oct. 4, 2012, “Modifiable Occlusion Device”); 20120271399 (Perkins et al., Oct. 25, 2012, “High Metal to Vessel Ratio Landing Zone Stent-Graft and Method”); 20120303112 (Armstrong et al., Nov. 29, 2012, “Stent”); 20130123901 (Connor et al., May 16, 2013, “Stent with In Situ Determination of Wall Areas with Differences in Porosity”); 20130131780 (Armstrong et al., May 23, 2013, “Lattice”); 20130172975 (Berez et al., Jul. 4, 2013, “Methods and Apparatus for Luminal Stenting”); 20130190805 (Slazas et al., Jul. 25, 2013, “Method of Fabricating Modifiable Occlusion Device”); 20130197617 (Armstrong et al., Aug. 1, 2013, “Stent”); 20130197624 (Armstrong et al., Aug. 1, 2013, “Stent”); 20130204347 (Armstrong et al., Aug. 8, 2013, “Lattice”); 20130204351 (Cox et al., Aug. 8, 2013, “Aneurysm Graft Devices and Methods”); 20130211497 (Charlebois et al., Aug. 15, 2013, “Medical Prostheses Having Bundled and Non-Bundled Regions”); and 20130226276 (Newell et al., Aug. 29, 2013, “Methods and Apparatus for Luminal Stenting”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20130226278 (Newell et al., Aug. 29, 2013, “Methods and Apparatus for Luminal Stenting”); 20130231732 (Vonderwalde et al., Sep. 5, 2013, “Implantable Graft Assembly and Aneurysm Treatment”); 20130238083 (Duggal et al., Sep. 12, 2013, “Systems and Methods for Aneurysm Treatment and Vessel Occlusion”); 20130245745 (Vong et al., Sep. 19, 2013, “Stent and Stent Delivery Device”); 20130261728 (Perkins et al., Oct. 3, 2013, “High Metal to Vessel Ratio Stent and Method”); 20130261732 (Perkins et al., Oct. 3, 2013, “Integrated Mesh High Metal to Vessel Ratio Stent and Method”); 20130282096 (Berez et al., Oct. 24, 2013, “Procedures for Vascular Occlusion”); 20140018843 (Berez et al., Jan. 16, 2014, “Methods and Apparatus for Luminal Stenting”); 20140025151 (Gao, Jan. 23, 2014, “Retrievable Stent for Intracranial Aneurysms”); 20140039606 (Rudakov et al., Feb. 6, 2014, “Medical Device”); 20140058498 (Hannes et al., Feb. 27, 2014, “Implant Comprising a Non-Woven Fabric”); 20140083969 (Porter, Mar. 27, 2014, “Method of Manufacturing a Variably Reinforced Elongate Medical Device”); and 20140094896 (Berez et al., Apr. 3, 2014, “Vascular Stenting for Aneurysms”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20140121744 (Kusleika, May 1, 2014, “Methods and Systems for Increasing a Density of a Region of a Vascular Device”); 20140121745 (Kusleika et al., May 1, 2014, “Systems for Attaining a Predetermined Porosity of a Vascular Device”); 20140121746 (Kusleika et al., May 1, 2014, “Methods for Attaining a Predetermined Porosity of a Vascular Device”); 20140128901 (Kang et al., May 8, 2014, “Implant for Aneurysm Treatment”); 20140172071 (Berez et al., Jun. 19, 2014, “Vascular Stenting for Aneurysms”); 20140200648 (Newell et al., Jul. 17, 2014, “Methods and Apparatus for Luminal Stenting”); 20140249620 (Carman et al., Sep. 4, 2014, “Ultra-Low Fractional Area Coverage Flow Diverter for Treating Aneurysms and Vascular Diseases”); 20140260928 (Janardhan et al., Sep. 18, 2014, “Methods of Using Non-Cylindrical Mandrels”); and 20140265096 (Janardhan et al., Sep. 18, 2014, “Non-Cylindrical Mandrels”).

3. Stent with Longitudinal or Cross-Sectional Variation in Size and/or Flexibility in Parent Vessel:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising generally-cylindrical stents with longitudinal or cross-sectional variation in their size and/or flexibility which are implanted within the parent vessel of an aneurysm. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,966 (St. Germain, Nov. 17, 1998, “Variable Expansion Force Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,868,780 (Lashinski et al., Feb. 9, 1999, “Stents for Supporting Lumens in Living Tissue”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,922,019 (Hankh et al., Jul. 13, 1999, “Conical Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,697 (Killion et al., Aug. 17, 1999, “Stent Having Variable Properties”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,975 (Lafont et al., Sep. 28, 1999, “Stent Having a Programmed Pattern of In Vivo Degradation”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,514 (Kupiecki et al., Nov. 9, 1999, “Aneurysm Closure Device Assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,526 (Limon et al., Feb. 22, 2000, “Stent Having Varied Amounts of Structural Strength Along its Length”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,071,298 (Lashinski et al., Jun. 6, 2000, “Stents for Supporting Lumens in Living Tissue”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,096,034 (Kupiecki et al., Aug. 1, 2000, “Aneurysm Closure Device Assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,099,559 (Nolting, Aug. 8, 2000, “Endoluminal Support Assembly with Capped Ends”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,238 (Killion et al., Dec. 12, 2000, “Stent Having Variable Properties and Method of Its Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,592 (Kupiecki et al., Jan. 2, 2001, “Aneurysm Closure Device Assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,910 (Limon, Aug. 14, 2001, “Stent with Varying Strut Geometry”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,911 (Cox et al., Aug. 14, 2001, “Variable Strength Stent”); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,344,041 (Kupiecki et al., Feb. 5, 2002, “Aneurysm Closure Device Assembly”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,468,302 (Cox et al., Oct. 22, 2002, “Variable Strength Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,475,233 (Trozera, Nov. 5, 2002, “Stent Having Tapered Struts”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,475,236 (Roubin et al., Nov. 5, 2002, “Non-Foreshortening Intraluminal Prosthesis”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,509 (Killion et al., Nov. 26, 2002, “Stent Having Variable Properties and Method of its Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,722 (Von Oepen et al., Dec. 24, 2002, “Methods and Apparatus for In-Vivo Tailored Stents Indicated for Use in Tortuous Anatomy”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,505 (Cox et al., Jan. 28, 2003, “Variable Strength Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,193 (Cox et al., May 27, 2003, “Tapered Self-Expanding Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,758 (Chouinard et al., Jul. 1, 2003, “Multi-Section Filamentary Endoluminal Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,602,284 (Cox et al., Aug. 5, 2003, “Variable Strength Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,237 (Klumb et al., Nov. 11, 2003, “Expandable Coiled Endoluminal Prosthesis”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,576 (Stalker, Nov. 25, 2003, “Variable Stiffness Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,660,032 (Klumb et al., Dec. 9, 2003, “Expandable Coil Endoluminal Prosthesis”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,723 (Killion et al., Dec. 30, 2003, “Stent Having Variable Properties and Method of its Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,475 (Rivelli, Jun. 8, 2004, “Stent with Variable Stiffness”); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,796,997 (Penn et al., Sep. 28, 2004, “Expandable Stent”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,814,754 (Greenhalgh, Nov. 9, 2004, “Woven Tubular Graft with Regions of Varying Flexibility”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,860,899 (Rivelli, Mar. 1, 2005, “Method for Treating Neurovascular Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,899,730 (Rivelli, May 31, 2005, “Catheter-Stent Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,001,422 (Escamilla et al., Feb. 21, 2006, “Expandable Stent and Delivery System”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,060,091 (Killion et al., Jun. 13, 2006, “Stent Having Variable Properties and Method of Its Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,112,216 (Gregorich, Sep. 26, 2006, “Stent with Tapered Flexibility”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,226,475 (Lenz et al., Jun. 5, 2007, “Stent with Variable Properties”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,241,308 (Andreas et al., Jul. 10, 2007, “Stent Deployment Systems and Methods”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,309,351 (Escamilla et al., Dec. 18, 2007, “Expandable Stent with Markers and Stent Delivery System”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,326,236 (Andreas et al., Feb. 5, 2008, “Devices and Methods for Controlling and Indicating the Length of an Interventional Element”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,402,169 (Killion et al., Jul. 22, 2008, “Stent Having Variable Properties and Method of its Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,520,893 (Rivelli, Apr. 21, 2009, “Method for Treating Neurovascular Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,780,719 (Killion et al., Aug. 24, 2010, “Stent Having Variable Properties and Method of its Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,892,273 (George et al., Feb. 22, 2011, “Custom Length Stent Apparatus”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,918,881 (Andreas et al., Apr. 5, 2011, “Stent Deployment Systems and Methods”); and U.S. Pat. No. 7,935,142 (Gregorich, May 3, 2011, “Stent with Tapered Flexibility”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,959,662 (Erbel et al., Jun. 14, 2011, “Endovascular Prosthesis”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 8,357,178 (Grandfield et al., Jan. 22, 2013, “Vascular and Bodily Duct Treatment Devices and Methods”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,357,179 (Grandfield et al., Jan. 22, 2013, “Vascular and Bodily Duct Treatment Devices and Methods”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,506,618 (Chouinard et al., Aug. 13, 2013, “Multi-Section Filamentary Endoluminal Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,529,596 (Grandfield et al., Sep. 10, 2013, “Vascular and Bodily Duct Treatment Devices and Methods”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,715,317 (Janardhan et al., May 6, 2014, “Flow Diverting Devices”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,734,502 (Orr, May 27, 2014, “Tapered Stent and Flexible Prosthesis”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,747,432 (Janardhan et al., Jun. 10, 2014, “Woven Vascular Treatment Devices”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,753,371 (Janardhan et al., Jun. 17, 2014, “Woven Vascular Treatment Systems”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,771,341 (Strauss et al., Jul. 8, 2014, “Protuberant Aneurysm Bridging Device and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,784,446 (Janardhan et al., Jul. 22, 2014, “Circumferentially Offset Variable Porosity Devices”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,795,345 (Grandfield et al., Aug. 5, 2014, “Vascular and Bodily Duct Treatment Devices and Methods”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,808,361 (Strauss et al., Aug. 19, 2014, “Protuberant Aneurysm Bridging Device and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,813,625 (Janardhan et al., Aug. 26, 2014, “Methods of Manufacturing Variable Porosity Flow Diverting Devices”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,845,679 (Janardhan et al., Sep. 30, 2014, “Variable Porosity Flow Diverting Devices”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20030074056 (Killion et al., Apr. 17, 2003, “Stent Having Variable Properties and Method of its Use”); 20040220663 (Rivelli, J R., Nov. 4, 2004, “Stent with Variable Stiffness”); 20040243216 (Gregorich, Dec. 2, 2004, “Stent with Tapered Flexibility”); 20040249439 (Richter et al., Dec. 9, 2004, “Method and Apparatus for Stenting”); 20050149159 (Andreas et al., Jul. 7, 2005, “Devices and Methods for Controlling and Indicating the Length of an Interventional Element”); 20050149164 (Rivelli, Jul. 7, 2005, “Method for Treating Neurovascular Aneurysms”); 20080319525 (Tieu et al., Dec. 25, 2008, “Self-Expanding Prosthesis”); 20100016833 (Ogle et al., Jan. 21, 2010, “Devices for the Treatment of Vascular Aneurysm”); 20100042200 (Richter et al., Feb. 18, 2010, “Method and Apparatus for Stenting”); 20100114302 (Tzafriri et al., May 6, 2010, “Endovascular Devices with Axial Perturbations”); and 20100274346 (Chouinard et al., Oct. 28, 2010, “Multi-Section Filamentary Endoluminal Stent”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20110009940 (Grandfield et al., Jan. 13, 2011, “Vascular and Bodily Duct Treatment Devices and Methods”); 20110009941 (Grandfield et al., Jan. 13, 2011, “Vascular and Bodily Duct Treatment Devices and Methods”); 20110009950 (Grandfield et al., Jan. 13, 2011, “Vascular and Bodily Duct Treatment Devices and Methods”); 20110184456 (Grandfield et al., Jul. 28, 2011, “Vascular and Bodily Duct Treatment Devices and Methods”); 20120209311 (Grandfield et al., Aug. 16, 2012, “Vascular and Bodily Duct Treatment Devices and Methods”); 20120215250 (Grandfield et al., Aug. 23, 2012, “Vascular and Bodily Duct Treatment Devices and Methods”); 20130066415 (Hocking, Mar. 14, 2013, “Stent”); and 20130116774 (Strauss et al., May 9, 2013, “Protuberant Aneurysm Bridging Device and Method of Use”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20130211498 (Buckley et al., Aug. 15, 2013, “Endoprosthesis with Varying Compressibility and Methods of Use”); 20130226276 (Newell et al., Aug. 29, 2013, “Methods and Apparatus for Luminal Stenting”); 20130226278 (Newell et al., Aug. 29, 2013, “Methods and Apparatus for Luminal Stenting”); 20130289714 (Strauss et al., Oct. 31, 2013, “Protuberant Aneurysm Bridging Device and Method of Use”); 20140025154 (Liang et al., Jan. 23, 2014, “Methods and Apparatus for Luminal Stenting”); 20140031918 (Newell et al., Jan. 30, 2014, “Luminal Stenting”); 20140046338 (Grandfield et al., Feb. 13, 2014, “Vascular and Bodily Duct Treatment Devices and Methods”); 20140058436 (Rosenbluth et al., Feb. 27, 2014, “Blood Flow Disruption Devices and Methods for the Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20140083969 (Porter, Mar. 27, 2014, “Method of Manufacturing a Variably Reinforced Elongate Medical Device”); and 20140114343 (Lee et al., Apr. 24, 2014, “Stent for the Coil Embolization of a Cerebral Aneurysm”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20140128957 (Losordo et al., May 8, 2014, “Shaped Occluding Devices and Methods of Using the Same”); 20140200648 (Newell et al., Jul. 17, 2014, “Methods and Apparatus for Luminal Stenting”); 20140243951 (Orr, Aug. 28, 2014, “Tapered Stent and Flexible Prosthesis”); 20140249616 (Strauss et al., Sep. 4, 2014, “Protuberant Aneurysm Bridging Device Deployment Method”); 20140260928 (Janardhan et al., Sep. 18, 2014, “Methods of Using Non-Cylindrical Mandrels”); and 20140265096 (Janardhan et al., Sep. 18, 2014, “Non-Cylindrical Mandrels”).

4. Stent in Branching Parent Vessel:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising stents which are specifically designed for implantation within a branching parent vessel. Some of the examples in this category were originally focused on aortic aneurysms rather than cerebral aneurysms, but are included herein because of the generalizability of some of their features. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,723,004 (Dereume et al., Mar. 3, 1998, “Expandable Supportive Endoluminal Grafts”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,018 (Dereume et al., Sep. 7, 1999, “Expandable Supportive Endoluminal Grafts”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,212 (Dereume et al., Dec. 26, 2000, “Expandable Supportive Endoluminal Grafts”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,429 (Vardi et al., Apr. 3, 2001, “Extendible Stent Apparatus”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,413 (Dereume et al., Oct. 30, 2001, “Expandable Supportive Endoluminal Grafts”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,395,018 (Castaneda, May 28, 2002, “Endovascular Graft and Process for Bridging a Defect in a Main Vessel Near One of More Branch Vessels”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,599,316 (Vardi et al., Jul. 29, 2003, “Extendible Stent Apparatus”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,835,203 (Vardi et al., Dec. 28, 2004, “Extendible Stent Apparatus”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,962,602 (Vardi et al., Nov. 8, 2005, “Method for Employing an Extendible Stent Apparatus”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,994,721 (Israel, Feb. 7, 2006, “Stent Assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,624 (Yodfat et al., Dec. 11, 2007, “Implantable Intraluminal Device and Method of Using Same in Treating Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,413,573 (Hartley et al., Aug. 19, 2008, “Fenestrated Stent Grafts”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,537,609 (Davidson et al., May 26, 2009, “Extendible Stent Apparatus”); and U.S. Pat. No. 7,572,290 (Yodfat et al., Aug. 11, 2009, “Implantable Intraluminal Device and Method of Using Same in Treating Aneurysms”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 7,645,298 (Hartley et al., Jan. 12, 2010, “Stent Graft Fenestration”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,766,955 (Vardi et al., Aug. 3, 2010, “Extendible Stent Apparatus”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,769,603 (Jung et al., Aug. 3, 2010, “Stent Customization System and Method”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,776,079 (Gumm, Aug. 17, 2010, “Conical Balloon for Deployment into Side Branch”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,850,725 (Vardi et al., Dec. 14, 2010, “Extendible Stent Apparatus”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,892,279 (Davidson et al., Feb. 22, 2011, “Extendible Stent Apparatus”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,942,925 (Yodfat et al., May 17, 2011, “Implantable Intraluminal Device and Method of Using Same in Treating Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,012,192 (Eidenschink et al., Sep. 6, 2011, “Multi-Stent Delivery System”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,016,878 (Meyer et al., Sep. 13, 2011, “Bifurcation Stent Pattern”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,048,140 (Purdy, Nov. 1, 2011, “Fenestrated Intraluminal Stent System”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,052,736 (Doig et al., Nov. 8, 2011, “Universal Modular Stent Graft Assembly to Accommodate Flow to Collateral Branches”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,100,960 (Bruszewski, Jan. 24, 2012, “Bloused Stent-Graft and Fenestration Method”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,172,895 (Anderson et al., May 8, 2012, “Design and Assembly of Fenestrated Stent Grafts”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,226,706 (Hartley et al., Jul. 24, 2012, “Stent Graft with Integral Side Arm”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,257,430 (Covalin et al., Sep. 4, 2012, “Interconnected Leg Extensions for an Endoluminal Prosthesis”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,257,431 (Henderson et al., Sep. 4, 2012, “Multi-Furcated ePTFE Grafts and Stent-Graft Prostheses and Methods of Making the Same”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,394,136 (Hartley et al., Mar. 12, 2013, “Stent Graft with Internal Tube”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,419,787 (Yodfat et al., Apr. 16, 2013, “Implantable Intraluminal Device and Method of Using Same in Treating Aneurysms”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 8,430,922 (Jung et al., Apr. 30, 2013, “Stent Customization System and Method”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,475,517 (Jung et al., Jul. 2, 2013, “Stent Customization System and Method”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,523,934 (Purdy, Sep. 3, 2013, “Fenestrated Intraluminal Stent System”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,550,344 (Jung et al., Oct. 8, 2013, “Specialty Stents with Flow Control Features or the Like”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,551,155 (Jung et al., Oct. 8, 2013, “Stent Customization System and Method”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,577,693 (Jung et al., Nov. 5, 2013, “Specialty Stents with Flow Control Features or the Like”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,657,865 (Gumm, Feb. 25, 2014, “Conical Balloon for Deployment Into Side Branch”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,715,336 (Chu et al., May 6, 2014, “Methods and Apparatus for Treatment of Aneurysms Adjacent to Branch Arteries”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,721,706 (Jung et al., May 13, 2014, “Specialty Stents with Flow Control Features or the Like”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,728,145 (Chuter et al., May 20, 2014, “Low Profile Non-Symmetrical Stents and Stent-Grafts”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,747,455 (Greenberg, Jun. 10, 2014, “Branched Stent Graft System”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,769,796 (Bourang et al., Jul. 8, 2014, “Selective Stent Crimping”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,771,342 (Vardi, Jul. 8, 2014, “Methods for Deploying Stents in Bifurcations”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,795,347 (Bourang et al., Aug. 5, 2014, “Methods and Systems for Treating a Bifurcation with Provisional Side Branch Stenting”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,808,347 (Bourang et al., Aug. 19, 2014, “Stent Alignment During Treatment of a Bifurcation”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,821,564 (Schreck et al., Sep. 2, 2014, “Stent Graft”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,828,071 (Bourang et al., Sep. 9, 2014, “Methods and Systems for Ostial Stenting of a Bifurcation”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20010016766 (Vardi et al., Aug. 23, 2001, “Extendible Stent Apparatus”); 20010037137 (Vardi et al., Nov. 1, 2001, “Extendible Stent Apparatus”); 20020116047 (Vardi et al., Aug. 22, 2002, “Extendible Stent Apparatus and Method for Deploying the Same”); 20020156516 (Vardi et al., Oct. 24, 2002, “Method for Employing an Extendible Stent Apparatus”); 20030074049 (Hoganson et al., Apr. 17, 2003, “Covered Stents and Systems for Deploying Covered Stents”); 20030100945 (Yodfat et al., May 29, 2003, “Implantable Intraluminal Device and Method of Using Same in Treating Aneurysms”); 20030195606 (Davidson et al., Oct. 16, 2003, “Bifurcation Stent System and Method”); 20040015227 (Vardi et al., Jan. 22, 2004, “Extendible Stent Apparatus”); 20050010281 (Yodfat et al., Jan. 13, 2005, “Implantable Intraluminal Device and Method of Using Same in Treating Aneurysms”); and 20050131518 (Hartley et al., Jun. 16, 2005, “Fenestrated Stent Grafts”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20060085061 (Vardi et al., Apr. 20, 2006, “Extendible Stent Apparatus and Method for Deploying the Same”); 20060241740 (Vardi et al., Oct. 26, 2006, “Extendible Stent Apparatus”); 20070032855 (Davidson et al., Feb. 8, 2007, “Extendible Stent Apparatus”); 20070100301 (Gumm, May 3, 2007, “Conical Balloon for Deployment into Side Branch”); 20070299498 (Perez et al., Dec. 27, 2007, “Methods and Devices for Aiding In Situ Assembly of Repair Devices”); 20080039933 (Yodfat et al., Feb. 14, 2008, “Implantable Intraluminal Device and Method of Using Same in Treating Aneurysms”); 20080312732 (Hartley et al., Dec. 18, 2008, “Fenestrated Stent Grafts”); 20090132028 (Vardi et al., May 21, 2009, “Extendible Stent Apparatus and Method for Deploying the Same”); 20090248135 (Bruszewski et al., Oct. 1, 2009, “Eversible Branch Stent-Graft and Deployment Method”); 20090270970 (Yodfat et al., Oct. 29, 2009, “Implantable Intraluminal Device and Method of Using Same in Treating Aneurysms”); and 20100198334 (Yodfat et al., Aug. 5, 2010, “Implantable Intraluminal Device and Method of Using Same in Treating Aneurysms”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20100305681 (Gumm, Dec. 2, 2010, “Conical Balloon for Deployment into Side Branch”); 20100312326 (Chuter et al., Dec. 9, 2010, “Apparatus and Methods for Deployment of a Modular Stent-Graft System”); 20110082533 (Vardi et al., Apr. 7, 2011, “Extendible Stent Apparatus”); 20110288627 (Hartley et al., Nov. 24, 2011, “Stent Graft with Integral Side Arm”); 20110307044 (Bourang et al., Dec. 15, 2011, “Methods and Systems for Ostial Stenting of a Bifurcation”); 20110307045 (Bourang et al., Dec. 15, 2011, “Methods and Systems for Treating a Bifurcation with Provisional Side Branch Stenting”); 20110307046 (Bourang et al., Dec. 15, 2011, “Selective Stent Crimping”); 20110307052 (Bourang et al., Dec. 15, 2011, “Stent Alignment During Treatment of a Bifurcation”); 20110313512 (Hartley et al., Dec. 22, 2011, “Side Branch Stent Graft”); 20120053670 (Purdy, Mar. 1, 2012, “Fenestrated Intraluminal Stent System”); and 20120130479 (Chuter et al., May 24, 2012, “Low Profile Non-Symmetrical Stents and Stent-Grafts”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20120143237 (Cam et al., Jun. 7, 2012, “Vascular Remodeling Device”); 20120143317 (Cam et al., Jun. 7, 2012, “Vascular Remodeling Device”); 20120253448 (Hartley et al., Oct. 4, 2012, “Stent Graft with Integral Side Arm”); 20120296361 (Cam et al., Nov. 22, 2012, “Vascular Remodeling Device”); 20120296362 (Cam et al., Nov. 22, 2012, “Vascular Remodeling Device”); 20130046371 (Greenberg et al., Feb. 21, 2013, “Endoluminal Prosthesis Having Multiple Branches or Fenestrations and Methods of Deployment”); 20130053944 (Fogarty et al., Mar. 7, 2013, “Endoluminal Prosthesis Assembly”); 20130150946 (Hartley et al., Jun. 13, 2013, “Fenestrated Stent Grafts”); 20130204351 (Cox et al., Aug. 8, 2013, “Aneurysm Graft Devices and Methods”); 20130204354 (Adams, O., Aug. 8, 2013, “Branched Stent/Graft and Method of Fabrication”); and 20130211505 (Robison, Aug. 15, 2013, “Devices and Methods for Approximating the Cross-Sectional Profile of Vasculature Having Branches”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20130211507 (LaDuca et al., Aug. 15, 2013, “Apparatus and Method for Deploying an Implantable Device Within the Body”); 20130345785 (Hartley et al., Dec. 26, 2013, “Fenestrated Stent Grafts”); 20140100647 (Bourang, Apr. 10, 2014, “System and Methods for Treating a Bifurcation with a Fully Crimped Stent”); and 20140222130 (Kusleika, S., Aug. 7, 2014, “Vascular Device for Aneurysm Treatment and Providing Blood Flow into a Perforator Vessel”).

5. Stent with Helical Structure in Parent Vessel:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising stents with one or more helical structures which are implanted within the parent vessel of an aneurysm. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,514 (Kupiecki et al., Nov. 9, 1999, “Aneurysm Closure Device Assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,063,111 (Hieshima et al., May 16, 2000, “Stent Aneurysm Treatment System and Method”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,096,034 (Kupiecki et al., Aug. 1, 2000, “Aneurysm Closure Device Assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,592 (Kupiecki et al., Jan. 2, 2001, “Aneurysm Closure Device Assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,344,041 (Kupiecki et al., Feb. 5, 2002, “Aneurysm Closure Device Assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,237 (Klumb et al., Nov. 11, 2003, “Expandable Coiled Endoluminal Prosthesis”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,660,032 (Klumb et al., Dec. 9, 2003, “Expandable Coil Endoluminal Prosthesis”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,468 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 8, 2004, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,475 (Rivelli, Jun. 8, 2004, “Stent with Variable Stiffness”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,860,899 (Rivelli, Mar. 1, 2005, “Method for Treating Neurovascular Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,899,730 (Rivelli, May 31, 2005, “Catheter-Stent Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,481,821 (Fogarty et al., Jan. 27, 2009, “Embolization Device and a Method of Using the Same”); and U.S. Pat. No. 7,520,893 (Rivelli, Apr. 21, 2009, “Method for Treating Neurovascular Aneurysms”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 7,572,288 (Cox, Aug. 11, 2009, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,803,180 (Burpee et al., Sep. 28, 2010, “Flexible Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,862,608 (Hogendijk et al., Jan. 4, 2011, “Vascular Prosthesis and Methods of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,057,495 (Pal et al., Nov. 15, 2011, “Aneurysm Occlusion Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,252,040 (Cox, Aug. 28, 2012, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,262,686 (Fogarty et al., Sep. 11, 2012, “Embolization Device and a Method of Using the Same”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,562,636 (Fogarty et al., Oct. 22, 2013, “Embolization Device and a Method of Using the Same”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,562,667 (Cox, Oct. 22, 2013, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,597,320 (Sepetka et al., Dec. 3, 2013, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,715,312 (Burke et al., May 6, 2014, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20020133190 (Horton et al., Sep. 19, 2002, “In Situ Formable and Self-Forming Intravascular Flow Modifier (IFM), Catheter and IFM Assembly, and Method for Deployment of Same”); 20020169473 (Sepetka et al., Nov. 14, 2002, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20030018294 (Cox, Jan. 23, 2003, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”); 20040181253 (Sepetka et al., Sep. 16, 2004, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20040193246 (Ferrera, Sep. 30, 2004, “Methods and Apparatus for Treating Aneurysms and Other Vascular Defects”); 20040210249 (Fogarty et al., Oct. 21, 2004, “Embolization Device and a Method of Using the Same”); and 20040220663 (Rivelli, J R., Nov. 4, 2004, “Stent with Variable Stiffness”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20040260384 (Allen, Dec. 23, 2004, “Superelastic Coiled Stent”); 20050015110 (Fogarty et al., Jan. 20, 2005, “Embolization Device and a Method of Using the Same”); 20050149164 (Rivelli, Jul. 7, 2005, “Method for Treating Neurovascular Aneurysms”); 20050171597 (Boatman et al., Aug. 4, 2005, “Helical Stent for Branched Vessel Prosthesis”); 20060136033 (Hermann et al., Jun. 22, 2006, “Coiled Stent Delivery System and Method”); 20070083257 (Pal et al., Apr. 12, 2007, “Aneurysm Occlusion Device”); 20070129786 (Beach et al., Jun. 7, 2007, “Helical Stent”); 20070150045 (Ferrera, Jun. 28, 2007, “Methods and Apparatus for Treating Aneurysms and Other Vascular Defects”); 20080114391 (Dieck et al., May 15, 2008, “Aneurysm Covering Devices and Delivery Devices”); 20080114436 (Dieck et al., May 15, 2008, “Aneurysm Covering Devices and Delivery Devices”); 20090105748 (Fogarty et al., Apr. 23, 2009, “Embolization Device and a Method of Using the Same”); 20110082491 (Sepetka et al., Apr. 7, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); and 20110137332 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 9, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20110166641 (Bales et al., Jul. 7, 2011, “Highly Flexible Stent and Method of Manufacture”); 20110224776 (Sepetka et al., Sep. 15, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20120179192 (Fogarty et al., Jul. 12, 2012, “Embolization Device and a Method of Using the Same”); 20120303108 (Fogarty et al., Nov. 29, 2012, “Embolization Device and a Method of Using the Same”); 20120330402 (Vad et al., Dec. 27, 2012, “Helical Stent”); 20130090719 (Bales et al., Apr. 11, 2013, “Highly Flexible Stent and Method of Manufacture”); 20130090721 (Bales et al., Apr. 11, 2013, “Highly Flexible Stent and Method of Manufacture”); 20130116659 (Porter, May 9, 2013, “Medical Device with Bi-Component Polymer Fiber Sleeve”); 20130123899 (Leopold et al., May 16, 2013, “Vascular Prosthesis and Methods of Use”); 20140031920 (Malek, Jan. 30, 2014, “Endovascular Stent”); 20140088690 (Fogarty et al., Mar. 27, 2014, “Embolization Device and a Method of Using the Same”); and 20140288633 (Burke et al., Sep. 25, 2014, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”).

6. Stent with Special Structure or Flexibility in Parent Vessel:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising stents with special structure or flexibility (which is not specified in one of the other categories herein) which are implanted within the parent vessel of an aneurysm. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,549 (Peters, May 2, 1995, “Selectively Expandable, Retractable and Removable Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,722 (Phan et al., Feb. 18, 1997, “Intravascular Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,797 (Ho, Oct. 12, 1999, “Electrolytically Deployable Braided Vaso-Occlusion Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,190,406 (Duerig et al., Feb. 20, 2001, “Intravascular Stent Having Tapered Struts”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,117 (Camrud et al., Jul. 10, 2001, “Multi-Section Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,342,068 (Thompson, Jan. 29, 2002, “Three-Dimensional Braided Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,543 (Hilaire et al., Jul. 9, 2002, “Expandable Stent with Variable Thickness”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,510 (Camrud et al., Nov. 26, 2002, “Multi-Section Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,985 (Burpee et al., Feb. 18, 2003, “Stent with Reduced Shortening”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,987 (Plante, Feb. 18, 2003, “Expandable Intravascular Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,753 (Eder et al., Jul. 1, 2003, “Expandable Coil Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,833,003 (Jones et al., Dec. 21, 2004, “Expandable Stent and Delivery System”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,033,385 (Eder et al., Apr. 25, 2006, “Expandable Coil Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,037,330 (Rivelli et al., May 2, 2006, “Neurovascular Stent and Method”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,052,513 (Thompson, May 30, 2006, “Three-Dimensional Braided Covered Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,195,648 (Jones et al., Mar. 27, 2007, “Intravascular Stent Device”); and U.S. Pat. No. 7,211,109 (Thompson, May 1, 2007, “Braided Composite Prosthesis”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 7,309,352 (Eder et al., Dec. 18, 2007, “Expandable Coil Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,491,229 (Eder et al., Feb. 17, 2009, “Expandable Coil Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,695,507 (Rivelli et al., Apr. 13, 2010, “Neurovascular Stent and Method”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,803,179 (Denison, Sep. 28, 2010, “Intravascular Stents”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,955,382 (Flanagan et al., Jun. 7, 2011, “Endoprosthesis with Adjustable Surface Features”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,988,721 (Morris et al., Aug. 2, 2011, “Axially-Radially Nested Expandable Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,012,197 (Bashiri et al., Sep. 6, 2011, “Hybrid Balloon Expandable/Self-Expanding Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,016,876 (Gregorich et al., Sep. 13, 2011, “Stent Configurations”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,070,792 (Gregorich et al., Dec. 6, 2011, “Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,282,679 (Denison, Oct. 9, 2012, “Intravascular Stents”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,414,637 (Chouinard, Apr. 9, 2013, “Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,512,395 (Meyer et al., Aug. 20, 2013, “Stent with Horseshoe Shaped Bridges”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,529,616 (Boyle et al., Sep. 10, 2013, “Implantable Expandable Medical Devices Having Regions of Differential Mechanical Properties and Methods of Making Same”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,623,071 (Lundkvist et al., Jan. 7, 2014, “Radiopaque Super-Elastic Intravascular Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,663,309 (Chobotov, Mar. 4, 2014, “Asymmetric Stent Apparatus and Method”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,671,815 (Hancock et al., Mar. 18, 2014, “Self-Expanding Pseudo-Braided Intravascular Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,671,815 (Hancock et al., Mar. 18, 2014, “Self-Expanding Pseudo-Braided Intravascular Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,728,146 (Gregorich et al., May 20, 2014, “Stent Configurations”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,740,966 (Brocker et al., Jun. 3, 2014, “Low Profile Non-Symmetrical Stent”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,801,772 (Shobayashi et al., Aug. 12, 2014, “Stent to Be Used in Tubular Organ In Vivo”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20040186551 (Kao et al., Sep. 23, 2004, “Multiple Independent Nested Stent Structures and Methods for Their Preparation and Deployment”); 20060224230 (Rivelli et al., Oct. 5, 2006, “Neurovascular Stent and Method”); 20090082846 (Chobotov, Mar. 26, 2009, “Asymmetric Stent Apparatus and Method”); 20090171437 (Brocker et al., Jul. 2, 2009, “Low Profile Non-Symmetrical Stent”); 20090177268 (Lundkvist et al., Jul. 9, 2009, “Radiopaque Super-Elastic Intravascular Stent”); 20090299390 (Dehnad, Dec. 3, 2009, “Multistrand Coil for Interventional Therapy”); 20100004726 (Hancock et al., Jan. 7, 2010, “Self-Expanding Pseudo-Braided Intravascular Device”); 20100152837 (Lundkvist et al., Jun. 17, 2010, “Radiopaque Super-Elastic Intravascular Stent”); 20100222864 (Rivelli et al., Sep. 2, 2010, “Neurovascular Stent and Method”); 20100324660 (Denison, Dec. 23, 2010, “Intravascular Stents”); and 20110264192 (Hartley et al., Oct. 27, 2011, “Curve Forming Stent Graft”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20120004719 (Gregorich et al., Jan. 5, 2012, “Stent Configurations”); 20120016462 (Gregorich et al., Jan. 19, 2012, “Stent”); 20120041540 (Shobayashi, Feb. 16, 2012, “Stent to be Used in Tubular Organ In Vivo”); 20120055614 (Hancock et al., Mar. 8, 2012, “Self-Expanding Pseudo-Braided Intravascular Device”); 20120165920 (Meyer et al., Jun. 28, 2012, “Stent”); 20120172972 (Meyer et al., Jul. 5, 2012, “Multi Stage Opening Stent Designs”); 20120323309 (Cattaneo, Dec. 20, 2012, “Stent with Flaps”); 20130060322 (Leynov et al., Mar. 7, 2013, “Expandable Framework with Overlapping Connectors”); 20130066413 (Jin et al., Mar. 14, 2013, “Surgical Apparatus for Aneurysms”); 20130146173 (Krivoruchko et al., Jun. 13, 2013, “Stent With Improved Flexibility and Method for Making Same”); 20140058500 (Lundkvist et al., Feb. 27, 2014, “Radiopaque Super-Elastic Intravascular Stent”); 20140082924 (Lundkvist et al., Mar. 27, 2014, “Radiopaque Super-Elastic Intravascular Stent”); 20140188208 (Hancock et al., Jul. 3, 2014, “Self-Expanding Pseudo-Braided Intravascular Device”); and 20140277370 (Brocker et al., Sep. 18, 2014, “Low Profile Non-Symmetrical Stent”).

7. Stent with Multiple Layers in Parent Vessel:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising stents with multiple layers which are implanted within the parent vessel of an aneurysm. In an example, a first layer of such a stent can be porous, but provide structural support, while a second layer can be non-porous. In another example, embolic members or compositions can be inserted between two stent layers. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,559 (Hachtman et al., Jul. 8, 1997, “Multiple Layer Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,882 (Fogarty et al., Jun. 23, 1998, “Methods and apparatus for conformably sealing prostheses within body lumens”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,610 (Duerig et al., Jul. 11, 2000, “Composite Self Expanding Stent Device Having a Restraining Element”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,149,681 (Houser et al., Nov. 21, 2000, “Radially Expanding Prostheses and Systems for Their Deployment”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,523 (Herweck et al., Aug. 7, 2001, “Expandable Shielded Vessel Support”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,191 (Chobotov, Dec. 18, 2001, “Layered endovascular graft”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,803 (Layne et al., Jun. 4, 2002, “Partial Encapsulation of Stents”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,558,414 (Layne, May 6, 2003, “Partial Encapsulation of Stents Using Strips and Bands”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,314 (Lombardi et al., Jun. 17, 2003, “Covered Stent with Encapsulated Ends”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,656,214 (Fogarty et al., Dec. 2, 2003, “Methods and apparatus for conformably sealing prostheses within body lumens”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,673,103 (Golds et al., Jan. 6, 2004, “Mesh and Stent for Increased Flexibility”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,699,277 (Freidberg et al., Mar. 2, 2004, “Stent with Cover Connectors”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,719,783 (Lentz et al., Apr. 13, 2004, “PTFE Vascular Graft and Method of Manufacture”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,770,087 (Layne et al., Aug. 3, 2004, “Partial Encapsulation of Stents”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,786,920 (Shannon et al., Sep. 7, 2004, “Stented Radially Expandable Tubular PTFE Grafts”); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,790,225 (Shannon et al., Sep. 14, 2004, “Stented Radially Expandable Tubular PTFE Grafts”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,929,658 (Freidberg et al., Aug. 16, 2005, “Stent with Cover Connectors”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,081,129 (Chobotov, Jul. 25, 2006, “Endovascular Graft”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,640 (Lombardi et al., Aug. 1, 2006, “Covered Stent with Encapsulated Ends”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,186,263 (Golds et al., Mar. 6, 2007, “Mesh Graft and Stent for Increased Flexibility”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,588,597 (Frid, Sep. 15, 2009, “Three-Dimensional Braided Structure Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,615,071 (Chobotov, Nov. 10, 2009, “Endovascular Graft”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,666,220 (Evans et al., Feb. 23, 2010, “System and Methods for Endovascular Aneurysm Treatment”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,704,274 (Boyle et al., Apr. 27, 2010, “Implantable Graft and Methods of Making Same”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,758,892 (Chen et al., Jul. 20, 2010, “Medical Devices Having Multiple Layers”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,914,639 (Layne et al., Mar. 29, 2011, “Partial Encapsulation of Stents”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,211,160 (Garrison et al., Jul. 3, 2012, “Stent Graft Assembly and Method”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,388,677 (Herrmann, Mar. 5, 2013, “Anti-Thrombogenic and Anti-Restenotic Vascular Medical Devices”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,535,367 (Kim et al., Sep. 17, 2013, “Devices and Methods for Treatment of Vascular Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,647,377 (Kim et al., Feb. 11, 2014, “Devices and Methods for Treatment of Vascular Aneurysms”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,784,477 (Bregulla et al., Jul. 22, 2014, “Stent Graft with Two Layer ePTFE Layer System with High Plasticity and High Rigidity”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20030074049 (Hoganson et al., Apr. 17, 2003, “Covered Stents and Systems for Deploying Covered Stents”); 20050107863 (Brown, May 19, 2005, “Micro Structure Stent Configurations”); 20060229714 (Lombardi et al., Oct. 12, 2006, “Covered Stent with Encapsulated Ends”); 20060292206 (Kim et al., Dec. 28, 2006, “Devices and Methods for Treatment of Vascular Aneurysms”); 20070050008 (Kim et al., Mar. 1, 2007, “Devices and Methods for Treatment of Vascular Aneurysms”); 20070055355 (Kim et al., Mar. 8, 2007, “Devices and Methods for Treatment of Vascular Aneurysms”); 20070061005 (Kim et al., Mar. 15, 2007, “Devices and Methods for Treatment of Vascular Aneurysms”); and 20070207186 (Scanlon et al., Sep. 6, 2007, “Tear and Abrasion Resistant Expanded Material and Reinforcement”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20080125852 (Garrison et al., May 29, 2008, “Stent Graft Assembly and Method”); 20090318949 (Ganpath et al., Dec. 24, 2009, “Sealing Apparatus and Methods of Use”); 20100131002 (Connor et al., May 27, 2010, “Stent with a Net Layer to Embolize an Aneurysm”); 20100179645 (Chen et al., Jul. 15, 2010, “Medical Devices Having Multiple Layers”); 20100280452 (Chen et al., Nov. 4, 2010, “Medical Devices Having Multiple Layers”); 20120172977 (Bregulla et al., Jul. 5, 2012, “Stent Graft with Two Layer ePTFE Layer System with High Plasticity and High Rigidity”); 20120259404 (Tieu et al., Oct. 11, 2012, “Stent”); 20120303112 (Armstrong et al., Nov. 29, 2012, “Stent”); 20120330343 (Kim et al., Dec. 27, 2012, “Devices and Methods for Treatment of Vascular Aneurysms”); 20130018220 (Vad et al., Jan. 17, 2013, “Method for Electrospinning a Graft Layer”); 20130103135 (Vinluan, Apr. 25, 2013, “Fenestrated Inflatable Graft”); and 20130131780 (Armstrong et al., May 23, 2013, “Lattice”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20130131786 (Chobotov, May 23, 2013, “Endovascular Graft”); 20130197617 (Armstrong et al., Aug. 1, 2013, “Stent”); 20130197624 (Armstrong et al., Aug. 1, 2013, “Stent”); 20130204347 (Armstrong et al., Aug. 8, 2013, “Lattice”); 20130245745 (Vong et al., Sep. 19, 2013, “Stent and Stent Delivery Device”); 20140058436 (Rosenbluth et al., Feb. 27, 2014, “Blood Flow Disruption Devices and Methods for the Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20140081374 (Kim et al., Mar. 20, 2014, “Devices and Methods for Treatment of Vascular Aneurysms”); 20140130965 (Banks et al., May 15, 2014, “Method of Manufacturing a Stent-Graft Prosthesis with Two Layers of Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene”); and 20140180397 (Gerberding et al., Jun. 26, 2014, “Multilayer Stent”).

8. Stent with Non-Porous Walls in Parent Vessel:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising stents with non-porous walls which are implanted within the parent vessel of an aneurysm. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,379 (Lane, Apr. 11, 1995, “Self Expanding Vascular Endoprosthesis for Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,723,004 (Dereume et al., Mar. 3, 1998, “Expandable Supportive Endoluminal Grafts”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,018 (Dereume et al., Sep. 7, 1999, “Expandable Supportive Endoluminal Grafts”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,212 (Dereume et al., Dec. 26, 2000, “Expandable Supportive Endoluminal Grafts”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,413 (Dereume et al., Oct. 30, 2001, “Expandable Supportive Endoluminal Grafts”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,003,180 (Goffena et al., Aug. 23, 2011, “Thin-Wall Polytetrafluoroethylene Tube”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,480,727 (Clarke, Jul. 9, 2013, “Endovascular Implant Having an Integral Graft Component and Method of Manufacture”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,715,336 (Chu et al., May 6, 2014, “Methods and Apparatus for Treatment of Aneurysms Adjacent to Branch Arteries”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20050131516 (Greenhalgh, Jun. 16, 2005, “Integral Support Stent Graft Assembly”); 20050171597 (Boatman et al., Aug. 4, 2005, “Helical Stent for Branched Vessel Prosthesis”); 20080195137 (Alleyne et al., Aug. 14, 2008, “Devices and Methods for Aneurysm Treatment”); 20130053872 (Hansen, Feb. 28, 2013, “Device and Method for Preventing Blood Flow into an Aneurysm”); 20130116659 (Porter, May 9, 2013, “Medical Device with Bi-Component Polymer Fiber Sleeve”); 20130289713 (Pearson et al., Oct. 31, 2013, “Circumferentially Constraining Sutures for a Stent-Graft”); 20140130965 (Banks et al., May 15, 2014, “Method of Manufacturing a Stent-Graft Prosthesis with Two Layers of Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene”); and 20140194973 (Chobotov, Jul. 10, 2014, “Sac Liner for Aneurysm Repair”).

9. Stent with Integrated Actuators and/or Sensors in Parent Vessel:

Although not yet common, the prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms which could be called smart stents—featuring integrated microscale actuators (such as MEMS) for controlled expansion and/or sensors to collect biological data. In an example, such smart stents can be implanted within the parent vessel of an aneurysm. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 7,235,098 (Palmaz, Jun. 26, 2007, “Medical Devices Having MEMS Functionality and Methods of Making Same”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,019,413 (Ferren et al., Sep. 13, 2011, “Lumen-Traveling Biological Interface Device and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,024,036 (Ferren et al., Sep. 20, 2011, “Lumen-Traveling Biological Interface Device and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,512,219 (Ferren et al., Aug. 20, 2013, “BioelectroMagnetic Interface System”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,784,475 (Martinson et al., Jul. 22, 2014, “Instrumented Implantable Stents, Vascular Grafts and Other Medical Devices”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20050065592 (Holzer, Mar. 24, 2005, “System and Method of Aneurism Monitoring and Treatment”); 20080004692 (Henson et al., Jan. 3, 2008, “Dynamically Adjustable Vascular Stent”); 20120271200 (Martinson et al., Oct. 25, 2012, “Instrumented Implantable Stents, Vascular Grafts and Other Medical Devices”); 20130041454 (Dobson et al., Feb. 14, 2013, “Sensor Actuated Stent”); and 20130166017 (Cartledge et al., Jun. 27, 2013, “Actively Controllable Stent, Stent Graft, Heart Valve and Method of Controlling Same”); and Yet unpublished U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/387,637 (Connor et al., 2009, “Stent with Two-Stage Expansion to Reduce Restenosis”).

10. Stent with Other Complex Structure in Parent Vessel:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising stents with other complex structures which are implanted within the parent vessel of an aneurysm. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,691 (Samson, Dec. 6, 1994, “Intravascular Inflatable Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,907 (Frantzen, Feb. 23, 1999, “Electrolytic Stent Delivery System and Methods of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,573 (Wallace et al., Dec. 28, 1999, “Intracranial Stent and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,433 (Roth, Jan. 18, 2000, “Rolled Stent with Waveform Perforation Pattern”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,096,175 (Roth, Aug. 1, 2000, “Thin Film Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,406,490 (Roth, Jun. 18, 2002, “Rolled Stent with Waveform Perforation Pattern”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,432,128 (Wallace et al., Aug. 13, 2002, “Intracranial Stent and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,919 (Roth, Mar. 4, 2003, “Thin Film Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,305 (Lashinski, Jun. 17, 2003, “Method and Apparatus for Delivery Deployment and Retrieval of a Stent Comprising Shape-Memory Material”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,719 (Wallace et al., Dec. 30, 2003, “Intracranial Stent and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,916,337 (Roth, Jul. 12, 2005, “Rolled Stent with Waveform Perforation Pattern”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,037,327 (Salmon et al., May 2, 2006, “Stent with Self-Expanding End Sections”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,118,656 (Roth, Oct. 10, 2006, “Thin Film Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,141,063 (White et al., Nov. 28, 2006, “Stent with Micro-Latching Hinge Joints”); and U.S. Pat. No. 7,147,660 (Chobotov et al., Dec. 12, 2006, “Advanced Endovascular Graft”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 7,147,661 (Chobotov et al., Dec. 12, 2006, “Radially Expandable Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,294,137 (Rivelli et al., Nov. 13, 2007, “Device for Multi-Modal Treatment of Vascular Lesions”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,598 (Truckai et al., Dec. 11, 2007, “Polymer Matrix Devices for Treatment of Vascular Malformations”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,323,005 (Wallace et al., Jan. 29, 2008, “Intracranial Stent and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,384,426 (Wallace et al., Jun. 10, 2008, “Intracranial Stent and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,455,753 (Roth, Nov. 25, 2008, “Thin Film Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,547,321 (Silvestri et al., Jun. 16, 2009, “Removable Stent and Method of Using the Same”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,651,525 (Dolan, Jan. 26, 2010, “Intraluminal Stent Assembly and Method of Deploying the Same”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,901,445 (Wallace et al., Mar. 8, 2011, “Intracranial Stent and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,914,574 (Schmid et al., Mar. 29, 2011, “Axially Nested Slide and Lock Expandable Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,947,071 (Schmid et al., May 24, 2011, “Expandable Slide and Lock Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,016,853 (Griffen et al., Sep. 13, 2011, “Sacrificial Anode Stent System”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,038,708 (Case et al., Oct. 18, 2011, “Implantable Device with Remodelable Material and Covering Material”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,147,534 (Berez et al., Apr. 3, 2012, “System and Method for Delivering and Deploying an Occluding Device within a Vessel”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 8,236,042 (Berez et al., Aug. 7, 2012, “System and Method for Delivering and Deploying an Occluding Device within a Vessel”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,257,421 (Berez et al., Sep. 4, 2012, “System and Method for Delivering and Deploying an Occluding Device within a Vessel”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,267,985 (Garcia et al., Sep. 18, 2012, “System and Method for Delivering and Deploying an Occluding Device within a Vessel”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,273,101 (Garcia et al., Sep. 25, 2012, “System and Method for Delivering and Deploying an Occluding Device within a Vessel”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,277,500 (Schmid et al., Oct. 2, 2012, “Slide-And-Lock Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,292,944 (Schmid et al., Oct. 23, 2012, “Slide-And-Lock Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,377,112 (Griffin et al., Feb. 19, 2013, “Sacrificial Anode Stent System”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,444,686 (Holman et al., May 21, 2013, “Catheter with Removable Balloon Protector and Stent Delivery System with Removable Stent Protector”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,636,760 (Garcia et al., Jan. 28, 2014, “System and Method for Delivering and Deploying an Occluding Device Within a Vessel”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,709,065 (Chobotov, Apr. 29, 2014, “Advanced Endovascular Graft”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,795,346 (Alkhatib, Aug. 5, 2014, “Semi Rigid Edge Protection Design for Stent Delivery System”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20020151965 (Roth, Oct. 17, 2002, “Rolled Stent with Waveform Perforation Pattern”); 20030159920 (Roth, Aug. 28, 2003, “Thin Film Stent”); 20040002752 (Griffin et al., Jan. 1, 2004, “Sacrificial Anode Stent System”); 20050192661 (Griffen et al., Sep. 1, 2005, “Sacrificial Anode Stent System”); 20050251247 (Roth, Nov. 10, 2005, “Rolled Stent with Waveform Perforation Pattern”); 20060271149 (Berez et al., Nov. 30, 2006, “System and Method for Delivering and Deploying an Occluding Device within a Vessel”); 20060271153 (Garcia et al., Nov. 30, 2006, “System and Method for Delivering and Deploying an Occluding Device within a Vessel”); 20070031584 (Roth, Feb. 8, 2007, “Thin Film Stent”); and 20080319521 (Norris et al., Dec. 25, 2008, “Compressible Resilient Fabric Devices and Methods”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20090192536 (Berez et al., Jul. 30, 2009, “System and Method for Delivering and Deploying an Occluding Device Within a Vessel”); 20090198318 (Berez et al., Aug. 6, 2009, “System and Method for Delivering and Deploying an Occluding Device Within a Vessel”); 20090287292 (Becking et al., Nov. 19, 2009, “Braid Implant Delivery Systems”); 20090318947 (Garcia et al., Dec. 24, 2009, “System and Method for Delivering and Deploying an Occluding Device Within a Vessel”); 20100152828 (Pakbaz et al., Jun. 17, 2010, “Devices and Methods for Accessing and Treating an Aneurysm”); 20100179640 (Reith, Jul. 15, 2010, “Radially Expandable System for Use in Body Tubes”); 20110004294 (Bialas, R., Jan. 6, 2011, “Fatigue-Resistant Stent”); 20110066221 (White et al., Mar. 17, 2011, “Hybrid Intraluminal Device”); 20110144740 (Molaei et al., Jun. 6, 2011, “Medical Devices Including Metallic Film and at Least One Filament”); and 20110230957 (Bonsignore et al., Sep. 22, 2011, “Alternating Circumferential Bridge Stent Design and Methods for Use Thereof”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20110319928 (Griffin et al., Dec. 29, 2011, “Sacrificial Anode Stent System”); 20120221095 (Berez et al., Aug. 30, 2012, “System and Method for Delivering and Deploying an Occluding Device within a Vessel”); 20120277784 (Berez et al., Nov. 1, 2012, “System and Method for Delivering and Deploying an Occluding Device within a Vessel”); 20120283765 (Berez et al., Nov. 8, 2012, “System and Method for Delivering and Deploying an Occluding Device within a Vessel”); 20120283815 (Berez et al., Nov. 8, 2012, “System and Method for Delivering and Deploying an Occluding Device within a Vessel”); 20120316638 (Grad et al., Dec. 13, 2012, “Method and Device for Treating Cerebrovascular Pathologies and Delivery System Therefor”); 20120323547 (Baloch et al., Dec. 20, 2012, “Method for Intracranial Aneurysm Analysis and Endovascular Intervention Planning”); and 20130053872 (Hansen, Feb. 28, 2013, “Device and Method for Preventing Blood Flow into an Aneurysm”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20130166010 (Vad, Jun. 27, 2013, “Hybrid Balloon-Expandable/Self-Expanding Prosthesis for Deployment in a Body Vessel and Method of Making”); 20130172925 (Garcia et al., Jul. 4, 2013, “System and Method for Delivering and Deploying an Occluding Device within a Vessel”); 20130172976 (Garcia et al., Jul. 4, 2013, “System and Method for Delivering and Deploying an Occluding Device within a Vessel”); 20130211492 (Schneider et al., Aug. 15, 2013, “Implant for Influencing the Blood Flow in Arteriovenous Defects”); 20130253631 (Schmid et al., Sep. 26, 2013, “Slide-And-Lock Stent”); 20130261730 (Bose et al., Oct. 3, 2013, “Aneurysm Occlusion System and Method”); 20130289713 (Pearson et al., Oct. 31, 2013, “Circumferentially Constraining Sutures for a Stent-Graft”); 20140172067 (Brown et al., Jun. 19, 2014, “Luminal Stenting”); 20140180387 (Khenansho et al., Jun. 26, 2014, “Stent Delivery System”); 20140214071 (Thomas, Jul. 31, 2014, “Embolic Coil Delivery System and Method of Using Same”); 20140249614 (Levi et al., Sep. 4, 2014, “Thin Film Vascular Stent and Biocompatible Surface Treatment”); and 20140277391 (Layman et al., Sep. 18, 2014, “Stent and Method of Use”).

11. Stent in Parent Vessel to Contain Embolics within Aneurysm Sac:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising the implantation of a stent within the parent vessel of an aneurysm in order to contain embolics within an aneurysm sac. This is sometimes called “jailing.” In an example, the stent wall can have an opening through which embolic members (such as coils) are inserted into the aneurysm sac. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,928,260 (Chin et al., Jul. 27, 1999, “Removable Occlusion System for Aneurysm Neck”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,599 (McCrory, Sep. 14, 1999, “Occlusion System for Endovascular Treatment of an Aneurysm”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,514 (Kupiecki et al., Nov. 9, 1999, “Aneurysm Closure Device Assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,977 (Evans et al., Jan. 25, 2000, “Methods for Embolizing Blood Vessels”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,096,034 (Kupiecki et al., Aug. 1, 2000, “Aneurysm Closure Device Assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,592 (Kupiecki et al., Jan. 2, 2001, “Aneurysm Closure Device Assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,281,263 (Evans et al., Aug. 28, 2001, “Methods for Embolizing Blood Vessels”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,335,384 (Evans et al., Jan. 1, 2002, “Methods for Embolizing Blood Vessels”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,344,041 (Kupiecki et al., Feb. 5, 2002, “Aneurysm Closure Device Assembly”); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,344,048 (Chin et al., Feb. 5, 2002, “Removable Occlusion System for Aneurysm Neck”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,668 (Gifford et al., Apr. 23, 2002, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,468 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 8, 2004, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,780,196 (Chin et al., Aug. 24, 2004, “Removable Occlusion System for Aneurysm Neck”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,913,618 (Denardo et al., Jul. 5, 2005, “Intravascular Flow Modifier and Reinforcement Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,001,422 (Escamilla et al., Feb. 21, 2006, “Expandable Stent and Delivery System”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,229,461 (Chin et al., Jun. 12, 2007, “Removable Occlusion System for Aneurysm Neck”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,288,112 (Denardo et al., Oct. 30, 2007, “Intravascular Flow Modifier and Reinforcement Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,309,351 (Escamilla et al., Dec. 18, 2007, “Expandable Stent with Markers and Stent Delivery System”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,563,270 (Gumm, Jul. 21, 2009, “Rotating Stent Delivery System for Side Branch Access and Protection and Method of Using Same”); and U.S. Pat. No. 7,569,066 (Gerberding et al., Aug. 4, 2009, “Methods and Devices for the Treatment of Aneurysms”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 7,875,044 (Feller et al., Jan. 25, 2011, “Remodeling Device for Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,016,853 (Griffen et al., Sep. 13, 2011, “Sacrificial Anode Stent System”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,377,112 (Griffin et al., Feb. 19, 2013, “Sacrificial Anode Stent System”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,444,667 (Porter, May 21, 2013, “Device for Closure of a Vascular Defect and Method for Treating the Same”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,470,013 (Duggal et al., Jun. 25, 2013, “Systems and Methods for Aneurysm Treatment and Vessel Occlusion”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,535,367 (Kim et al., Sep. 17, 2013, “Devices and Methods for Treatment of Vascular Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,597,320 (Sepetka et al., Dec. 3, 2013, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,647,377 (Kim et al., Feb. 11, 2014, “Devices and Methods for Treatment of Vascular Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,747,430 (Porter, Jun. 10, 2014, “Device for Closure of a Vascular Defect and Method for Treating the Same”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,771,341 (Strauss et al., Jul. 8, 2014, “Protuberant Aneurysm Bridging Device and Method of Use”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,808,361 (Strauss et al., Aug. 19, 2014, “Protuberant Aneurysm Bridging Device and Method of Use”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20020042628 (Chin et al., Apr. 11, 2002, “Removable Occlusion System for Aneurysm Neck”); 20020169473 (Sepetka et al., Nov. 14, 2002, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20030014075 (Rosenbluth et al., Jan. 16, 2003, “Methods, Materials and Apparatus for Deterring or Preventing Endoleaks Following Endovascular Graft Implantation”); 20040002752 (Griffin et al., Jan. 1, 2004, “Sacrificial Anode Stent System”); 20040181253 (Sepetka et al., Sep. 16, 2004, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20040193246 (Ferrera, Sep. 30, 2004, “Methods and Apparatus for Treating Aneurysms and Other Vascular Defects”); 20050004660 (Rosenbluth et al., Jan. 6, 2005, “Methods, Materials and Apparatus for Deterring or Preventing Endoleaks Following Endovascular Graft Implantation”); 20050021077 (Chin et al., Jan. 27, 2005, “Removable Occlusion System for Aneurysm Neck”); and 20050192661 (Griffen et al., Sep. 1, 2005, “Sacrificial Anode Stent System”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20060206196 (Porter, Sep. 14, 2006, “Device for Closure of a Vascular Defect and Method for Treating the Same”); 20060292206 (Kim et al., Dec. 28, 2006, “Devices and Methods for Treatment of Vascular Aneurysms”); 20070050008 (Kim et al., Mar. 1, 2007, “Devices and Methods for Treatment of Vascular Aneurysms”); 20070055355 (Kim et al., Mar. 8, 2007, “Devices and Methods for Treatment of Vascular Aneurysms”); 20070061005 (Kim et al., Mar. 15, 2007, “Devices and Methods for Treatment of Vascular Aneurysms”); 20070150041 (Evans et al., Jun. 28, 2007, “Methods and Systems for Aneurysm Treatment Using Filling Structures”); 20070150045 (Ferrera, Jun. 28, 2007, “Methods and Apparatus for Treating Aneurysms and Other Vascular Defects”); 20080004692 (Henson et al., Jan. 3, 2008, “Dynamically Adjustable Vascular Stent”); 20080033341 (Grad, Feb. 7, 2008, “Methods and Devices for Reducing or Blocking Blood Flow To a Selected Blood Vessel or Part Thereof”); 20080161936 (Feller et al., Jul. 3, 2008, “Remodeling Device for Aneurysms”); and 20090069880 (Vonderwalde et al., Mar. 12, 2009, “Implantable Graft Assembly and Aneurysm Treatment”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20090125053 (Ferrera et al., May 14, 2009, “Aneurysm Neck Bridging Processes with Revascularization Systems Methods and Products Thereby”); 20090318948 (Linder et al., Dec. 24, 2009, “Device, System and Method for Aneurysm Embolization”); 20100004671 (Gerberding et al., Jan. 7, 2010, “Methods and Devices for the Treatment of Aneurysms”); 20100023105 (Levy et al., Jan. 28, 2010, “Vascular Remodeling Device”); 20100106240 (Duggal et al., Apr. 29, 2010, “Systems and Methods for Aneurysm Treatment and Vessel Occlusion”); 20100131002 (Connor et al., May 27, 2010, “Stent with a Net Layer to Embolize an Aneurysm”); 20110046716 (Parkinson et al., Feb. 24, 2011, “Stent”); 20110082491 (Sepetka et al., Apr. 7, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20110137332 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 9, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20110184453 (Levy et al., Jul. 28, 2011, “Vascular Remodeling Device”); 20110224776 (Sepetka et al., Sep. 15, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); and 20110319928 (Griffin et al., Dec. 29, 2011, “Sacrificial Anode Stent System”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20120245674 (Molaei et al., Sep. 27, 2012, “Vascular Remodeling Device”); 20120245675 (Molaei et al., Sep. 27, 2012, “Vascular Remodeling Device”); 20120283768 (Cox et al., Nov. 8, 2012, “Method and Apparatus for the Treatment of Large and Giant Vascular Defects”); 20120330343 (Kim et al., Dec. 27, 2012, “Devices and Methods for Treatment of Vascular Aneurysms”); 20130116774 (Strauss et al., May 9, 2013, “Protuberant Aneurysm Bridging Device and Method of Use”); 20130231732 (Vonderwalde et al., Sep. 5, 2013, “Implantable Graft Assembly and Aneurysm Treatment”); 20130238083 (Duggal et al., Sep. 12, 2013, “Systems and Methods for Aneurysm Treatment and Vessel Occlusion”); 20130268053 (Molaei et al., Oct. 10, 2013, “Vascular Remodeling Device”); 20130289714 (Strauss et al., Oct. 31, 2013, “Protuberant Aneurysm Bridging Device and Method of Use”); 20140025151 (Gao, Jan. 23, 2014, “Retrievable Stent for Intracranial Aneurysms”); 20140081374 (Kim et al., Mar. 20, 2014, “Devices and Methods for Treatment of Vascular Aneurysms”); 20140121752 (Losordo et al., May 1, 2014, “Wing Bifurcation Reconstruction Device”); and 20140249616 (Strauss et al., Sep. 4, 2014, “Protuberant Aneurysm Bridging Device Deployment Method”).

12. Multiple Stents in Parent Vessel:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising the coordinated and concurrent implantation of multiple stents (or stent modules) within the parent vessel of an aneurysm. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 7,137,993 (Acosta et al., Nov. 21, 2006, “Apparatus and Methods for Delivery of Multiple Distributed Stents”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,147,655 (Chermoni, Dec. 12, 2006, “Balloon Catheter for Multiple Adjustable Stent Deployment”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,294,146 (Chew et al., Nov. 13, 2007, “Apparatus and Methods for Delivery of Variable Length Stents”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,905,913 (Chew et al., Mar. 15, 2011, “Apparatus and Methods for Delivery of Multiple Distributed Stents”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,922,755 (Acosta et al., Apr. 12, 2011, “Apparatus and Methods for Delivery of Multiple Distributed Stents”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,963,987 (Melsheimer et al., Jun. 21, 2011, “Sequential Implant Delivery System”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,016,870 (Chew et al., Sep. 13, 2011, “Apparatus and Methods for Delivery of Variable Length Stents”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,016,871 (Chew et al., Sep. 13, 2011, “Apparatus and Methods for Delivery of Multiple Distributed Stents”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,246,672 (Osborne, Aug. 21, 2012, “Endovascular Graft with Separately Positionable and Removable Frame Units”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20030065375 (Eskuri, Apr. 3, 2003, “Nested Stent Apparatus”); 20040215331 (Chew et al., Oct. 28, 2004, “Apparatus and Methods for Delivery of Variable Length Stents”); 20040249435 (Andreas et al., Dec. 9, 2004, “Stent Deployment Systems and Methods”); 20070088368 (Acosta; Pablo et al., Apr. 19, 2007, “Apparatus and Methods for Delivery of Multiple Distributed Stents”); 20090088832 (Chew et al., Apr. 2, 2009, “Apparatus and Methods for Delivery of Variable Length Stents”); 20100318173 (Kolandaivelu et al., Dec. 16, 2010, “Endovascular Devices/Catheter Platforms and Methods for Achieving Congruency in Sequentially Deployed Devices”); and 20110152996 (Acosta et al., Jun. 23, 2011, “Apparatus and Methods for Delivery of Multiple Distributed Stents”).

13. Temporary Balloon in Parent Vessel:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising the temporarily insertion and expansion of a balloon within the parent vessel of an aneurysm. In an example, temporary insertion and expansion of such as balloon can help to contain a liquid embolic composition within the aneurysm sac while the embolic composition is congealing. As another example, such a balloon can help to contain embolic coils within the aneurysm sac while the coils are being deployed. Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,776,097 (Massoud, Jul. 7, 1998, “Method and Device for Treating Intracranial Vascular Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,679 (Abolfathi et al., Jul. 28, 1998, “Methods and Apparatus for Treating Aneurysms and Arterio-Venous Fistulas”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,331 (Cragg et al., Aug. 18, 1998, “Balloon Catheter for Occluding Aneurysms of Branch Vessels”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,074,407 (Levine et al., Jun. 13, 2000, “Delivery Catheter for Occlusive Implants”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,096,021 (Helm et al., Aug. 1, 2000, “Flow Arrest, Double Balloon Technique for Occluding Aneurysms or Blood Vessels”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,221,447 (Solar et al., Jul. 17, 2012, “Aneurysm Coil Delivery System”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,361,106 (Solar et al., Jan. 29, 2013, “Aneurysm Coil Delivery System”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20070219578 (Solar et al., Sep. 20, 2007, “Aneurysm Coil Delivery System”); 20080033341 (Grad, Feb. 7, 2008, “Methods and Devices for Reducing or Blocking Blood Flow To a Selected Blood Vessel or Part Thereof”); 20120078285 (Griffin, Mar. 29, 2012, “Balloon Catheter for Intravascular Therapies”); 20120116352 (Rangi, May 10, 2012, “Balloon Assisted Occlusion of Aneurysms”); 20120283764 (Solar et al., Nov. 8, 2012, “Aneurysm Coil Delivery System”); and 20130310687 (Takizawa et al., Nov. 21, 2013, “Blood Vessel Embolization Method Using Balloon Catheter and Balloon Catheter for Blood Vessel Embolization Method”).

14. Multi-Balloon Device:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms which comprise multiple balloons and/or balloon chambers. In an example, multiple balloons or balloon chambers can be used to differentially expand different portions of a stent within the parent vessel of an aneurysm in order to create structural asymmetry and/or differences in wall porosity. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,889 (Sheiban, Jul. 13, 1993, “Double Balloon Catheter for Stent Implantation”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,304,132 (Jang, Apr. 19, 1994, “Limacon Geometry Balloon Angioplasty Catheter Systems and Method of Making Same”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,252 (Imran et al., Jul. 16, 1996, “Angioplasty Catheter with Multiple Coaxial Balloons”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,657 (Reinhardt et al., Nov. 10, 1998, “Single-Walled Balloon Catheter with Non-Linear Compliance Characteristic”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,712 (Di Caprio et al., Sep. 26, 2000, “Balloon Catheter with Stent Securement Means”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,136,011 (Stambaugh, Oct. 24, 2000, “Stent Delivery System and Method of Use”); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,685 (Di Caprio et al., 2002, “Balloon Catheter with Stent Securement Means”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,471,672 (Brown et al., Oct. 29, 2002, “Selective High Pressure Dilation Balloon”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,506,201 (Di Caprio et al., 2003, “Balloon Catheter with Stent Securement Means”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,605,056 (Eidenschink et al., 2003, “Conformable Balloon”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,052,510 (Richter, May 30, 2006, “Two Balloon Staged Stent Expansion”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,300,459 (Heuser, Nov. 27, 2007, “Stent with Covering and Differential Dilation”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,776,079 (Gumm, Aug. 17, 2010, “Conical Balloon for Deployment into Side Branch”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,460,240 (Towler, Jun. 11, 2013, “Inflatable Toroidal-Shaped Balloons”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,657,865 (Gumm, Feb. 25, 2014, “Conical Balloon for Deployment Into Side Branch”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,709,062 (Dusbabek et al., Apr. 29, 2014, “Stent Delivery System Having Stent Securement Apparatus”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20030014007 (Eidenschink et al., Jan. 16, 2003, “Conformable Balloon”); 20050209674 (Kutscher et al., Sep. 22, 2005, “Balloon Assembly (V)”); 20070100301 (Gumm, May 3, 2007, “Conical Balloon for Deployment into Side Branch”); 20100063531 (Rudakov et al., Mar. 11, 2010, “Medical Device with Non-Circumferential Surface Portion”); 20100305681 (Gumm, Dec. 2, 2010, “Conical Balloon for Deployment into Side Branch”); 20110238105 (Gelbart et al., Sep. 29, 2011, “Vivo Inflatable Structures for Example to Expand Stents”); 20120116352 (Rangi, May 10, 2012, “Balloon Assisted Occlusion of Aneurysms”); 20130060317 (Dusbabek et al., Mar. 7, 2013, “Stent Delivery System Having Stent Securement Apparatus”); 20130231695 (Malek, Sep. 5, 2013, “Embolic Coil”); 20140222128 (Dusbabek et al., Aug. 7, 2014, “Stent Delivery System Having Stent Securement Apparatus”); and 20140277361 (Farhat et al., Sep. 18, 2014, “Methods and Apparatus for Luminal Stenting”); and Yet unpublished U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/889,451 (Connor et al., 2013, “Method of Radially-Asymmetric Stent Expansion”).

15. Aneurysm Neck Bridge or Saddle in Relatively-Straight Parent Vessel:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising an aneurysm neck bridge (or saddle) which is implanted within a relatively-straight portion of a parent vessel. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,573 (Wallace et al., Dec. 28, 1999, “Intracranial Stent and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,199 (Brown et al., Jul. 25, 2000, “Intra-Luminal Device for Treatment of Body Cavities and Lumens and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,564 (Teoh, Oct. 31, 2000, “Minimally Occlusive Flow Disruptor Stent for Bridging Aneurysm Necks”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,597 (Deem et al., May 15, 2001, “Apparatus and Methods for Selectively Stenting a Portion of a Vessel Wall”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,367 (Boock, Oct. 30, 2001, “Aneurysm Shield”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,432,128 (Wallace et al., Aug. 13, 2002, “Intracranial Stent and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,605,111 (Bose et al., Aug. 12, 2003, “Endovascular Thin Film Devices and Methods for Treating and Preventing Stroke”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,613,074 (Mitelberg et al., Sep. 2, 2003, “Endovascular Aneurysm Embolization Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,719 (Wallace et al., Dec. 30, 2003, “Intracranial Stent and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,802,851 (Jones et al., Oct. 12, 2004, “Stent Aneurysm Embolization Method Using Collapsible Member and Embolic Coils”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,560 (Jones et al., Nov. 2, 2004, “Stent Aneurysm Embolization Method and Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,231,260 (Wallace et al., Jun. 12, 2007, “Intravascular Self-Anchoring Electrode Body with Arcuate Springs, Spring Loops, or Arms”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,241,301 (Thramann et al., Jul. 10, 2007, “Aneurysm Stent with Growth Factor”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,622 (Jones et al., Dec. 11, 2007, “Stent Embolization Device”); and U.S. Pat. No. 7,323,005 (Wallace et al., Jan. 29, 2008, “Intracranial Stent and Method of Use”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 7,384,426 (Wallace et al., Jun. 10, 2008, “Intracranial Stent and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,572,288 (Cox, Aug. 11, 2009, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,608,088 (Jones et al., Oct. 27, 2009, “Stent Aneurysm Embolization Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,621,928 (Thramann et al., Nov. 24, 2009, “Aneurysm Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,901,445 (Wallace et al., Mar. 8, 2011, “Intracranial Stent and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,038,706 (Eidenschink et al., Oct. 18, 2011, “Crown Stent Assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,187,315 (Clauson et al., May 29, 2012, “Partial Stent for Treatment of a Vascular Aneurysm”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,252,040 (Cox, Aug. 28, 2012, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,267,986 (Berez et al., Sep. 18, 2012, “Vascular Stenting for Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,382,825 (Garcia et al., Feb. 26, 2013, “Flexible Vascular Occluding Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,398,701 (Berez et al., Mar. 19, 2013, “Flexible Vascular Occluding Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,409,267 (Berez et al., Apr. 2, 2013, “Vascular Stenting for Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,409,269 (Berez et al., Apr. 2, 2013, “Procedures for Vascular Occlusion”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,425,548 (Connor, Apr. 23, 2013, “Occluding Member Expansion and then Stent Expansion for Aneurysm Treatment”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,470,013 (Duggal et al., Jun. 25, 2013, “Systems and Methods for Aneurysm Treatment and Vessel Occlusion”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,500,788 (Berez et al., Aug. 6, 2013, “Vascular Stenting and Other Procedures”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,529,614 (Berez et al., Sep. 10, 2013, “Vascular Stenting and Other Procedures”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,529,614 (Berez et al., Sep. 10, 2013, “Vascular Stenting and Other Procedures”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,556,953 (Berez et al., Oct. 15, 2013, “Vascular Stenting for Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,562,667 (Cox, Oct. 22, 2013, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,715,312 (Burke et al., May 6, 2014, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20030018294 (Cox, Jan. 23, 2003, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”); 20030109917 (Rudin et al., Jun. 12, 2003, “Stent Vascular Intervention Device and Method”); 20030139802 (Wulfman et al., Jul. 24, 2003, “Medical Device”); 20050033349 (Jones et al., Feb. 10, 2005, “Stent Aneurysm Embolization Device”); 20050267568 (Berez et al., Dec. 1, 2005, “Flexible Vascular Occluding Device”); 20060206200 (Garcia et al., Sep. 14, 2006, “Flexible Vascular Occluding Device”); 20060206201 (Garcia et al., Sep. 14, 2006, “Flexible Vascular Occluding Device”); 20070021816 (Rudin, Jan. 25, 2007, “Stent Vascular Intervention Device and Methods for Treating Aneurysms”); 20070219610 (Israel, Sep. 20, 2007, “Stent with Flap”); 20070225794 (Thramann et al., Sep. 27, 2007, “Aneurysm Stent”); 20090228029 (Lee, Sep. 10, 2009, “Aneurysm Shield Anchoring Device”); and 20090270974 (Berez et al., Oct. 29, 2009, “Vascular Stenting for Aneurysms”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20090287241 (Berez et al., Nov. 19, 2009, “Methods and Apparatus for Luminal Stenting”); 20090287288 (Berez et al., Nov. 19, 2009, “Methods and Apparatus for Luminal Stenting”); 20090292348 (Berez et al., Nov. 26, 2009, “Vascular Stenting and Other Procedures”); 20090319017 (Berez et al., Dec. 24, 2009, “Vascular Stenting for Aneurysms”); 20100010624 (Berez et al., Jan. 14, 2010, “Vascular Stenting for Aneurysms”); 20100063531 (Rudakov et al., Mar. 11, 2010, “Medical Device with Non-Circumferential Surface Portion”); 20100082091 (Berez et al., Apr. 1, 2010, “Vascular Stenting and Other Procedures”); 20100106240 (Duggal et al., Apr. 29, 2010, “Systems and Methods for Aneurysm Treatment and Vessel Occlusion”); 20110022149 (Cox et al., Jan. 27, 2011, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20110152998 (Berez et al., Jun. 23, 2011, “Procedures for Vascular Occlusion”); and 20110166592 (Garcia et al., Jul. 7, 2011, “Flexible Vascular Occluding Device”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20110184451 (Sahl, Jul. 28, 2011, “Membrane Implant for Treatment of Cerebral Artery Aneurysms”); 20120004682 (Connor, Jan. 5, 2012, “Occluding Member Expansion and Then Stent Expansion for Aneurysm Treatment”); 20120165919 (Cox et al., Jun. 28, 2012, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130103074 (Riina et al., Apr. 25, 2013, “Method and Apparatus for Restricting Flow Through an Opening in the Side Wall of a Body Lumen, and/or for Reinforcing a Weakness in the Side Wall of a Body Lumen, While Still Maintaining Substantially Normal Flow Through the Body Lumen”); 20130172975 (Berez et al., Jul. 4, 2013, “Methods and Apparatus for Luminal Stenting”); 20130238083 (Duggal et al., Sep. 12, 2013, “Systems and Methods for Aneurysm Treatment and Vessel Occlusion”); 20130274862 (Cox et al., Oct. 17, 2013, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); and 20130274863 (Cox et al., Oct. 17, 2013, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20130274866 (Cox et al., Oct. 17, 2013, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130274868 (Cox et al., Oct. 17, 2013, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130282096 (Berez et al., Oct. 24, 2013, “Procedures for Vascular Occlusion”); 20140018843 (Berez et al., Jan. 16, 2014, “Methods and Apparatus for Luminal Stenting”); 20140052233 (Cox et al., Feb. 20, 2014, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20140074149 (Garcia et al., Mar. 13, 2014, “Flexible Vascular Occluding Device”); 20140094896 (Berez et al., Apr. 3, 2014, “Vascular Stenting for Aneurysms”); 20140114342 (Berez et al., Apr. 24, 2014, “Flexible Vascular Occluding Device”); 20140128901 (Kang et al., May 8, 2014, “Implant for Aneurysm Treatment”); 20140172071 (Berez et al., Jun. 19, 2014, “Vascular Stenting for Aneurysms”); and 20140288633 (Burke et al., Sep. 25, 2014, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”).

16. Aneurysm Neck Bridge or Saddle in Parent Vessel with Three-Way Junction:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising an aneurysm neck bridge (or saddle) which is implanted within a parent vessel with a three-way junction. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,599 (McCrory, Sep. 14, 1999, “Occlusion System for Endovascular Treatment of an Aneurysm”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,367 (Boock, Oct. 30, 2001, “Aneurysm Shield”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,969,401 (Marotta et al., Nov. 29, 2005, “Endovascular Prosthesis”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,232,461 (Ramer, Jun. 19, 2007, “Neck Covering Device for an Aneurysm”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,572,288 (Cox, Aug. 11, 2009, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,252,040 (Cox, Aug. 28, 2012, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,388,650 (Gerberding et al., Mar. 5, 2013, “Systems and Methods for Supporting or Occluding a Physiological Opening or Cavity”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,470,013 (Duggal et al., Jun. 25, 2013, “Systems and Methods for Aneurysm Treatment and Vessel Occlusion”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,562,667 (Cox, Oct. 22, 2013, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,715,312 (Burke et al., May 6, 2014, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20030018294 (Cox, Jan. 23, 2003, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”); 20030109917 (Rudin et al., Jun. 12, 2003, “Stent Vascular Intervention Device and Method”); 20040111112 (Hoffmann, Jun. 10, 2004, “Method and Apparatus for Retaining Embolic Material”); 20050096728 (Ramer, May 5, 2005, “Neck Covering Device for an Aneurysm”); 20070021816 (Rudin, Jan. 25, 2007, “Stent Vascular Intervention Device and Methods for Treating Aneurysms”); 20080114391 (Dieck et al., May 15, 2008, “Aneurysm Covering Devices and Delivery Devices”); 20080114436 (Dieck et al., May 15, 2008, “Aneurysm Covering Devices and Delivery Devices”); 20080221600 (Dieck et al., Sep. 11, 2008, “Isolation Devices for the Treatment of Aneurysms”); 20080319533 (Lehe, Dec. 25, 2008, “Aneurysm Occlusion Assist Device”); and 20100094335 (Gerberding et al., Apr. 15, 2010, “Systems and Methods for Supporting or Occluding a Physiological Opening or Cavity”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20100106240 (Duggal et al., Apr. 29, 2010, “Systems and Methods for Aneurysm Treatment and Vessel Occlusion”); 20100198250 (Ricci et al., Aug. 5, 2010, “Endovascular Prosthesis Delivery System”); 20110022149 (Cox et al., Jan. 27, 2011, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20110245862 (Dieck et al., Oct. 6, 2011, “Isolation Devices for the Treatment of Aneurysms”); 20120143237 (Cam et al., Jun. 7, 2012, “Vascular Remodeling Device”); 20120143317 (Cam et al., Jun. 7, 2012, “Vascular Remodeling Device”); 20120165919 (Cox et al., Jun. 28, 2012, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20120245674 (Molaei et al., Sep. 27, 2012, “Vascular Remodeling Device”); 20120245675 (Molaei et al., Sep. 27, 2012, “Vascular Remodeling Device”); 20120296361 (Cam et al., Nov. 22, 2012, “Vascular Remodeling Device”); 20120296362 (Cam et al., Nov. 22, 2012, “Vascular Remodeling Device”); 20120316632 (Gao, Dec. 13, 2012, “Retrievable Covered Stent for Bifurcation Aneurysms”); and 20130090682 (Bachman et al., Apr. 11, 2013, “Devices, Systems and Methods for Enclosing an Anatomical Opening”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20130103074 (Riina et al., Apr. 25, 2013, “Method and Apparatus for Restricting Flow Through an Opening in the Side Wall of a Body Lumen, and/or for Reinforcing a Weakness in the Side Wall of a Body Lumen, While Still Maintaining Substantially Normal Flow Through the Body Lumen”); 20130204290 (Clarke et al., Aug. 8, 2013, “Systems and Methods for Enclosing an Anatomical Opening”); 20130238083 (Duggal et al., Sep. 12, 2013, “Systems and Methods for Aneurysm Treatment and Vessel Occlusion”); 20130268046 (Gerberding et al., Oct. 10, 2013, “Systems and Methods for Supporting or Occluding a Physiological Opening or Cavity”); 20130268053 (Molaei et al., Oct. 10, 2013, “Vascular Remodeling Device”); 20130274862 (Cox et al., Oct. 17, 2013, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130274863 (Cox et al., Oct. 17, 2013, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); and 20130274866 (Cox et al., Oct. 17, 2013, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20130274868 (Cox et al., Oct. 17, 2013, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130304109 (Abrams et al., Nov. 14, 2013, “Systems and Methods for Enclosing an Anatomical Opening, Including Coil-Tipped Aneurysm Devices”); 20140039606 (Rudakov et al., Feb. 6, 2014, “Medical Device”); 20140052233 (Cox et al., Feb. 20, 2014, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20140058420 (Hannes et al., Feb. 27, 2014, “Implant, Especially for the Occlusion of Bifurcation Aneurysms”); 20140121752 (Losordo et al., May 1, 2014, “Wing Bifurcation Reconstruction Device”); 20140180377 (Bose et al., Jun. 24, 2014, “Aneurysm Occlusion System and Method”); 20140236216 (Gerberding, Aug. 21, 2014, “Systems and Methods for Enclosing an Anatomical Opening, Including Shock Absorbing Aneurysm Devices”); and 20140288633 (Burke et al., Sep. 25, 2014, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”).

17. Aneurysm Neck Bridge or Saddle with Spherical Structure in Parent Vessel:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising an aneurysm neck bridge (or saddle) with a relatively-spherical structure which is implanted within the parent vessel of an aneurysm. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,928,260 (Chin et al., Jul. 27, 1999, “Removable Occlusion System for Aneurysm Neck”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,344,048 (Chin et al., Feb. 5, 2002, “Removable Occlusion System for Aneurysm Neck”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,428,558 (Jones et al., Aug. 6, 2002, “Aneurysm Embolization Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,780,196 (Chin et al., Aug. 24, 2004, “Removable Occlusion System for Aneurysm Neck”); and U.S. Pat. No. 7,229,461 (Chin et al., Jun. 12, 2007, “Removable Occlusion System for Aneurysm Neck”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20020042628 (Chin et al., Apr. 11, 2002, “Removable Occlusion System for Aneurysm Neck”); 20050021077 (Chin et al., Jan. 27, 2005, “Removable Occlusion System for Aneurysm Neck”); 20080221600 (Dieck et al., Sep. 11, 2008, “Isolation Devices for the Treatment of Aneurysms”); 20100023105 (Levy et al., Jan. 28, 2010, “Vascular Remodeling Device”); 20110022149 (Cox et al., Jan. 27, 2011, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20110184452 (Huynh et al., Jul. 28, 2011, “Vascular Remodeling Device”); 20110184453 (Levy et al., Jul. 28, 2011, “Vascular Remodeling Device”); 20120165919 (Cox et al., Jun. 28, 2012, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130103074 (Riina et al., Apr. 25, 2013, “Method and Apparatus for Restricting Flow Through an Opening in the Side Wall of a Body Lumen, and/or for Reinforcing a Weakness in the Side Wall of a Body Lumen, While Still Maintaining Substantially Normal Flow Through the Body Lumen”); 20130274862 (Cox et al., Oct. 17, 2013, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130274863 (Cox et al., Oct. 17, 2013, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130274866 (Cox et al., Oct. 17, 2013, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130274868 (Cox et al., Oct. 17, 2013, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); and 20140052233 (Cox et al., Feb. 20, 2014, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”).

18. Localized Aneurysm Neck Bridge in Parent Vessel:

Although not common, the prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising a localized aneurysm neck bridge within the parent vessel of an aneurysm which is attached to the aneurysm neck by non-compressive methods such as adhesion or barbs. Saddle-like devices in the parent vessel which are held in place against the aneurysm neck by more-extensive compressive structures in the parent vessel are included in a different category. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,249 (Maynard, Aug. 24, 1999, “Distributed Activator for a Two-Dimensional Shape Memory Alloy”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,749 (Maynard, Jun. 25, 2002, “Aneurism Patch Including Distributed Activator for a Two-Dimensional Shape Memory Alloy”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,468 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 8, 2004, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,241,301 (Thramann et al., Jul. 10, 2007, “Aneurysm Stent with Growth Factor”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,569,066 (Gerberding et al., Aug. 4, 2009, “Methods and Devices for the Treatment of Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,621,928 (Thramann et al., Nov. 24, 2009, “Aneurysm Stent”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,597,320 (Sepetka et al., Dec. 3, 2013, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20020169473 (Sepetka et al., Nov. 14, 2002, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20040181253 (Sepetka et al., Sep. 16, 2004, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20070225794 (Thramann et al., Sep. 27, 2007, “Aneurysm Stent”); 20100004671 (Gerberding et al., Jan. 7, 2010, “Methods and Devices for the Treatment of Aneurysms”); 20110082491 (Sepetka et al., Apr. 7, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20110137332 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 9, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20110224776 (Sepetka et al., Sep. 15, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20130103074 (Riina et al., Apr. 25, 2013, “Method and Apparatus for Restricting Flow Through an Opening in the Side Wall of a Body Lumen, and/or for Reinforcing a Weakness in the Side Wall of a Body Lumen, While Still Maintaining Substantially Normal Flow Through the Body Lumen”); and 20130197570 (Ebata et al., Aug. 1, 2013, “Device for Closing Luminal Cavity and Method Therefor”).

19. Aneurysm Neck Bridge Spanning Aneurysm Sac and Parent Vessel:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising an aneurysm neck bridge which compresses the aneurysm neck from both inside and outside the aneurysm sac. In an example, such a device can have a pre-compression hourglass shape, wherein the intrasacular portion of the hourglass shape compresses the aneurysm neck from inside the sac and the parent vessel portion of the hourglass shape compresses the aneurysm neck from outside the sac. In an example, this type of device can act like an internal aneurysm clip or clamp.

Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,622 (Mazzocchi, Jan. 2, 2001, “Method and Apparatus for Occluding Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,506,204 (Mazzocchi, Jan. 14, 2003, “Method and Apparatus for Occluding Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,468 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 8, 2004, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,855,154 (Abdel-Gawwad, Feb. 15, 2005, “Endovascular Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,195,636 (Avellanet et al., Mar. 27, 2007, “Aneurysm Neck Cover for Sealing an Aneurysm”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,241,301 (Thramann et al., Jul. 10, 2007, “Aneurysm Stent with Growth Factor”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,569,066 (Gerberding et al., Aug. 4, 2009, “Methods and Devices for the Treatment of Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,621,928 (Thramann et al., Nov. 24, 2009, “Aneurysm Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,744,652 (Morsi, Jun. 29, 2010, “Aneurysm Sealing Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,993,364 (Morsi, Aug. 9, 2011, “Aneurysm Flow Barrier”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,062,379 (Morsi, Nov. 22, 2011, “Aneurysm Sealing Device”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,075,585 (Lee et al., Dec. 13, 2011, “Device and Method for Treatment of a Vascular Defect”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,292,914 (Morsi, Oct. 23, 2012, “Aneurysm Flow Barrier”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 8,357,180 (Feller et al., Jan. 22, 2013, “Thin Film Metallic Device for Plugging Aneurysms or Vessels”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,372,114 (Hines, Feb. 12, 2013, “Over-The-Wire Exclusion Device and System for Delivery”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,398,670 (Amplatz et al., Mar. 19, 2013, “Multi-Layer Braided Structures for Occluding Vascular Defects and for Occluding Fluid Flow Through Portions of the Vasculature of the Body”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,444,667 (Porter, May 21, 2013, “Device for Closure of a Vascular Defect and Method for Treating the Same”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,597,320 (Sepetka et al., Dec. 3, 2013, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,668,716 (Hines, Mar. 11, 2014, “Over-the-Wire Exclusion Device and System for Delivery”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,668,717 (Hines, Mar. 11, 2014, “Over-the-Wire Exclusion Device and System for Delivery”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,747,430 (Porter, Jun. 10, 2014, “Device for Closure of a Vascular Defect and Method for Treating the Same”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20010000797 (Mazzocchi, May 3, 2001, “Method and Apparatus for Occluding Aneurysms”); 20020169473 (Sepetka et al., Nov. 14, 2002, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20030093108 (Avellanet et al., May 15, 2003, “Aneurysm Neck Cover for Sealing an Aneurysm”); 20030195553 (Wallace, et al., Oct. 16, 2003, “System and Method for Retaining Vaso-Occlusive Devices Within an Aneurysm”); 20040181253 (Sepetka et al., Sep. 16, 2004, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20050228434 (Amplatz et al., Oct. 13, 2005, “Multi-Layer Braided Structures for Occluding Vascular Defects”); and 20060206196 (Porter, Sep. 14, 2006, “Device for Closure of a Vascular Defect and Method for Treating the Same”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20060241690 (Amplatz et al., Oct. 26, 2006, “Multi-Layer Braided Structures for Occluding Vascular Defects and for Occluding Fluid Flow Through Portions of the Vasculature of the Body”); 20070088387 (Eskridge et al., Apr. 19, 2007, “Implantable Aneurysm Closure Systems and Methods”); 20070106311 (Wallace et al., May 10, 2007, “System and Method for Retaining Vaso-Occlusive Devices Within an Aneurysm”); 20070225794 (Thramann et al., Sep. 27, 2007, “Aneurysm Stent”); 20070265656 (Amplatz et al., Nov. 15, 2007, “Multi-Layer Braided Structures for Occluding Vascular Defects”); 20080097495 (Feller et al., Apr. 24, 2008, “Thin Film Metallic Device for Plugging Aneurysms or Vessels”); and 20080200945 (Amplatz et al., Aug. 21, 2008, “Device for Occluding Vascular Defects”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20090062841 (Amplatz et al., Mar. 5, 2009, “Device for Occluding Vascular Defects”); 20090299326 (Morsi, Dec. 3, 2009, “Endovascular Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method”); 20100004671 (Gerberding et al., Jan. 7, 2010, “Methods and Devices for the Treatment of Aneurysms”); 20110082491 (Sepetka et al., Apr. 7, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20110137332 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 9, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20110196413 (Wallace et al., Aug. 11, 2011, “System and Method for Retaining Vaso-Occlusive Devices Within an Aneurysm”); 20110224776 (Sepetka et al., Sep. 15, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); and 20120046676 (Morsi, Feb. 23, 2012, “Aneurysm Flow Barrier”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20120253369 (Morsi, Oct. 4, 2012, “Advanced Endovascular Clip and Method of Using Same”); 20130012979 (Amplatz et al., Jan. 10, 2013, “Multi-Layer Braided Structures for Occluding Vascular Defects and for Occluding Fluid Flow Through Portions of the Vasculature of the Body”); 20130197547 (Fukuoka et al., Aug. 1, 2013, “Device for Closing Luminal Cavity and Method Therefor”); 20130267986 (Hines, Oct. 10, 2013, “Over-The-Wire Exclusion Device and System for Delivery”); 20130345738 (Eskridge, Dec. 26, 2013, “Endovascular Closure Device”); and 20140005698 (Eskridge, Jan. 2, 2014, “Endovascular Closure System”).

20. Aneurysm Neck Bridge Inside Aneurysm Sac with Radial Protrusions:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising an aneurysm neck bridge with radially-extending loops, petals, or undulations which is implanted inside the aneurysm sac. In example, such a neck bridge can be held against the inside surface of the aneurysm neck by pressure from embolic members which are inserted into the sac. In an example, such a neck bridge can be held against the inside surface of the aneurysm neck by one or more tensile members which are in contact with the walls of the aneurysm sac.

Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,294 (Forber et al., Mar. 31, 1998, “Self Expanding Cardiovascular Occlusion Device, Method of Using and Method of Making the Same”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,935,148 (Villar et al., Aug. 10, 1999, “Detachable, Varying Flexibility, Aneurysm Neck Bridge”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,720 (Abrams et al., Mar. 14, 2000, “Sheet Metal Aneurysm Neck Bridge”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,063,070 (Eder, May 16, 2000, “Detachable Aneurysm Neck Bridge (II)”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,063,104 (Villar et al., May 16, 2000, “Detachable, Varying Flexibility, Aneurysm Neck Bridge”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,174 (Eder, May 7, 2002, “Detachable Aneurysm Neck Bridge (II)”); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,468 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 8, 2004, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 7,410,482 (Murphy et al., Aug. 12, 2008, “Detachable Aneurysm Neck Bridge”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,713,264 (Murphy et al., May 11, 2010, “Detachable Aneurysm Neck Bridge”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,267,923 (Murphy et al., Sep. 18, 2012, “Detachable Aneurysm Neck Bridge”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,372,062 (Murphy et al., Feb. 12, 2013, “Detachable Aneurysm Neck Bridge”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,449,532 (Murphy et al., May 28, 2013, “Detachable Aneurysm Neck Bridge”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,529,556 (Murphy et al., Sep. 10, 2013, “Detachable Aneurysm Neck Bridge”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,597,320 (Sepetka et al., Dec. 3, 2013, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20020169473 (Sepetka et al., Nov. 14, 2002, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20040093014 (Ho et al., May 13, 2004, “Bioactive Components for Incorporation with Vaso-Occlusive Members”); 20040098027 (Teoh et al., May 20, 2004, “Expandable Body Cavity Liner Device”); 20040181253 (Sepetka et al., Sep. 16, 2004, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20070088387 (Eskridge et al., Apr. 19, 2007, “Implantable Aneurysm Closure Systems and Methods”); 20100222804 (Murphy et al., Sep. 2, 2010, “Detachable Aneurysm Neck Bridge”); 20110022149 (Cox et al., Jan. 27, 2011, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20110082491 (Sepetka et al., Apr. 7, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20110137332 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 9, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); and 20110224776 (Sepetka et al., Sep. 15, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20110282378 (Murphy et al., Nov. 17, 2011, “Detachable Aneurysm Neck Bridge”); 20120165919 (Cox et al., Jun. 28, 2012, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20120310270 (Murphy et al., Feb. 12, 2013, “Detachable Aneurysm Neck Bridge”); 20130035712 (Theobald et al., Feb. 7, 2013, “Cerebral Aneurysm Closure Device”); 20130190800 (Murphy et al., Jul. 25, 2013, “Detachable Aneurysm Neck Bridge”); 20130274862 (Cox et al., Oct. 17, 2013, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130274863 (Cox et al., Oct. 17, 2013, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130274866 (Cox et al., Oct. 17, 2013, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130274868 (Cox et al., Oct. 17, 2013, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20140052233 (Cox et al., Feb. 20, 2014, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); and 20140207162 (Tran et al., Jul. 24, 2014, “Occlusive Cinching Devices and Methods of Use”).

21. Aneurysm Neck Bridge Inside Aneurysm Sac with Convex Shape:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising an aneurysm neck bridge with a bowl shape, cup shape, or other generally-convex shape which is implanted inside the aneurysm sac. In example, such a neck bridge can be held against the inside surface of the aneurysm neck by pressure from embolic members which are inserted into the sac. In an example, such a neck bridge can be held against the inside surface of the aneurysm neck by one or more tensile members which are in contact with the walls of the aneurysm sac.

Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,615 (Ken et al., Jan. 2, 2001, “Method and Apparatus for Occlusion and Reinforcement of Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,454,780 (Wallace, Sep. 24, 2002, “Aneurysm Neck Obstruction Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,605,111 (Bose et al., Aug. 12, 2003, “Endovascular Thin Film Devices and Methods for Treating and Preventing Stroke”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,802,851 (Jones et al., Oct. 12, 2004, “Stent Aneurysm Embolization Method Using Collapsible Member and Embolic Coils”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,560 (Jones et al., Nov. 2, 2004, “Stent Aneurysm Embolization Method and Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,632 (Avellanet et al., Aug. 1, 2006, “Aneurysm Embolic Device with an Occlusive Member”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,128,736 (Abrams et al., Oct. 31, 2006, “Detachable Aneurysm Neck Closure Patch”); and U.S. Pat. No. 7,241,301 (Thramann et al., Jul. 10, 2007, “Aneurysm Stent with Growth Factor”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,622 (Jones et al., Dec. 11, 2007, “Stent Embolization Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,569,066 (Gerberding et al., Aug. 4, 2009, “Methods and Devices for the Treatment of Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,572,288 (Cox, Aug. 11, 2009, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,608,088 (Jones et al., Oct. 27, 2009, “Stent Aneurysm Embolization Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,621,928 (Thramann et al., Nov. 24, 2009, “Aneurysm Stent”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,252,040 (Cox, Aug. 28, 2012, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,444,667 (Porter, May 21, 2013, “Device for Closure of a Vascular Defect and Method for Treating the Same”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,562,667 (Cox, Oct. 22, 2013, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,715,312 (Burke et al., May 6, 2014, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,747,430 (Porter, Jun. 10, 2014, “Device for Closure of a Vascular Defect and Method for Treating the Same”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20030018294 (Cox, Jan. 23, 2003, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”); 20030083676 (Wallace, May 1, 2003, “Aneurysm Neck Obstruction Device”); 20030093097 (Avellanet et al., May 15, 2003, “Aneurysm Embolic Device with an Occlusive Member”); 20030181927 (Wallace, Sep. 25, 2003, “Aneurysm Neck Obstruction Device”); 20030195553 (Wallace, et al., Oct. 16, 2003, “System and Method for Retaining Vaso-Occlusive Devices Within an Aneurysm”); 20040098027 (Teoh et al., May 20, 2004, “Expandable Body Cavity Liner Device”); 20050033349 (Jones et al., Feb. 10, 2005, “Stent Aneurysm Embolization Device”); 20060155323 (Porter et al., Jul. 13, 2006, “Intra-Aneurysm Devices”); and 20060206196 (Porter, Sep. 14, 2006, “Device for Closure of a Vascular Defect and Method for Treating the Same”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20060235464 (Avellanet et al., Oct. 19, 2006, “Aneurysm Embolic Device with an Occlusive Member”); 20070088387 (Eskridge et al., Apr. 19, 2007, “Implantable Aneurysm Closure Systems and Methods”); 20070106311 (Wallace et al., May 10, 2007, “System and Method for Retaining Vaso-Occlusive Devices Within an Aneurysm”); 20070225794 (Thramann et al., Sep. 27, 2007, “Aneurysm Stent”); 20080147100 (Wallace, Jun. 19, 2008, “Aneurysm Neck Obstruction Device”); 20080281350 (Sepetka et al., Nov. 13, 2008, “Aneurysm Occlusion Devices”); 20100004671 (Gerberding et al., Jan. 7, 2010, “Methods and Devices for the Treatment of Aneurysms”); 20110022149 (Cox et al., Jan. 27, 2011, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20110144669 (Becking et al., Jun. 16, 2011, “Aneurysm Cover Device for Embolic Delivery and Retention”); and 20110196413 (Wallace et al., Aug. 11, 2011, “System and Method for Retaining Vaso-Occlusive Devices Within an Aneurysm”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20120143237 (Cam et al., Jun. 7, 2012, “Vascular Remodeling Device”); 20120143317 (Cam et al., Jun. 7, 2012, “Vascular Remodeling Device”); 20120165919 (Cox et al., Jun. 28, 2012, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130274862 (Cox et al., Oct. 17, 2013, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130274863 (Cox et al., Oct. 17, 2013, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130274866 (Cox et al., Oct. 17, 2013, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130274868 (Cox et al., Oct. 17, 2013, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130325053 (Porter et al., Dec. 5, 2013, “Intra-Aneurysm Devices”); 20140052233 (Cox et al., Feb. 20, 2014, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20140135810 (Divino et al., May 15, 2014, “Occlusive Devices”); 20140135811 (Divino et al., May 15, 2014, “Occlusive Devices”); 20140135812 (Divino et al., May 15, 2014, “Occlusive Devices”); and 20140288633 (Burke et al., Sep. 25, 2014, “Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method of Use”).

22. Single-Chamber Woven/Mesh Structure in Aneurysm Sac:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising single-chamber woven and/or mesh structures which are expanded within the aneurysm sac. In an example, such structures can be formed from arcuate metal wires or filaments. Generally, such structures are expanded into a hollow, but compression-resilient, geometric shape within the aneurysm sac. Relatively spherical, ellipsoid, and toroidal shapes are common. To paraphrase Jerry Lee Lewis—“Goodness. Gracious. Great balls of wire!”

Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,766,219 (Horton, Jun. 16, 1998, “Anatomically Shaped Vasoocclusive Device and Method for Deploying Same”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,731 (Pham et al., Jun. 15, 1999, “Anatomically Shaped Vasoocclusive Devices”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,346,117 (Greenhalgh, Feb. 12, 2002, “Bag for Use in the Intravascular Treatment of Saccular Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,668 (Gifford et al., Apr. 23, 2002, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,391,037 (Greenhalgh, May 21, 2002, “Bag for Use in the Intravascular Treatment of Saccular Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,468 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 8, 2004, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,142,456 (Rosqueta et al., Mar. 27, 2012, “Braid-Ball Embolic Devices”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,597,320 (Sepetka et al., Dec. 3, 2013, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,597,323 (Plaza et al., Dec. 3, 2013, “Delivery and Detachment Systems and Methods for Vascular Implants”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,696,701 (Becking et al., Apr. 15, 2014, “Braid-Ball Embolic Devices”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,747,597 (Rosqueta et al., Jun. 10, 2014, “Methods for Making Braid-Ball Occlusion Devices”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20020169473 (Sepetka et al., Nov. 14, 2002, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20040098027 (Teoh et al., May 20, 2004, “Expandable Body Cavity Liner Device”); 20040181253 (Sepetka et al., Sep. 16, 2004, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20060052816 (Bates et al., Mar. 9, 2006, “Device for Treating an Aneurysm”); 20060155323 (Porter et al., Jul. 13, 2006, “Intra-Aneurysm Devices”); 20090275974 (Marchand et al., Nov. 5, 2009, “Filamentary Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20090287291 (Becking et al., Nov. 19, 2009, “Embolic Device Delivery Systems”); 20090287294 (Rosqueta et al., Nov. 19, 2009, “Braid-Ball Embolic Devices”); 20090318941 (Sepetka et al., Dec. 24, 2009, “Self-Expandable Endovascular Device for Aneurysm Occlusion”); and 20100069948 (Veznedaroglu et al., Mar. 18, 2010, “Self-Expandable Aneurysm Filling Device System and Method of Placement”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20110022149 (Cox et al., Jan. 27, 2011, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20110082491 (Sepetka et al., Apr. 7, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20110137332 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 9, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20110152993 (Marchand et al., Jun. 23, 2011, “Multiple Layer Filamentary Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20110202085 (Loganathan et al., Aug. 18, 2011, “Braid Ball Embolic Device Features”); 20110208227 (Becking, Aug. 25, 2011, “Filamentary Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20110224776 (Sepetka et al., Sep. 15, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20110265943 (Rosqueta et al., Nov. 3, 2011, “Methods for Making Braid-Ball Occlusion Devices”); 20110319926 (Becking et al., Dec. 29, 2011, “Braid Ball Embolic Device Features”); and 20120071911 (Sadasivan et al., Mar. 22, 2012, “Spherical Helix Embolic Coils for the Treatment of Cerebral Aneurysms”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20120165919 (Cox et al., Jun. 28, 2012, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20120197283 (Marchand et al., Aug. 2, 2012, “Multiple Layer Filamentary Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20120283768 (Cox et al., Nov. 8, 2012, “Method and Apparatus for the Treatment of Large and Giant Vascular Defects”); 20120316598 (Becking et al., Dec. 13, 2012, “Multiple Layer Filamentary Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20120330347 (Becking et al., Dec. 27, 2012, “Multiple Layer Filamentary Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130066360 (Becking et al., Mar. 14, 2013, “Braid-Ball Embolic Devices”); 20130085522 (Becking et al., Apr. 4, 2013, “Braid-Ball Embolic Devices”); and 20130103074 (Riina et al., Apr. 25, 2013, “Method and Apparatus for Restricting Flow Through an Opening in the Side Wall of a Body Lumen, and/or for Reinforcing a Weakness in the Side Wall of a Body Lumen, While Still Maintaining Substantially Normal Flow Through the Body Lumen”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20130123830 (Becking et al., May 16, 2013, “Multiple Layer Filamentary Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130245667 (Marchand et al., Sep. 19, 2013, “Filamentary Devices and Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130274862 (Cox et al., Oct. 17, 2013, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130274863 (Cox et al., Oct. 17, 2013, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130274866 (Cox et al., Oct. 17, 2013, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130274868 (Cox et al., Oct. 17, 2013, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130325053 (Porter et al., Dec. 5, 2013, “Intra-Aneurysm Devices”); 20140012307 (Franano et al., Jan. 9, 2014, “Detachable Metal Balloon Delivery Device and Method”); 20140012363 (Franano et al., Jan. 9, 2014, “Ballstent Device and Methods of Use”); and 20140052233 (Cox et al., Feb. 20, 2014, “Methods and Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20140135810 (Divino et al., May 15, 2014, “Occlusive Devices”); 20140135811 (Divino et al., May 15, 2014, “Occlusive Devices”); 20140135812 (Divino et al., May 15, 2014, “Occlusive Devices”); 20140142611 (Plaza et al., May 22, 2014, “Delivery and Detachment Systems and Methods for Vascular Implants”); 20140172001 (Becking et al., Jun. 19, 2014, “Two-Stage Deployment Aneurysm Embolization Devices”); and 20140200607 (Sepetka et al., Jul. 17, 2014, “Occlusive Device”).

23. Multi-Chamber Woven/Mesh Structure in Aneurysm Sac:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising multi-chamber woven and/or mesh structures which are expanded within the aneurysm sac. In an example, such structures can be formed from arcuate metal wires or filaments. Generally, such structures are expanded into one or more hollow, but compression-resilient, geometric shapes within the aneurysm sac. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,622 (Mazzocchi, Jan. 2, 2001, “Method and Apparatus for Occluding Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,668 (Gifford et al., Apr. 23, 2002, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,506,204 (Mazzocchi, Jan. 14, 2003, “Method and Apparatus for Occluding Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,468 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 8, 2004, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,993,364 (Morsi, Aug. 9, 2011, “Aneurysm Flow Barrier”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,066,036 (Monetti et al., Nov. 29, 2011, “Three-Dimensional Complex Coil”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,292,914 (Morsi, Oct. 23, 2012, “Aneurysm Flow Barrier”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,597,320 (Sepetka et al., Dec. 3, 2013, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20010000797 (Mazzocchi, May 3, 2001, “Method and Apparatus for Occluding Aneurysms”); 20020169473 (Sepetka et al., Nov. 14, 2002, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20040181253 (Sepetka et al., Sep. 16, 2004, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20060052816 (Bates et al., Mar. 9, 2006, “Device for Treating an Aneurysm”); 20070175536 (Monetti et al., Aug. 2, 2007, “Three-Dimensional Complex Coil”); 20090297582 (Meyer et al., Dec. 3, 2009, “Vascular Occlusion Devices and Methods”); 20090299326 (Morsi, Dec. 3, 2009, “Endovascular Aneurysm Treatment Device and Method”); 20110082491 (Sepetka et al., Apr. 7, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); 20110098814 (Monstadt et al., Apr. 28, 2011, “Medical Implant”); 20110137332 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 9, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”); and 20110224776 (Sepetka et al., Sep. 15, 2011, “Devices and Methods for Treating Vascular Malformations”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20120046676 (Morsi, Feb. 23, 2012, “Aneurysm Flow Barrier”); 20120071911 (Sadasivan et al., Mar. 22, 2012, “Spherical Helix Embolic Coils for the Treatment of Cerebral Aneurysms”); 20120283768 (Cox et al., Nov. 8, 2012, “Method and Apparatus for the Treatment of Large and Giant Vascular Defects”); 20120330341 (Becking et al., Dec. 27, 2012, “Folded-Flat Aneurysm Embolization Devices”); 20130089576 (Maitland et al., Apr. 11, 2013, “Implantable Embolic Scaffolds that Promote Healing”); 20130204289 (Dasnurkar et al., Aug. 8, 2013, “Devices and Methods for Occluding Vascular Abnormalities”); 20140012303 (Heipl, Jan. 9, 2014, “Braided Medical Device and Manufacturing Method Thereof”); 20140047694 (Monstadt et al., Feb. 20, 2014, “Medical Implant”); 20140135810 (Divino et al., May 15, 2014, “Occlusive Devices”); 20140135811 (Divino et al., May 15, 2014, “Occlusive Devices”); 20140135812 (Divino et al., May 15, 2014, “Occlusive Devices”); and 20140296358 (Maitland et al., Oct. 2, 2014, “Implantable Embolic Scaffolds That Promote Healing”).

24. Embolic Coils with Relatively-Traditional Structures in Aneurysm Sac:

The prior art also includes some relatively-early embolic coils and also embolic coils with relatively-traditional structures which are implanted within an aneurysm sac. Some of these examples in the prior art represent early, pioneering use of embolic coils for occluding aneurysms. Some of these examples in the prior art use relatively-traditional embolic coils, but use them in novel ways or in novel combinations with other device components. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 4,994,069 (Ritchart et al., Feb. 19, 1991, “Vaso-Occlusion Coil and Method”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,829 (Pham et al., Jun. 13, 1995, “Electrolytically Severable Joint for Endovascular Embolic Devices”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,449 (Pham et al., Apr. 29, 1997, “Electrolytically Severable Joint for Endovascular Embolic Devices”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,639,277 (Mariant et al., Jun. 17, 1997, “Embolic Coils with Offset Helical and Twisted Helical Shapes”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,666 (Berenstein et al., Nov. 25, 1997, “Ultrasoft Embolism Coils and Process for Using Them”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,711 (Berenstein et al., Feb. 17, 1998, “Ultrasoft Embolism Devices and Process for Using Them”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,905 (Eder et al., Apr. 28, 1998, “Partially Insulated Occlusion Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,894 (Engelson, May 12, 1998, “Aneurysm Closure Method”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,453 (Gia, Sep. 1, 1998, “Detachable Embolic Coil Assembly Using Interlocking Hooks and Slots”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,826,587 (Berenstein et al., Oct. 27, 1998, “Ultrasoft Embolism Coils and Process for Using Them”); and U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,235 (Guglielmi, Jun. 29, 1999, “Apparatus and Method for the Use of Detachable Coils in Vascular Aneurysms and Body Cavities”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,754 (Engelson, Feb. 15, 2000, “Aneurysm Closure Method”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,099,546 (Gia, Aug. 8, 2000, “Detachable Embolic Coil Assembly Using Interlocking Hooks and Slots”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,714 (Gia et al., Sep. 26, 2000, “System for Detaching an Occlusive Device Within a Body Using a Solderless, Electrolytically Severable Joint”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,350,270 (Roue, Feb. 26, 2002, “Aneurysm Liner”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,721 (Wheelock et al., Jun. 25, 2002, “Process for Forming an Occlusion in a Body Cavity”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,458,119 (Berenstein et al., Oct. 1, 2002, “Ultrasoft Embolism Devices and Process for Using Them”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,748 (Jeffree, Jul. 1, 2003, “Device for Treating Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,589,230 (Gia et al., Jul. 8, 2003, “System for Detaching an Occlusive Device Within a Mammalian Body Using a Solderless, Electrolytically Severable Joint”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,855,153 (Saadat, Feb. 15, 2005, “Embolic Balloon”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,153,323 (Teoh et al., Dec. 26, 2006, “Aneurysm Liner with Multi-Segment Extender”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,238,194 (Monstadt et al., Jul. 3, 2007, “Device for Implanting Occlusion Spirals”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,294,137 (Rivelli et al., Nov. 13, 2007, “Device for Multi-Modal Treatment of Vascular Lesions”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,410,482 (Murphy et al., Aug. 12, 2008, “Detachable Aneurysm Neck Bridge”); and U.S. Pat. No. 7,691,124 (Balgobin, Apr. 6, 2010, “Delivery of Therapeutic Devices”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 7,695,488 (Berenstein et al., Apr. 13, 2010, “Expandable Body Cavity Liner Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,708,754 (Balgobin et al., May 4, 2010, “Stretch Resistant Embolic Coil Delivery System with Mechanical Release Mechanism”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,713,264 (Murphy et al., May 11, 2010, “Detachable Aneurysm Neck Bridge”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,799,052 (Balgobin et al., Sep. 21, 2010, “Stretch Resistant Embolic Coil Delivery System with Mechanical Release Mechanism”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,811,305 (Balgobin et al., Oct. 12, 2010, “Stretch Resistant Embolic Coil Delivery System with Spring Release Mechanism”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,819,891 (Balgobin et al., Oct. 26, 2010, “Stretch Resistant Embolic Coil Delivery System with Spring Release Mechanism”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,819,892 (Balgobin et al., Oct. 26, 2010, “Embolic Coil Delivery System with Spring Wire Release Mechanism”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,985,238 (Balgobin et al., Jul. 26, 2011, “Embolic Coil Delivery System with Spring Wire Release Mechanism”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,021,416 (Abrams, Sep. 20, 2011, “Methods for Delivering a Prosthesis to a Site in a Body”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,221,447 (Solar et al., Jul. 17, 2012, “Aneurysm Coil Delivery System”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 8,267,923 (Murphy et al., Sep. 18, 2012, “Detachable Aneurysm Neck Bridge”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,361,106 (Solar et al., Jan. 29, 2013, “Aneurysm Coil Delivery System”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,372,062 (Murphy et al., Feb. 12, 2013, “Detachable Aneurysm Neck Bridge”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,425,542 (Moftakhar et al., Apr. 23, 2013, “Aneurysm Occlusion Device Containing Bioactive and Biocompatible Copolymer Shell and Biocompatible Metallic Frame Member”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,449,532 (Murphy et al., May 28, 2013, “Detachable Aneurysm Neck Bridge”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,529,556 (Murphy et al., Sep. 10, 2013, “Detachable Aneurysm Neck Bridge”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,529,619 (Abrams, Sep. 10, 2013, “Methods for Delivering a Prosthesis to a Site in a Body”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,597,321 (Monstadt et al., Dec. 3, 2013, “Device for the Implantation of Occlusion Spirals”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20030187473 (Berenstein et al., Oct. 2, 2003, “Expandable Body Cavity Liner Device”); 20040098027 (Teoh et al., May 20, 2004, “Expandable Body Cavity Liner Device”); 20070219578 (Solar et al., Sep. 20, 2007, “Aneurysm Coil Delivery System”); 20080281350 (Sepetka et al., Nov. 13, 2008, “Aneurysm Occlusion Devices”); 20090062834 (Moftakhar et al., Mar. 5, 2009, “Aneurysm Occlusion Device Containing Bioactive and Biocompatible Copolymer Shell and Biocompatible Metallic Frame Member”); 20100168781 (Berenstein et al., Jul. 1, 2010, “Expandable Body Cavity Liner Device”); 20100222804 (Murphy et al., Sep. 2, 2010, “Detachable Aneurysm Neck Bridge”); and 20110282378 (Murphy et al., Nov. 17, 2011, “Detachable Aneurysm Neck Bridge”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20120283764 (Solar et al., Nov. 8, 2012, “Aneurysm Coil Delivery System”); 20120310270 (Murphy et al., Feb. 12, 2013, “Detachable Aneurysm Neck Bridge”); 20120310271 (Kwon, Dec. 6, 2012, “Embolus-Forming In-Vivo Indwelling Coil and Method for Manufacturing an Embolus-Forming In-Vivo Indwelling Coil”); 20130190800 (Murphy et al., Jul. 25, 2013, “Detachable Aneurysm Neck Bridge”); 20130261730 (Bose et al., Oct. 3, 2013, “Aneurysm Occlusion System and Method”); 20140081313 (Elliott, J., Mar. 20, 2014, “Embolic Coils and Related Components, Systems, and Methods”); and 20140180377 (Bose et al., Jun. 24, 2014, “Aneurysm Occlusion System and Method”).

25. Embolic Coils with Complex Structures in Aneurysm Sac:

There are a large number of coil structures and configurations which are disclosed in the prior art. Some of these are not easily matched to a reasonable number of general device categories. Accordingly, this category is a general one for prior art which discloses coils with complex structures which do not fit well into other coil categories. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,397 (Palermo et al., Sep. 27, 1994, “Axially Detachable Embolic Coil Assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,259 (Phelps et al., Jan. 17, 1995, “Vasoocclusion Coil with Attached Tubular Woven or Braided Fibrous Covering”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,822 (Phelps et al., Jun. 4, 1996, “Vasoocclusion Coil with Attached Tubular Woven or Braided Fibrous Covering”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,619 (Ken, Dec. 10, 1996, “Stretch Resistant Vaso-Occlusive Coils”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,461 (Mariant, Apr. 29, 1997, “Three Dimensional In-Filling Vaso-Occlusive Coils”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,949 (Wallace et al., Jul. 22, 1997, “Variable Cross-Section Conical Vasoocclusive Coils”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,329 (Wallace et al., Mar. 31, 1998, “Vaso-Occlusive Coil with Conical End”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,891 (Ken et al., May 12, 1998, “Multiple Layered Vaso-Occlusive Coils”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,766,160 (Samson et al., Jun. 16, 1998, “Variable Stiffness Coils”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,455 (Palermo et al., Sep. 1, 1998, “Detachable Embolic Coil Assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,705 (Ken et al., Nov. 10, 1998, “Stretch Resistant Vaso-Occlusive Coils”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,853,418 (Ken et al., Dec. 29, 1998, “Stretch Resistant Vaso-Occlusive Coils (II)”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,891,130 (Palermo et al., Apr. 6, 1999, “Axially Detachable Embolic Coil Assembly”); and U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,731 (Pham et al., Jun. 15, 1999, “Anatomically Shaped Vasoocclusive Devices”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,925,059 (Palermo et al., Jul. 20, 1999, “Detachable Embolic Coil Assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,888 (Wallace et al., Aug. 24, 1999, “Vaso-Occlusive Member Assembly with Multiple Detaching Points”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,948 (Mariant, Sep. 28, 1999, “Three Dimensional In-Filling Vaso-Occlusive Coils”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,514 (Kupiecki et al., Nov. 9, 1999, “Aneurysm Closure Device Assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,338 (Ken et al., Dec. 21, 1999, “Stretch Resistant Vaso-Occlusive Coils”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,013,084 (Ken et al., Jan. 11, 2000, “Stretch Resistant Vaso-Occlusive Coils (II)”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,765 (Wallace et al., Feb. 15, 2000, “Vaso-Occlusive Coil with Conical End”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,033,423 (Ken et al., Mar. 7, 2000, “Multiple Layered Vaso-Occlusive Coils”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,096,034 (Kupiecki et al., Aug. 1, 2000, “Aneurysm Closure Device Assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,143,007 (Mariant et al., Nov. 7, 2000, “Method for Making an Occlusive Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,165 (Ferrera et al., Dec. 12, 2000, “Three Dimensional Spherical Micro-Coils Manufactured from Radiopaque Nickel-Titanium Microstrand”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,592 (Kupiecki et al., Jan. 2, 2001, “Aneurysm Closure Device Assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,187,027 (Mariant et al., Feb. 13, 2001, “Vaso-Occlusive Devices with Heat Secured Polymer Fiber”); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,728 (Ken et al., Feb. 27, 2001, “Stretch Resistant Vaso-Occlusive Coils (II)”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,221,066 (Ferrera et al., Apr. 24, 2001, “Shape Memory Segmented Detachable Coil”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,586 (Mariant, May 15, 2001, “Three Dimensional In-Filling Vaso-Occlusive Coils”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,592 (Samson et al., Jul. 3, 2001, “Variable Stiffness Coils”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,457 (Wallace et al., Aug. 28, 2001, “Polymer Covered Vaso-Occlusive Devices and Methods of Producing Such Devices”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,344,041 (Kupiecki et al., Feb. 5, 2002, “Aneurysm Closure Device Assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,972 (Wallace et al., Apr. 16, 2002, “Vaso-Occlusive Member Assembly with Multiple Detaching Points”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,801 (Wallace et al., Mar. 18, 2003, “Vaso-Occlusive Member Assembly with Multiple Detaching Points”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,305 (Ferrera et al., Apr. 22, 2003, “Shape Memory Segmented Detachable Coil”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,605,101 (Schaefer et al., Aug. 12, 2003, “Microcoil Vaso-Occlusive Device with Multi-Axis Secondary Configuration”); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,617 (Ferrera et al., Sep. 9, 2003, “Vasoocclusive Device for Treatment of Aneurysms”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,623,493 (Wallace et al., Sep. 23, 2003, “Vaso-Occlusive Member Assembly with Multiple Detaching Points”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,660,020 (Wallace et al., Dec. 9, 2003, “Vaso-Occlusive Coil with Conical End”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,723,108 (Jones et al., Apr. 20, 2004, “Foam Matrix Embolization Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,979,344 (Jones et al., Dec. 27, 2005, “Foam Matrix Embolization Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,984,240 (Ken et al., Jan. 10, 2006, “Detachable Multidiameter Vasoocclusive Coil”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,029,486 (Schaefer et al., Apr. 18, 2006, “Microcoil Vaso-Occlusive Device with Multi-Axis Secondary Configuration”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,033,374 (Schaefer et al., Apr. 25, 2006, “Microcoil Vaso-Occlusive Device with Multi-Axis Secondary Configuration”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,326,225 (Ferrera et al., Feb. 5, 2008, “Vasoocclusive Device for Treatment of Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,331,974 (Schaefer et al., Feb. 19, 2008, “Microcoil Vaso-Occlusive Device with Multi-Axis Secondary Configuration”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,485,123 (Porter, Feb. 3, 2009, “Complex Vaso-Occlusive Coils”); and U.S. Pat. No. 7,695,484 (Wallace et al., Apr. 13, 2010, “Polymer Covered Vaso-Occlusive Devices and Methods of Producing Such Devices”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 7,896,899 (Patterson et al., Mar. 1, 2011, “Metallic Coils Enlaced with Biological or Biodegradable or Synthetic Polymers or Fibers for Embolization of a Body Cavity”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,002,789 (Ramzipoor et al., Aug. 23, 2011, “Stretch-Resistant Vaso-Occlusive Devices with Flexible Detachment Junctions”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,066,036 (Monetti et al., Nov. 29, 2011, “Three-Dimensional Complex Coil”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,172,862 (Wallace et al., May 8, 2012, “Polymer Covered Vaso-Occlusive Devices and Methods of Producing Such Devices”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,202,292 (Kellett, Jun. 19, 2012, “Vaso-Occlusive Coil Delivery System”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,226,660 (Teoh et al., Jul. 24, 2012, “Vaso-Occlusive Coils with Non-Overlapping Sections”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,267,955 (Patterson et al., Sep. 18, 2012, “Metallic Coils Enlaced with Fibers for Embolization of a Body Cavity”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,751 (Gerberding, Nov. 13, 2012, “Foldable Vaso-Occlusive Member”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,323,306 (Schaefer et al., Dec. 4, 2012, “Microcoil Vaso-Occlusive Device with Multi-Axis Secondary Configuration”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,361,104 (Jones et al., Jan. 29, 2013, “Vascular Occlusion Device with an Embolic Mesh Ribbon”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,444,668 (Jones et al., May 21, 2013, “Expandable Vascular Occlusion Device”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20010009996 (Ferrera et al., Jul. 26, 2001, “Shape Memory Segmented Detachable Coil”); 20010056281 (Wallace et al., Dec. 27, 2001, “Vaso-Occlusive Member Assembly with Multiple Detaching Points”); 20020002382 (Wallace et al., Jan. 3, 2002, “Polymer Covered Vaso-Occlusive Devices and Methods of Producing Such Devices”); 20020058962 (Wallace et al., May 16, 2002, “Vaso-Occlusive Member Assembly with Multiple Detaching Points”); 20020107534 (Schaefer et al., Aug. 8, 2002, “Microcoil Vaso-Occlusive Device with Multi-Axis Secondary Configuration”); 20020128671 (Wallace et al., Sep. 12, 2002, “Polymer Covered Vaso-Occlusive Devices and Methods of Producing Such Devices”); 20020151926 (Wallace et al., Oct. 17, 2002, “Vasco-Occlusive Coil with Conical End”); 20030018356 (Schaefer et al., Jan. 23, 2003, “Microcoil Vaso-Occlusive Device with Multi-Axis Secondary Configuration”); and 20030130689 (Wallace et al., Jul. 10, 2003, “Vaso-Occlusive Member Assembly with Multiple Detaching Points”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20040045554 (Schaefer et al., Mar. 11, 2004, “Microcoil Vaso-Occlusive Device with Multi-Axis Secondary Configuration”); 20040158282 (Jones et al., Aug. 12, 2004, “Foam Matrix Embolization Device”); 20040243168 (Ferrera et al., Dec. 2, 2004, “Vasoocclusive Device for Treatment of Aneurysms”); 20050033350 (Ken et al., Feb. 10, 2005, “Detachable Multidiameter Vasoocclusive Coil”); 20050192618 (Porter, Sep. 1, 2005, “Complex Vaso-Occlusive Coils”); 20050192621 (Wallace et al., Sep. 1, 2005, “Polymer Covered Vaso-Occlusive Devices and Methods of Producing Such Devices”); 20050277978 (Greenhalgh, Dec. 15, 2005, “Three-Dimensional Coils for Treatment of Vascular Aneurysms”); 20060036281 (Patterson; William R. et al., Feb. 16, 2006, “Metallic Coils Enlaced with Biological or Biodegradable or Synthetic Polymers or Fibers for Embolization of a Body Cavity”); and 20060184195 (Schaefer et al., Aug. 17, 2006, “Microcoil Vaso-Occlusive Device with Multi-Axis Secondary Configuration”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20060184196 (Schaefer et al., Aug. 17, 2006, “Microcoil Vaso-Occlusive Device with Multi-Axis Secondary Configuration”); 20070016233 (Ferrera et al., Jan. 18, 2007, “Vasoocclusive Device for Treatment of Aneurysms”); 20070175536 (Monetti et al., Aug. 2, 2007, “Three-Dimensional Complex Coil”); 20080103585 (Monstadt et al., May 1, 2008, “Micro-Spiral Implantation Device”); 20090149864 (Porter, Jun. 11, 2009, “Complex Vaso-Occlusive Coils”); 20090254111 (Monstadt et al., Oct. 8, 2009, “Device for Implanting Occlusion Spirals Comprising an Interior Securing Element”); 20100036412 (Porter et al., Feb. 11, 2010, “Vaso-Occlusive Devices with Textured Surfaces”); 20100174301 (Wallace et al., Jul. 8, 2010, “Polymer Covered Vaso-Occlusive Devices and Methods of Producing Such Devices”); 20110092997 (Kang, Apr. 21, 2011, “Micro-Coil Assembly”); and 20110098814 (Monstadt et al., Apr. 28, 2011, “Medical Implant”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20110118777 (Patterson et al., May 19, 2011, “Metallic Coils Enlaced with Fibers for Embolization of a Body Cavity”); 20110184454 (Barry et al., Jul. 28, 2011, “Embolic Implants”); 20110184455 (Keeley et al., Jul. 28, 2011, “Embolization Device Constructed from Expansile Polymer”); 20120089174 (Chen et al., Apr. 12, 2012, “Vaso-Occlusive Device”); 20120116441 (Yamanaka et al., May 10, 2012, “Embolization Coil”); 20120116442 (Monstadt et al., May 10, 2012, “Micro-Spiral Implantation Device”); 20120172921 (Yamanaka et al., Jul. 5, 2012, “Embolization Coil”); 20120209309 (Chen et al., Aug. 16, 2012, “Vaso-Occlusive Device”); 20120239074 (Aboytes et al., Sep. 20, 2012, “Devices and Methods for the Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20120259354 (Kellett, Oct. 11, 2012, “Vaso-Occlusive Coil Delivery System”); 20130018409 (Le et al., Jan. 17, 2013, “Packing Coil”); and 20130066357 (Aboytes et al., Mar. 14, 2013, “Devices and Methods for the Treatment of Vascular Defects”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20130116722 (Aboytes et al., May 9, 2013, “Devices and Methods for the Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130131711 (Bowman, May 23, 2013, “Embolic Device with Shaped Wire”); 20130253572 (Molaei et al., Sep. 26, 2013, “Occlusive Devices and Methods of Use”); 20140031858 (Bhagchandani et al., Jan. 30, 2014, “Systems and Methods for Delivering Multiple Embolization Coils”); 20140047694 (Monstadt et al., Feb. 20, 2014, “Medical Implant”); 20140128907 (Hui et al., May 8, 2014, “Occlusive Coil”); 20140163604 (Monstadt, Jun. 12, 2014, “Device for Implanting Electrically Isolated Occlusion Helixes”); 20140207180 (Ferrera, Jul. 24, 2014, “Systems and Devices for Cerebral Aneurysm Repair”); and 20140277100 (Kang, Sep. 18, 2014, “Micro-Coil Assembly”).

26. Embolic Coils with Inter-Connecting Members in Aneurysm Sac:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods comprising embolic coils with inter-connecting members which are implanted within an aneurysm sac. In an example, a longitudinal coil can be inter-connected by relatively-inelastic strands at different locations along its longitudinal axis. Accordingly, the coil is constrained by these strands when it is deployed within the aneurysm sac and forms specific desired configurations which differ from those formed by an unconstrained coil. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,478 (Purdy, Aug. 22, 1995, “Multi-Element Intravascular Occlusion Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,619 (Ken, Dec. 10, 1996, “Stretch Resistant Vaso-Occlusive Coils”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,766,219 (Horton, Jun. 16, 1998, “Anatomically Shaped Vasoocclusive Device and Method for Deploying Same”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,705 (Ken et al., Nov. 10, 1998, “Stretch Resistant Vaso-Occlusive Coils”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,853,418 (Ken et al., Dec. 29, 1998, “Stretch Resistant Vaso-Occlusive Coils (II)”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,935,145 (Villar et al., Aug. 10, 1999, “Vaso-Occlusive Device with Attached Polymeric Materials”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,338 (Ken et al., Dec. 21, 1999, “Stretch Resistant Vaso-Occlusive Coils”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,013,084 (Ken et al., Jan. 11, 2000, “Stretch Resistant Vaso-Occlusive Coils (II)”); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,728 (Ken et al., Feb. 27, 2001, “Stretch Resistant Vaso-Occlusive Coils (II)”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,318 (Villar et al., Sep. 11, 2001, “Vaso-Occlusive Device with Attached Polymeric Materials”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,617 (Ferrera et al., Sep. 9, 2003, “Vasoocclusive Device for Treatment of Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,326,225 (Ferrera et al., Feb. 5, 2008, “Vasoocclusive Device for Treatment of Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,708,755 (Davis et al., May 4, 2010, “Stretch Resistant Embolic Coil Delivery System with Combined Mechanical and Pressure Release Mechanism”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,749,242 (Tran et al., Jul. 6, 2010, “Expanding Vaso-Occlusive Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,766,933 (Davis et al., Aug. 3, 2010, “Stretch Resistant Design for Embolic Coils with Stabilization Bead”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,883,526 (Jones et al., Feb. 8, 2011, “Embolic Coil Having Stretch Resistant Member with an Attached End and an End with Movement Freedom”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,896,899 (Patterson et al., Mar. 1, 2011, “Metallic Coils Enlaced with Biological or Biodegradable or Synthetic Polymers or Fibers for Embolization of a Body Cavity”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,938,845 (Aganon et al., May 10, 2011, “Anchor Assemblies in Stretch-Resistant Vaso-Occlusive Coils”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,034,073 (Davis et al., Oct. 11, 2011, “Stretch Resistant Embolic Coil”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 8,211,141 (Davis et al., Jul. 3, 2012, “Stretch Resistant Design for Embolic Coils with Stabilization Bead”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,267,955 (Patterson et al., Sep. 18, 2012, “Metallic Coils Enlaced with Fibers for Embolization of a Body Cavity”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,751 (Gerberding, Nov. 13, 2012, “Foldable Vaso-Occlusive Member”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,328,860 (Strauss et al., Dec. 11, 2012, “Implant Including a Coil and a Stretch-Resistant Member”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,486,101 (Tran et al., Jul. 16, 2013, “Expanding Vaso-Occlusive Device”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20060036281 (Patterson; William R. et al., Feb. 16, 2006, “Metallic Coils Enlaced with Biological or Biodegradable or Synthetic Polymers or Fibers for Embolization of a Body Cavity”); 20070016233 (Ferrera et al., Jan. 18, 2007, “Vasoocclusive Device for Treatment of Aneurysms”); 20110118777 (Patterson et al., May 19, 2011, “Metallic Coils Enlaced with Fibers for Embolization of a Body Cavity”); 20110213406 (Aganon et al., Sep. 1, 2011, “Anchor Assemblies in Stretch-Resistant Vaso-Occlusive Coils”); 20110313443 (Lorenzo et al., Dec. 22, 2011, “Occlusive Device with Stretch Resistant Member and Anchor Filament”); and 20130331883 (Strauss et al., Dec. 12, 2013, “Implant Including a Coil and a Stretch-Resistant Member”).

27. Embolic Coils with Special Coatings in Aneurysm Sac:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms which comprise embolic coils with special coatings for implantation within an aneurysm sac. Since this review focuses primarily on the mechanical and structural features of aneurysm treatment devices, this category focuses primarily on coil coatings which have special mechanical properties. There is a large body of prior art featuring stent and coil coatings with special pharmaceutical properties (apart from interesting mechanical properties) which are not included in this review.

Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,667 (Gia, Nov. 25, 1997, “Vasoocclusion Coil Having a Polymer Tip”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,361 (Evans et al., Dec. 30, 1997, “Method for Embolizing Blood Vessels”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,244,261 (Lorenzo et al., Jul. 17, 2007, “Activatable Bioactive Vascular Occlusive Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,247,159 (Lorenzo et al., Jul. 24, 2007, “Activatable Bioactive Vascular Occlusive Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,294,123 (Jones et al., Nov. 13, 2007, “Activatable Bioactive Vascular Occlusive Device and Method of Use”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,300,661 (Henson et al., Nov. 27, 2007, “Adding Microscopic Porosity to the Surface of a Microcoil to be Used for Medical Implantation”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,361,367 (Henson et al., Apr. 22, 2008, “Adding Microscopic Porosity to the Surface of a Microcoil to be Used for Medical Implantation”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,442,382 (Henson et al., Oct. 28, 2008, “Adding Microscopic Porosity to the Surface of a Microcoil to be Used for Medical Implantation”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,273,100 (Martinez, Sep. 25, 2012, “Three Element Coaxial Vaso-Occlusive Device”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,764,788 (Martinez, Jul. 1, 2014, “Multi-Layer Coaxial Vaso-Occlusive Device”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20030093111 (Ken et al., May 15, 2003, “Device for Vaso-Occlusion and Interventional Therapy”); 20040093014 (Ho et al., May 13, 2004, “Bioactive Components for Incorporation with Vaso-Occlusive Members”); 20040098028 (Martinez, May 20, 2004, “Three Element Coaxial Vaso-Occlusive Device”); 20050171572 (Martinez, Aug. 4, 2005, “Multi-Layer Coaxial Vaso-Occlusive Device”); 20060251695 (Henson et al., Nov. 9, 2006, “Adding Microscopic Porosity to the Surface of a Microcoil to be Used for Medical Implantation”); 20060251700 (Henson et al., Nov. 9, 2006, “Adding Microscopic Porosity to the Surface of a Microcoil to be Used for Medical Implantation”); 20080031919 (Henson et al., Feb. 7, 2008, “Adding Microscopic Porosity to the Surface of a Microcoil to be Used for Medical Implantation”); 20080152686 (Henson et al., Jun. 26, 2008, “Adding Microscopic Porosity to the Surface of a Microcoil to be Used for Medical Implantation”); 20110054511 (Henson et al., Mar. 3, 2011, “Adding Microscopic Porosity to the Surface of a Microcoil to be Used for Medical Implantation”); 20110245863 (Martinez, Oct. 6, 2011, “Multi-Layer Coaxial Vaso-Occlusive Device”); 20120323268 (Martinez, Dec. 20, 2012, “Three Element Coaxial Vaso-Occlusive Device”); 20130066359 (Murphy et al., Mar. 14, 2013, “Vaso-Occlusive Device”); and 20130072959 (Wu et al., Mar. 21, 2013, “Non-Fragmenting Low Friction Bioactive Absorbable Coils for Brain Aneurysm Therapy”).

28. Polymer or Hydrogel Longitudinal Embolic Members in Aneurysm Sac:

The prior art also includes devices and methods comprising longitudinal embolic members (such as coils, filaments, or meshes) which are made from polymers or hydrogels and implanted within an aneurysm sac. These embolic members can be advantageously more flexible, more compressive, more expansive, and/or more bulky than metal embolic members. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,894 (Engelson, May 12, 1998, “Aneurysm Closure Method”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,424 (Rosenbluth et al., Jan. 18, 2000, “Apparatus and Method for Vascular Embolization”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,754 (Engelson, Feb. 15, 2000, “Aneurysm Closure Method”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,421 (Boock, Nov. 6, 2001, “Aneurysm Embolization Material and Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,669 (Rosenbluth et al., Apr. 23, 2002, “Apparatus and Method for Vascular Embolization”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,423,085 (Murayama et al., Jul. 23, 2002, “Biodegradable Polymer Coils for Intraluminal Implants”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,602,269 (Wallace et al., Aug. 5, 2003, “Embolic Devices Capable of In-Situ Reinforcement”); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,723,108 (Jones et al., Apr. 20, 2004, “Foam Matrix Embolization Device”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,979,344 (Jones et al., Dec. 27, 2005, “Foam Matrix Embolization Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,002,789 (Ramzipoor et al., Aug. 23, 2011, “Stretch-Resistant Vaso-Occlusive Devices with Flexible Detachment Junctions”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,273,100 (Martinez, Sep. 25, 2012, “Three Element Coaxial Vaso-Occlusive Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,313,504 (Do et al., Nov. 20, 2012, “Foam Matrix Embolization Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,377,091 (Cruise et al., Feb. 19, 2013, “Embolization Device Constructed from Expansile Polymer”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,470,035 (Cruise et al., Jun. 25, 2013, “Hydrogel Filaments for Biomedical Uses”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,764,788 (Martinez, Jul. 1, 2014, “Multi-Layer Coaxial Vaso-Occlusive Device”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,771,294 (Sepetka et al., Jul. 8, 2014, “Aneurysm Treatment Devices and Methods”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20020143348 (Wallace et al., Oct. 3, 2002, “Embolic Devices Capable of In-Situ Reinforcement”); 20040098028 (Martinez, May 20, 2004, “Three Element Coaxial Vaso-Occlusive Device”); 20040115164 (Pierce et al., Jun. 17, 2004, “Soft Filament Occlusive Device Delivery System”); 20040158282 (Jones et al., Aug. 12, 2004, “Foam Matrix Embolization Device”); 20040161451 (Pierce et al., Aug. 19, 2004, “Soft Filament Occlusive Device Delivery System”); and 20050119687 (Dacey et al., Jun. 2, 2005, “Methods of, and Materials for, Treating Vascular Defects with Magnetically Controllable Hydrogels”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20050171572 (Martinez, Aug. 4, 2005, “Multi-Layer Coaxial Vaso-Occlusive Device”); 20060058834 (Do et al., Mar. 16, 2006, “Foam Matrix Embolization Device”); 20060116709 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 1, 2006, “Aneurysm Treatment Devices and Methods”); 20060116709 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 1, 2006, “Aneurysm Treatment Devices and Methods”); 20060116712 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 1, 2006, “Aneurysm Treatment Devices and Methods”); 20060116713 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 1, 2006, “Aneurysm Treatment Devices and Methods”); 20060276831 (Porter et al., Dec. 7, 2006, “Porous Materials for Use in Aneurysms”); 20070299464 (Cruise; Gregory M. et al., Dec. 27, 2007, “Embolization Device Constructed from Expansile Polymer”); 20080249608 (Dave, Oct. 9, 2008, “Bioabsorbable Polymer Bioabsorbable Composite Stents”); 20090164013 (Cruise et al., Jun. 25, 2009, “Hydrogel Filaments for Biomedical Uses”); and 20090227976 (Calabria et al., Sep. 10, 2009, “Multiple Biocompatible Polymeric Strand Aneurysm Embolization System and Method”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20110184455 (Keeley et al., Jul. 28, 2011, “Embolization Device Constructed from Expansile Polymer”); 20110245863 (Martinez, Oct. 6, 2011, “Multi-Layer Coaxial Vaso-Occlusive Device”); 20120283769 (Cruise et al., Nov. 8, 2012, “Embolization Device Constructed from Expansile Polymer”); 20120289995 (Constant et al., Nov. 15, 2012, “Embolic Devices”); 20120323268 (Martinez, Dec. 20, 2012, “Three Element Coaxial Vaso-Occlusive Device”); 20130085518 (Trommeter et al., Apr. 4, 2013, “Multi-Fiber Shape Memory Device”); 20130131716 (Cruise et al., May 23, 2013, “Embolization Device Constructed from Expansile Polymer”); and 20130302251 (Constant et al., Nov. 14, 2013, “Embolic Devices”).

29. Longitudinal Embolic Members with String-of-Pearls Structure in Aneurysm Sac:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms which comprise longitudinal embolic members with structure similar to a “string-of-pearls” for implantation within an aneurysm sac. In various examples, “string-of-pearls” structures can comprise an (evenly-spaced) series of wider (spherical, oblong, or rectangular) embolic members which are connected by a thinner (central) coil or string. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,238,403 (Greene et al., May 29, 2001, “Filamentous Embolic Device with Expansible Elements”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,299,619 (Greene et al., Oct. 9, 2001, “Methods for Embolizing a Target Vascular Site”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,602,261 (Greene et al., Aug. 5, 2003, “Filamentous Embolic Device with Expansile Elements”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,617 (Ferrera et al., Sep. 9, 2003, “Vasoocclusive Device for Treatment of Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,014,645 (Greene et al., Mar. 21, 2006, “Method of Manufacturing Expansile Filamentous Embolization Devices”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,070,609 (West, Jul. 4, 2006, “Aneurysm Embolization Device and Deployment System”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,326,225 (Ferrera et al., Feb. 5, 2008, “Vasoocclusive Device for Treatment of Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,481,821 (Fogarty et al., Jan. 27, 2009, “Embolization Device and a Method of Using the Same”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,491,214 (Greene et al., Feb. 17, 2009, “Filamentous Embolization Device with Expansible Elements”); and U.S. Pat. No. 7,842,054 (Greene et al., Nov. 30, 2010, “Method of Manufacturing Expansile Filamentous Embolization Devices”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 8,262,686 (Fogarty et al., Sep. 11, 2012, “Embolization Device and a Method of Using the Same”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,562,636 (Fogarty et al., Oct. 22, 2013, “Embolization Device and a Method of Using the Same”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,715,317 (Janardhan et al., May 6, 2014, “Flow Diverting Devices”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,747,432 (Janardhan et al., Jun. 10, 2014, “Woven Vascular Treatment Devices”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,753,371 (Janardhan et al., Jun. 17, 2014, “Woven Vascular Treatment Systems”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,771,294 (Sepetka et al., Jul. 8, 2014, “Aneurysm Treatment Devices and Methods”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,784,446 (Janardhan et al., Jul. 22, 2014, “Circumferentially Offset Variable Porosity Devices”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,813,625 (Janardhan et al., Aug. 26, 2014, “Methods of Manufacturing Variable Porosity Flow Diverting Devices”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,845,679 (Janardhan et al., Sep. 30, 2014, “Variable Porosity Flow Diverting Devices”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20020120276 (Greene et al., Aug. 29, 2002, “Filamentous Embolic Device with Expansile Elements”); 20020177855 (Greene et al., Nov. 28, 2002, “Method of Manufacturing Expansile Filamentous Embolization Devices”); 20040059370 (Greene et al., Mar. 25, 2004, “Filamentous Embolization Device with Expansible Elements”); 20040193246 (Ferrera, Sep. 30, 2004, “Methods and Apparatus for Treating Aneurysms and Other Vascular Defects”); 20040210249 (Fogarty et al., Oct. 21, 2004, “Embolization Device and a Method of Using the Same”); 20050015110 (Fogarty et al., Jan. 20, 2005, “Embolization Device and a Method of Using the Same”); and 20050267510 (Razack, Dec. 1, 2005, “Device for the Endovascular Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20060116709 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 1, 2006, “Aneurysm Treatment Devices and Methods”); 20060116709 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 1, 2006, “Aneurysm Treatment Devices and Methods”); 20060116712 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 1, 2006, “Aneurysm Treatment Devices and Methods”); 20060116713 (Sepetka et al., Jun. 1, 2006, “Aneurysm Treatment Devices and Methods”); 20060149299 (Greene et al., Jul. 6, 2006, “Method of Manufacturing Expansile Filamentous Embolization Devices”); 20070016233 (Ferrera et al., Jan. 18, 2007, “Vasoocclusive Device for Treatment of Aneurysms”); 20070150045 (Ferrera, Jun. 28, 2007, “Methods and Apparatus for Treating Aneurysms and Other Vascular Defects”); 20090105748 (Fogarty et al., Apr. 23, 2009, “Embolization Device and a Method of Using the Same”); 20090232869 (Greene et al., Sep. 17, 2009, “Filamentous Embolization Device with Expansible Elements”); and 20120179192 (Fogarty et al., Jul. 12, 2012, “Embolization Device and a Method of Using the Same”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20120239074 (Aboytes et al., Sep. 20, 2012, “Devices and Methods for the Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20120303108 (Fogarty et al., Nov. 29, 2012, “Embolization Device and a Method of Using the Same”); 20130066357 (Aboytes et al., Mar. 14, 2013, “Devices and Methods for the Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130116722 (Aboytes et al., May 9, 2013, “Devices and Methods for the Treatment of Vascular Defects”); 20130231695 (Malek, Sep. 5, 2013, “Embolic Coil”); 20140088690 (Fogarty et al., Mar. 27, 2014, “Embolization Device and a Method of Using the Same”); 20140135810 (Divino et al., May 15, 2014, “Occlusive Devices”); 20140135811 (Divino et al., May 15, 2014, “Occlusive Devices”); 20140135812 (Divino et al., May 15, 2014, “Occlusive Devices”); 20140260928 (Janardhan et al., Sep. 18, 2014, “Methods of Using Non-Cylindrical Mandrels”); and 20140265096 (Janardhan et al., Sep. 18, 2014, “Non-Cylindrical Mandrels”).

30. Accumulation of Mass in Aneurysm Sac by Spooling and/or Axial Rotation:

Although not common, the prior art also includes a few examples of devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising accumulating embolic mass in the aneurysm sac by the rotational spooling or dispensation of a longitudinal embolic member within the aneurysm sac. In an example, the accumulation of mass can occur as a longitudinal embolic member is spooled around a rotating central member within the sac. In an example, the accumulation of mass can occur as a longitudinal embolic member is dispensed within the sac from a rotating central member. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. patent applications 20110166588 (Connor et al., Jul. 7, 2011, “Aneurysm Embolization by Rotational Accumulation of Mass”) and 20120303052 (Connor, Nov. 29, 2012, “Aneurysm Occlusion by Rotational Dispensation of Mass”).

31. Liner or Balloon with Non-Porous Walls in Aneurysm Sac:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms including the use of a flexible occluding intrasacular aneurysm liner or balloon which has non-porous walls and which is deployed within the aneurysm sac. Such a flexible liner or balloon can be filled with solid embolic members, a gelatinous embolic composition, or a liquid embolic composition—which can contribute to its expansion within the aneurysm sac. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,334,210 (Gianturco, Aug. 2, 1994, “Vascular Occlusion Assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,350,270 (Roue, Feb. 26, 2002, “Aneurysm Liner”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,468 (Cragg et al., Jan. 28, 2003, “Device and Method for Controlling Injection of Liquid Embolic Composition”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,338,511 (Mirigian et al., Mar. 4, 2008, “Solid Embolic Material with Variable Expansion”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,695,488 (Berenstein et al., Apr. 13, 2010, “Expandable Body Cavity Liner Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,976,527 (Cragg et al., Jul. 12, 2011, “Device and Method for Controlling Injection of Liquid Embolic Composition”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,021,416 (Abrams, Sep. 20, 2011, “Methods for Delivering a Prosthesis to a Site in a Body”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,425,541 (Masters et al., Apr. 23, 2013, “Aneurysm Occlusion Device Containing Bioactive and Biocompatible Copolymer Shell and a Liquid Embolic Agent”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,425,542 (Moftakhar et al., Apr. 23, 2013, “Aneurysm Occlusion Device Containing Bioactive and Biocompatible Copolymer Shell and Biocompatible Metallic Frame Member”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,454,649 (Cragg et al., Jun. 4, 2013, “Device and Method for Controlling Injection of Liquid Embolic Composition”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,529,619 (Abrams, Sep. 10, 2013, “Methods for Delivering a Prosthesis to a Site in a Body”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20030187473 (Berenstein et al., Oct. 2, 2003, “Expandable Body Cavity Liner Device”); 20090062834 (Moftakhar et al., Mar. 5, 2009, “Aneurysm Occlusion Device Containing Bioactive and Biocompatible Copolymer Shell and Biocompatible Metallic Frame Member”); 20090118761 (Masters et al., May 7, 2009, “Aneurysm Occlusion Device Containing Bioactive and Biocompatible Copolymer Shell and a Liquid Embolic Agent”); 20100168781 (Berenstein et al., Jul. 1, 2010, “Expandable Body Cavity Liner Device”); 20130211443 (Cragg et al., Aug. 15, 2013, “Device and Method for Controlling Injection of Liquid Embolic Composition”); and 20140039536 (Cully et al., Feb. 6, 2014, “Space-Filling Device”).

32. Liner, Balloon, Net, or Mesh with Porous Walls in Aneurysm Sac:

The prior art also includes devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising a flexible occluding intrasacular aneurysm liner, balloon, net, or mesh with relatively-porous walls which is deployed within the aneurysm sac. Such a flexible liner, balloon, net, or mesh can be filled with solid embolic members or compositions, which can contribute to its expansion within the aneurysm sac. In an example, the walls of an aneurysm liner, balloon, net, or mesh can be permeable to inflow of blood from the sac or to outflow from liquid (e.g. saline or contrast media) which is injected within it, but be impermeable to outflow of embolic members. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 4,364,392 (Strother et al., Dec. 21, 1982, “Detachable Balloon Catheter”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,346,117 (Greenhalgh, Feb. 12, 2002, “Bag for Use in the Intravascular Treatment of Saccular Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,391,037 (Greenhalgh, May 21, 2002, “Bag for Use in the Intravascular Treatment of Saccular Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,804 (Porter et al., Apr. 15, 2003, “Selectively Permeable Highly Distensible Occlusion Balloon”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,748 (Jeffree, Jul. 1, 2003, “Device for Treating Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,855,153 (Saadat, Feb. 15, 2005, “Embolic Balloon”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,153,323 (Teoh et al., Dec. 26, 2006, “Aneurysm Liner with Multi-Segment Extender”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,695,488 (Berenstein et al., Apr. 13, 2010, “Expandable Body Cavity Liner Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,021,416 (Abrams, Sep. 20, 2011, “Methods for Delivering a Prosthesis to a Site in a Body”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,529,619 (Abrams, Sep. 10, 2013, “Methods for Delivering a Prosthesis to a Site in a Body”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20030187473 (Berenstein et al., Oct. 2, 2003, “Expandable Body Cavity Liner Device”); 20040098027 (Teoh et al., May 20, 2004, “Expandable Body Cavity Liner Device”); 20060079923 (Chhabra et al., Apr. 13, 2006, “Aneurysm Treatment Using Semi-Compliant Balloon”); 20090112249 (Miles et al., Apr. 30, 2009, “Medical Device for Modification of Left Atrial Appendage and Related Systems and Methods”); 20100168781 (Berenstein et al., Jul. 1, 2010, “Expandable Body Cavity Liner Device”); 20110046658 (Connor et al., Feb. 24, 2011, “Aneurysm Occlusion Device”); 20140135810 (Divino et al., May 15, 2014, “Occlusive Devices”); 20140135811 (Divino et al., May 15, 2014, “Occlusive Devices”); and 20140135812 (Divino et al., May 15, 2014, “Occlusive Devices”); and also PCT/US2009/002537 (Connor et al, 2009, “Aneurysm Occlusion Device”).

33. Liquid Embolic Composition into Aneurysm Sac:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising injection of a liquid embolic composition into an aneurysm sac. Most of the time, unless contained within a liner or balloon, this liquid embolic composition is formulated to congeal within the sac. Often this congealing process is accelerated by the concurrent delivery of a congealing agent or energy. Sometimes a balloon is temporarily expanded within the parent vessel to prevent the liquid embolic composition from leaking out of the aneurysm sac before it congeals. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,776,097 (Massoud, Jul. 7, 1998, “Method and Device for Treating Intracranial Vascular Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,679 (Abolfathi et al., Jul. 28, 1998, “Methods and Apparatus for Treating Aneurysms and Arterio-Venous Fistulas”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,331 (Cragg et al., Aug. 18, 1998, “Balloon Catheter for Occluding Aneurysms of Branch Vessels”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,096,021 (Helm et al., Aug. 1, 2000, “Flow Arrest, Double Balloon Technique for Occluding Aneurysms or Blood Vessels”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,140,452 (Felt et al., Oct. 31, 2000, “Biomaterial for In Situ Tissue Repair”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,306,177 (Felt et al., Oct. 23, 2001, “Biomaterial System for In Situ Tissue Repair”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,454,738 (Tran et al., Sep. 24, 2002, “Methods for Delivering In Vivo Uniform Dispersed Embolic Compositions of High Viscosity”); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,468 (Cragg et al., Jan. 28, 2003, “Device and Method for Controlling Injection of Liquid Embolic Composition”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,804 (Porter et al., Apr. 15, 2003, “Selectively Permeable Highly Distensible Occlusion Balloon”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,190 (Whalen et al., May 27, 2003, “Methods for Treating Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,947 (Sahatjian et al., Oct. 7, 2003, “Systems and Methods for Delivering Flowable Substances for Use as Implants and Surgical Sealants”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,958,061 (Truckai et al., Oct. 25, 2005, “Microspheres with Sacrificial Coatings for Vaso-Occlusive Systems”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,964,657 (Cragg et al., Nov. 15, 2005, “Catheter System and Method for Injection of a Liquid Embolic Composition and a Solidification Agent”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,632 (Avellanet et al., Aug. 1, 2006, “Aneurysm Embolic Device with an Occlusive Member”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,643 (Whalen et al., Aug. 1, 2006, “Methods for Treating Aneurysms”); and U.S. Pat. No. 7,294,137 (Rivelli et al., Nov. 13, 2007, “Device for Multi-Modal Treatment of Vascular Lesions”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 7,338,511 (Mirigian et al., Mar. 4, 2008, “Solid Embolic Material with Variable Expansion”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,374,568 (Whalen et al., May 20, 2008, “Methods for Embolizing Aneurysmal Sites with a High Viscosity Embolizing Composition”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,414,038 (Kinugasa et al., Aug. 19, 2008, “Embolic Materials”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,666,220 (Evans et al., Feb. 23, 2010, “System and Methods for Endovascular Aneurysm Treatment”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,976,527 (Cragg et al., Jul. 12, 2011, “Device and Method for Controlling Injection of Liquid Embolic Composition”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,262,607 (Porter, Sep. 11, 2012, “Liquid Embolic Composition Delivery Devices and Methods”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,425,541 (Masters et al., Apr. 23, 2013, “Aneurysm Occlusion Device Containing Bioactive and Biocompatible Copolymer Shell and a Liquid Embolic Agent”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,454,649 (Cragg et al., Jun. 4, 2013, “Device and Method for Controlling Injection of Liquid Embolic Composition”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20020018752 (Krall et al., Feb. 14, 2002, “Polymerizable Compositions and Methods of Use”); 20020082620 (Lee, Jun. 27, 2002, “Bioactive Materials for Aneurysm Repair”); 20030093097 (Avellanet et al., May 15, 2003, “Aneurysm Embolic Device with an Occlusive Member”); 20030135264 (Whalen et al., Jul. 17, 2003, “Methods for Treating Aneurysms”); 20030223955 (Whalen et al., Dec. 4, 2003, “Methods for Embolizing Aneurysmal Sites with a High Viscosity Embolizing Composition”); 20040098027 (Teoh et al., May 20, 2004, “Expandable Body Cavity Liner Device”); 20060235464 (Avellanet et al., Oct. 19, 2006, “Aneurysm Embolic Device with an Occlusive Member”); and 20090118761 (Masters et al., May 7, 2009, “Aneurysm Occlusion Device Containing Bioactive and Biocompatible Copolymer Shell and a Liquid Embolic Agent”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20090318949 (Ganpath et al., Dec. 24, 2009, “Sealing Apparatus and Methods of Use”); 20130108574 (Chevalier et al., May 2, 2013, “Radiopaque, Non-Biodegradable, Water-Insoluble Iodinated Benzyl Ethers of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol), Preparation Method Thereof, Injectable Embolizing Compositions Containing Thereof and Use Thereof”); 20130211443 (Cragg et al., Aug. 15, 2013, “Device and Method for Controlling Injection of Liquid Embolic Composition”); and 20130310687 (Takizawa et al., Nov. 21, 2013, “Blood Vessel Embolization Method Using Balloon Catheter and Balloon Catheter for Blood Vessel Embolization Method”).

34. Gelatinous Embolic Composition into Aneurysm Sac:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising injection of a gelatinous embolic composition into an aneurysm sac. Often, this gelatinous embolic composition is formulated to further solidify within the aneurysm sac. Sometimes this solidification process is accelerated by the concurrent delivery of a solidifying agent or energy. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,685 (Takahashi et al., Apr. 29, 1997, “High Polymer Gel and Vascular Lesion Embolizing Material Comprising the Same”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,361 (Evans et al., Dec. 30, 1997, “Method for Embolizing Blood Vessels”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,894 (Engelson, May 12, 1998, “Aneurysm Closure Method”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,546 (Ji et al., Mar. 30, 1999, “Embolic Material for Endovascular Occlusion of Abnormal Vasculature and Method for Using the Same”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,894,022 (Ji et al., Apr. 13, 1999, “Embolic Material for Endovascular Occlusion of Abnormal Vasculature and Method of Using the Same”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,977 (Evans et al., Jan. 25, 2000, “Methods for Embolizing Blood Vessels”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,754 (Engelson, Feb. 15, 2000, “Aneurysm Closure Method”); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,238,403 (Greene et al., May 29, 2001, “Filamentous Embolic Device with Expansible Elements”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,281,263 (Evans et al., Aug. 28, 2001, “Methods for Embolizing Blood Vessels”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,299,619 (Greene et al., Oct. 9, 2001, “Methods for Embolizing a Target Vascular Site”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,335,384 (Evans et al., Jan. 1, 2002, “Methods for Embolizing Blood Vessels”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,373 (Sawhney et al., Apr. 30, 2002, “Methods and Apparatus for Intraluminal Deposition of Hydrogels”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,463,317 (Kucharczyk et al., Oct. 8, 2002, “Device and Method for the Endovascular Treatment of Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,602,261 (Greene et al., Aug. 5, 2003, “Filamentous Embolic Device with Expansile Elements”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,689,148 (Sawhney et al., Feb. 10, 2004, “Methods and Apparatus for Intraluminal Deposition of Hydrogels”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,818,018 (Sawhney, Nov. 16, 2004, “In Situ Polymerizable Hydrogels”); and U.S. Pat. No. 7,014,645 (Greene et al., Mar. 21, 2006, “Method of Manufacturing Expansile Filamentous Embolization Devices”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 7,220,270 (Sawhney et al., May 22, 2007, “Methods and Apparatus for Intraluminal Deposition of Hydrogels”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,491,214 (Greene et al., Feb. 17, 2009, “Filamentous Embolization Device with Expansible Elements”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,842,054 (Greene et al., Nov. 30, 2010, “Method of Manufacturing Expansile Filamentous Embolization Devices”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,439,942 (Moran et al., May 14, 2013, “Embolization Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,535,367 (Kim et al., Sep. 17, 2013, “Devices and Methods for Treatment of Vascular Aneurysms”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,647,377 (Kim et al., Feb. 11, 2014, “Devices and Methods for Treatment of Vascular Aneurysms”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,840,867 (Sophie et al., Sep. 23, 2014, “Embolizing Sclerosing Hydrogel”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20020082636 (Sawhney et al., Jun. 27, 2002, “Methods and Apparatus for Intraluminal Deposition of Hydrogels”); 20020120276 (Greene et al., Aug. 29, 2002, “Filamentous Embolic Device with Expansile Elements”); 20020177855 (Greene et al., Nov. 28, 2002, “Method of Manufacturing Expansile Filamentous Embolization Devices”); 20030014075 (Rosenbluth et al., Jan. 16, 2003, “Methods, Materials and Apparatus for Deterring or Preventing Endoleaks Following Endovascular Graft Implantation”); 20040059370 (Greene et al., Mar. 25, 2004, “Filamentous Embolization Device with Expansible Elements”); 20050004660 (Rosenbluth et al., Jan. 6, 2005, “Methods, Materials and Apparatus for Deterring or Preventing Endoleaks Following Endovascular Graft Implantation”); 20050080445 (Sawhney et al., Apr. 14, 2005, “Methods and Apparatus for Intraluminal Deposition of Hydrogels”); and 20050133046 (Becker et al., Jun. 23, 2005, “Compositions and Methods for Improved Occlusion of Vascular Defects”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20060149299 (Greene et al., Jul. 6, 2006, “Method of Manufacturing Expansile Filamentous Embolization Devices”); 20060292206 (Kim et al., Dec. 28, 2006, “Devices and Methods for Treatment of Vascular Aneurysms”); 20070050008 (Kim et al., Mar. 1, 2007, “Devices and Methods for Treatment of Vascular Aneurysms”); 20070055355 (Kim et al., Mar. 8, 2007, “Devices and Methods for Treatment of Vascular Aneurysms”); 20070061005 (Kim et al., Mar. 15, 2007, “Devices and Methods for Treatment of Vascular Aneurysms”); 20070150041 (Evans et al., Jun. 28, 2007, “Methods and Systems for Aneurysm Treatment Using Filling Structures”); and 20070167747 (Borgert et al., Jul. 19, 2007, “Catheter, Apparatus and Method for Therapeutic Embolization”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20090232869 (Greene et al., Sep. 17, 2009, “Filamentous Embolization Device with Expansible Elements”); 20100063472 (Becker et al., Mar. 11, 2010, “Compositions and Methods for Improved Occlusion of Vascular Defects”); 20110182998 (Reb et al., Jul. 28, 2011, “Microspheres Useful for Therapeutic Vascular Embolization”); 20110286925 (Lerouge et al., Nov. 24, 2011, “Embolizing Sclerosing Hydrogel”); 20120238644 (Gong et al., Sep. 20, 2012, “Fragmented Hydrogels”); 20120265287 (Sharma et al., Oct. 18, 2012, “In-Situ Forming Foams for Treatment of Aneurysms”); 20120330343 (Kim et al., Dec. 27, 2012, “Devices and Methods for Treatment of Vascular Aneurysms”); and 20130045182 (Gong et al., Feb. 21, 2013, “Polysaccharide Based Hydrogels”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20130095087 (Shalaby et al., Apr. 18, 2013, “Absorbable In Situ Gel-Forming System, Method of Making and Use Thereof”); 20130131711 (Bowman, May 23, 2013, “Embolic Device with Shaped Wire”); 20130245606 (Stam et al., Sep. 19, 2013, “Hydrogel Based Occlusion Systems”); 20130252900 (Reb et al., Sep. 26, 2013, “Microspheres Useful for Therapeutic Vascular Embolization”); 20130344159 (Moine et al., Dec. 26, 2013, “Implantable Swellable Bio-Resorbable Polymer”); 20140052168 (Sawhney, Feb. 20, 2014, “Methods of Using In Situ Hydration of Hydrogel Articles for Sealing or Augmentation of Tissue or Vessels”); and 20140081374 (Kim et al., Mar. 20, 2014, “Devices and Methods for Treatment of Vascular Aneurysms”).

35. Embolic Spheres and/or Particles into Aneurysm Sac:

The prior art also includes devices and methods for treating aneurysms which comprise the delivery of a plurality of separate embolic spherical, polygonal, and/or other generally-convex shaped members into the sac of an aneurysm. These spheres, polygons, and/or other convex particles can be inserted into an aneurysm liner, net, or mesh which helps to contain them within the sac. These spheres, polygons, and/or other convex embolic members can be soft or hard, compressible or resilient, solid or hollow. Expandable intrasacular woven wire devices (e.g. ball-shaped stents) are included in a different category. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 4,364,392 (Strother et al., Dec. 21, 1982, “Detachable Balloon Catheter”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,958,061 (Truckai et al., Oct. 25, 2005, “Microspheres with Sacrificial Coatings for Vaso-Occlusive Systems”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,311,861 (Lanphere et al., Dec. 25, 2007, “Embolization”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,449,236 (Lanphere et al., Nov. 11, 2008, “Porous Polymeric Particle Comprising Polyvinyl Alcohol and Having Interior to Surface Porosity-Gradient”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,588,780 (Buiser et al., Sep. 15, 2009, “Embolization”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,588,825 (Bell et al., Sep. 15, 2009, “Embolic Compositions”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,666,333 (Lanphere et al., Feb. 23, 2010, “Embolization”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,695,488 (Berenstein et al., Apr. 13, 2010, “Expandable Body Cavity Liner Device”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,736,671 (DiCarlo et al., Jun. 15, 2010, “Embolization”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,842,377 (Lanphere et al., Nov. 30, 2010, “Porous Polymeric Particle Comprising Polyvinyl Alcohol and Having Interior to Surface Porosity-Gradient”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,976,823 (Lanphere et al., Jul. 12, 2011, “Ferromagnetic Particles and Methods”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,617,132 (Golzarian et al., Dec. 31, 2013, “Bioresorbable Embolization Microspheres”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20030187473 (Berenstein et al., Oct. 2, 2003, “Expandable Body Cavity Liner Device”); 20040091543 (Bell et al., May 13, 2004, “Embolic Compositions”); 20040098027 (Teoh et al., May 20, 2004, “Expandable Body Cavity Liner Device”); 20060276831 (Porter et al., Dec. 7, 2006, “Porous Materials for Use in Aneurysms”); 20080033366 (Matson et al., Feb. 7, 2008, “Compressible Intravascular Embolization Particles and Related Methods and Delivery Systems”); 20090112249 (Miles et al., Apr. 30, 2009, “Medical Device for Modification of Left Atrial Appendage and Related Systems and Methods”); 20090318948 (Linder et al., Dec. 24, 2009, “Device, System and Method for Aneurysm Embolization”); and 20100168781 (Berenstein et al., Jul. 1, 2010, “Expandable Body Cavity Liner Device”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: a20110046658 (Connor et al., Feb. 24, 2011, “Aneurysm Occlusion Device”); 20110082427 (Golzarian et al., Apr. 7, 2011, “Bioresorbable Embolization Microspheres”); 20110182998 (Reb et al., Jul. 28, 2011, “Microspheres Useful for Therapeutic Vascular Embolization”); 20130190795 (Matson et al., Jul. 25, 2013, “Compressible Intravascular Embolization Particles and Related Methods and Delivery Systems”); 20130252900 (Reb et al., Sep. 26, 2013, “Microspheres Useful for Therapeutic Vascular Embolization”); 20140099374 (Golzarian et al., Apr. 10, 2014, “Bioresorbable Embolization Microspheres”); 20140135810 (Divino et al., May 15, 2014, “Occlusive Devices”); 20140135811 (Divino et al., May 15, 2014, “Occlusive Devices”); and 20140135812 (Divino et al., May 15, 2014, “Occlusive Devices”); and also PCT/US2009/002537 (Connor et al, 2009, “Aneurysm Occlusion Device”).

36. Customized Pre-Molded Member into Aneurysm Sac:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms which comprise customized (e.g. pre-molded or pre-shaped) occlusion devices which are specifically configured to match the configuration of a specific aneurysm (in a specific patient). Such customized occlusion devices are often designed based on the results of three-dimensional imaging of the aneurysm. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,193 (Greene et al., Dec. 26, 2000, “Vascular Embolization with an Expansible Implant”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,193 (Greene et al., Dec. 26, 2000, “Vascular Embolization with an Expansible Implant”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,190 (Greene et al., Dec. 31, 2002, “Vascular Embolization with an Expansible Implant”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,029,487 (Greene et al., Apr. 18, 2006, “Vascular Embolization with an Expansible Implant”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,201,762 (Greene et al., Apr. 10, 2007, “Vascular Embolization with an Expansible Implant”); and U.S. Pat. No. 7,483,558 (Greene et al., Jan. 27, 2009, “Vascular Embolization with an Expansible Implant”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. Pat. No. 7,799,047 (Greene et al., Sep. 21, 2010, “Vascular Embolization with an Expansible Implant”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,067,071 (Farnsworth et al., Nov. 29, 2011, “Composite Self-Cohered Web Materials”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,133,256 (Wilson et al., Mar. 13, 2012, “Shape Memory Polymer Foams for Endovascular Therapies”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,377,241 (Farnsworth et al., Feb. 19, 2013, “Method of Making Porous Self-Cohered Web Materials”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,449,592 (Wilson et al., May 28, 2013, “Stent with Expandable Foam”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,473,030 (Greenan et al., Jun. 25, 2013, “Vessel Position and Configuration Imaging Apparatus and Methods”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,597,745 (Farnsworth et al., Dec. 3, 2013, “Composite Self-Cohered Web Materials”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20010001835 (Greene et al., May 24, 2001, “Vascular Embolization with an Expansible Implant”); 20030083737 (Greene et al., May 1, 2003, “Vascular Embolization with an Expansible Implant”); 20030088311 (Greene et al., May 8, 2003, “Vascular Embolization with an Expansible Implant”); 20050075405 (Wilson et al., Apr. 7, 2005, “Shape Memory Polymer Foams for Endovascular Therapies”); 20050095428 (Dicarlo et al., May 5, 2005, “Embolic Compositions”); 20060036045 (Wilson et al., Feb. 16, 2006, “Shape Memory Polymers”); 20070135907 (Wilson et al., Jun. 14, 2007, “Stent with Expandable Foam”); 20070176333 (Greene et al., Aug. 2, 2007, “Vascular Embolization with an Expansible Implant”); and 20090112250 (Greene et al., Apr. 30, 2009, “Vascular Embolization with an Expansible Implant”).

Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20090318941 (Sepetka et al., Dec. 24, 2009, “Self-Expandable Endovascular Device for Aneurysm Occlusion”); 20110005062 (Greene et al., Jan. 13, 2011, “Vascular Embolization with an Expansible Implant”); 20110039967 (Wilson et al., Feb. 17, 2011, “Shape Memory Polymers”); 20110089592 (Farnsworth et al., Apr. 21, 2011, “Method of Making Porous Self-Cohered Web Materials”); 20110137405 (Wilson et al., Jun. 9, 2011, “Stent with Expandable Foam”); 20110144686 (Wilson et al., Jun. 16, 2011, “Shape Memory Polymer Foams for Endovascular Therapies”); 20130045182 (Gong et al., Feb. 21, 2013, “Polysaccharide Based Hydrogels”); 20130253086 (Wilson et al., Sep. 26, 2013, “Shape Memory Polymers”); 20130253634 (Wilson et al., Sep. 26, 2013, “Stent with Expandable Foam”); 20130289690 (Thapliyal, Oct. 31, 2013, “Personalized Prosthesis and Methods of Use”); and 20140018902 (Myr, Jan. 16, 2014, “Tailor-Made Stent Graft and Procedure for Minimally Invasive Aneurysm Repair with Novel Tailor-Made Balloon, Novel Guidewire, and Novel Capsulated Bioglue”).

37. Extravascular Sleeve Around Aneurysm Sac and Parent Vessel:

The prior art also discloses devices and methods for treating aneurysms comprising an extravascular sleeve which is implanted around an aneurysm sac and the parent vessel of the aneurysm. Prior art which appears to be within this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 7,818,084 (Boyden et al., Oct. 19, 2010, “Methods and Systems for Making a Blood Vessel Sleeve”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,095,382 (Boyden et al., Jan. 10, 2012, “Methods and Systems for Specifying a Blood Vessel Sleeve”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,147,537 (Boyden et al., Apr. 3, 2012, “Rapid-Prototyped Custom-Fitted Blood Vessel Sleeve”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,163,003 (Boyden et al., Apr. 24, 2012, “Active Blood Vessel Sleeve Methods and Systems”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,478,437 (Boyden et al., Jul. 2, 2013, “Methods and Systems for Making a Blood Vessel Sleeve”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,491,459 (Yun, Jul. 23, 2013, “Expandable Vessel Harness for Treating Vessel Aneurysms”); and U.S. patent application 20130218191 (Heltai, Aug. 22, 2013, “Method for Deploying a Sleeve and Tubing Device for Restricting and Constricting Aneurysms and a Sleeve and Tubing Device and System”).

38. Other Devices for Aneurysm Treatment:

Finally, there are a variety of devices and methods for treating aneurysms which are relevant to this application, but which do not fit neatly into the above categories. I have included them in this miscellaneous category for completeness. Prior art which appears to be within this miscellaneous category includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,603,994 (Wallace et al., Aug. 5, 2003, “Apparatus and Method for Internally Inducing a Magnetic Field in an Aneurysm to Embolize Aneurysm with Magnetically-Controllable Substance”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,182,744 (Yamasaki et al., Feb. 27, 2007, “Method and Apparatus for Aneurismal Treatment”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,294,137 (Rivelli et al., Nov. 13, 2007, “Device for Multi-Modal Treatment of Vascular Lesions”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,744,610 (Hausen, Jun. 29, 2010, “System for Closing a Tissue Structure from Inside”); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,728,094 (Roorda et al., May 20, 2014, “Percutaneous Aneurysm Inversion and Ligation”). Prior art which appears to be within this category also includes U.S. patent applications: 20020087077 (Wallace et al., Jul. 4, 2002, “Apparatus and Method for Internally Inducing a Magnetic Field in an Aneurysm to Embolize Aneurysm with Magnetically-Controllable Substance”); 20090299448 (Timko et al., Dec. 3, 2009, “Aneurysm Treatment System”); 20120310611 (Sadasivan et al., Dec. 6, 2012, “System and Method for Simulating Deployment Configuration of an Expandable Device”); and 20130023903 (Roorda et al., Jan. 24, 2013, “Percutaneous Aneurysm Inversion and Ligation”).

SUMMARY OF THIS INVENTION

This invention can be embodied in a device for occluding a cerebral aneurysm comprising a series of proximally-and-distally-connected coil loops. This invention can further comprise a stretchable mesh which spans the interiors of these loops. These loops (and the stretchable mesh) overlap to create a mass (such as a coil-and-mesh ball) within the aneurysm sac which occludes the aneurysm.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1 through 6 show two examples of how this invention can be embodied in devices and methods for occluding an aneurysm, but they do not limit the full generalizability of the claims.

FIGS. 1 through 3 show three sequential views (during deployment) of an embolic coil which forms interconnected contiguous loops within an aneurysm sac.

FIGS. 4 through 6 show three sequential views (during deployment) of an example like the one in FIGS. 1 through 3, except that there is a stretchable mesh within the loops.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1 through 3 show an example of a device and method to occlude an aneurysm which can be described as an embolic coil for forming interconnected contiguous loops in an aneurysm. More specifically, FIGS. 1 through 3 show an example of a device to occlude an aneurysm comprising: (a) a first longitudinal section of a flexible longitudinal embolic member that is configured to be inserted into an aneurysm; (b) a second longitudinal section of a flexible longitudinal embolic member that is configured to be inserted into the aneurysm; (c) a plurality of connections between the first and second longitudinal sections, wherein these connections connect the first and second longitudinal sections at a plurality of selected locations along their longitudinal axes; and (d) a longitudinal lumen that is configured to be inserted into a blood vessel, wherein the first and second longitudinal sections travel through the lumen in order to be inserted into the aneurysm; wherein at least portions of the first and second longitudinal sections are configured in parallel within the lumen; wherein portions of the first and second longitudinal sections which are not connected by connections move apart from each other after exiting the lumen and the connections move closer to each other after exiting the lumen in order to form a plurality of loops within the aneurysm; wherein part of the perimeter of a loop is comprised of a portion of the first longitudinal section and part of the perimeter of a loop is comprised of a portion of the second longitudinal section; wherein a loop has a contiguous 360-degree perimeter with ends which are connected to each other; and wherein loops are interconnected at the connections.

FIGS. 1 through 3 also show an example of a device to occlude an aneurysm comprising: (a) a longitudinal lumen that is configured to be inserted into a blood vessel, wherein this blood vessel is the parent vessel from which an aneurysm has formed; (b) a first flexible longitudinal embolic member that is configured to travel through the longitudinal lumen and be inserted into the aneurysm sac; (c) a second flexible longitudinal embolic member that is configured to travel through the longitudinal lumen and be inserted into the aneurysm sac; wherein the longitudinal axes of the first and second flexible longitudinal embolic members are substantially parallel as these flexible longitudinal embolic members travel through the longitudinal lumen; and (d) a plurality of connections which connect the first and second flexible longitudinal embolic members at a plurality of locations along the lengths of the flexible longitudinal embolic members; wherein the segments of the first and second flexible longitudinal embolic members that are not connected by the connections move away from each other after they exit the longitudinal lumen, thereby forming loops within the aneurysm sac; wherein these loops are connected by the connections; and wherein accumulation of these loops within the aneurysm sac substantially occludes the aneurysm.

In an example, a longitudinal lumen can be a removable catheter. In an example, flexible longitudinal embolic members can be coils. In an example, connections can connect flexible longitudinal embolic members at uniformly-spaced locations along their lengths so as to form equal-size loops within the aneurysm sac and wherein these equal-size loops substantially span the circumference of the aneurysm sac. In an example, connections can connect flexible longitudinal embolic members at uniformly-spaced locations along their lengths so as to form equal-size loops within the aneurysm sac and these equal-size loops substantially span the circumference of the aneurysm sac without protruding into the parent vessel. In an example, connections can connect flexible longitudinal embolic members at non-uniformly-spaced locations along their lengths so as to form loops of different sizes within the aneurysm sac and these different size loops substantially occlude the interior as well as the circumference of the aneurysm sac.

We now discuss the specific components of FIGS. 1 through 3 in detail. FIGS. 1 through 3 show three sequential views of the same example of a device and method to occlude an aneurysm. To provide anatomical context, FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aneurysm sac 1 which has formed on a longitudinal blood vessel. FIG. 1 also shows an occlusive device comprising: a longitudinal lumen 104 that has been inserted into the longitudinal blood vessel; a first flexible longitudinal embolic member 101 that travels through lumen 104 into aneurysm sac 1; a second flexible longitudinal embolic member 102 that travels through lumen 104 into aneurysm sac 1; and a plurality of connections (including 103) which connect first and second embolic members 101 and 102 at a plurality of locations along their longitudinal lengths. In this example, flexible longitudinal embolic members 101 and 102 are two different segments (or sides) of the same continuous flexible longitudinal embolic member. In this example, this continuous member has two parallel segments or sides (comprising flexible longitudinal embolic members 101 and 102) within longitudinal lumen 104. In another example, embolic member 101 and embolic 102 can be different embolic members that are connected in some other manner at their distal ends.

In this example, flexible longitudinal embolic members 101 and 102 are substantially parallel as they travel through longitudinal lumen 104. However, as shown in FIG. 2, portions of embolic members 101 and 102 which are not connected to each other separate from each other after they exit longitudinal lumen 104 within aneurysm sac 1. In an example, this separation can be partly caused by pressure from contact with the wall of aneurysm sac 1. In an example, this separation can be partly caused by embolic members 101 and 102 having a shape memory with a shape that is restored after these embolic members exit longitudinal lumen 104. In the example that is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, segments of embolic members 101 and 102 which are not connected by connections (such as 103) move away from each other after they exit longitudinal lumen 104.

FIG. 3 shows the accumulation of a plurality of interconnected, contiguous loops within aneurysm sac 1 as flexible longitudinal embolic members 101 and 102 continue to be pushed into aneurysm sac 1. These loops are pair-wise connected to each other by the plurality of connections (including connection 103). As shown in FIG. 3, accumulation of this plurality of loops within aneurysm sac 1 forms an embolic mass which substantially occludes the aneurysm. In this example, the interconnected and contiguous nature of these loops helps to prevent loops from prolapsing out of aneurysm sac 1 into the parent blood vessel. This can result in less prolapse of coils into the parent vessel than is the case with coils in the prior art which disperse and accumulate in a free-form spiraling manner within the aneurysm sac. Also, FIG. 3 shows longitudinal lumen 104 as having been removed.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, the connections (such as 103) between embolic members 101 and 102 are relatively evenly-spaced along the longitudinal lengths of embolic members 101 and 102. In an example, the spacing of these connections can be selected for a specific aneurysm with a specific size and shape in order to most efficiently occlude that specific aneurysm. In an example, the spacing of connections can differ between devices which are configured to occlude narrow-neck aneurysms and devices which are configured to occlude wide-neck aneurysms. In an example, the spacing of these connections can be pre-selected to vary along the length of embolic members 101 and 102 in order to most efficiently occlude an aneurysm at different times or stages during the occlusion procedure. For example, connections can be separated by longer distances at the most distal portions of embolic members 101 and 102 and become progressively shorter at more proximal portions of embolic members 101 and 102. In an example, the most distal connections can be spaced to form loops which span the entire circumference of the aneurysm sac but successive loops can become smaller and smaller to better fill the central space of the aneurysm sac.

FIGS. 4 through 6 show another example of a device and method to occlude an aneurysm which is like the example shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, except that there is also a stretchable mesh within the loops. FIGS. 4 through 6 show three sequential views of a device and method to occlude an aneurysm which can be described as embolic coils which form interconnected contiguous loops within an aneurysm sac, wherein the interiors of these loops are spanned by a stretchable mesh.

More specifically, FIGS. 4 through 6 show an example of a device to occlude an aneurysm comprising: (a) a first longitudinal section of a flexible longitudinal embolic member that is configured to be inserted into an aneurysm; (b) a second longitudinal section of a flexible longitudinal embolic member that is configured to be inserted into the aneurysm; (c) a stretchable mesh which spans between the first and second longitudinal sections; (d) a plurality of connections between the first and second longitudinal sections, wherein these connections connect the first and second longitudinal sections at a plurality of selected locations along their longitudinal axes; and (e) a longitudinal lumen that is configured to be inserted into a blood vessel; wherein the first and second longitudinal sections travel through the lumen in order to be inserted into the aneurysm; wherein at least portions of the first and second longitudinal sections are configured in parallel within the lumen; wherein portions of the first and second longitudinal sections which are not connected by connections move apart from each other after exiting the lumen and connections move closer to each other after exiting the lumen in order to form a plurality of loops within the aneurysm; wherein part of the perimeter of a loop is comprised of a portion of the first longitudinal section and part of the perimeter of a loop is comprised of a portion of the second longitudinal section; wherein a loop has a contiguous 360-degree perimeter with ends which are connected to each other; and wherein loops are interconnected at the connections.

FIGS. 4 through 6 also show an example of a device to occlude an aneurysm comprising: (a) a flexible longitudinal lumen that is configured to be inserted into a blood vessel, wherein this blood vessel is the parent vessel from which an aneurysm has formed; (b) a first flexible longitudinal embolic member that is configured to travel through the flexible longitudinal lumen and be inserted into the aneurysm sac; (c) a second flexible longitudinal embolic member that is configured to travel through the flexible longitudinal lumen and be inserted into the aneurysm sac; wherein the flexible longitudinal axes of the first and second longitudinal embolic members are substantially parallel as these longitudinal embolic members travel through the flexible longitudinal lumen; (d) a stretchable mesh which spans between the first and second flexible longitudinal sections; and (e) a plurality of connections which connect the first and second longitudinal embolic members at a plurality of locations along the lengths of the longitudinal embolic members; wherein the segments of the first and second longitudinal embolic members that are not connected by the connections move away from each other after they exit the flexible longitudinal lumen, thereby forming loops within the aneurysm sac; wherein these loops are connected by the connections; and wherein accumulation of these loops and the stretchable mesh within the aneurysm sac substantially occludes the aneurysm.

In an example, a stretchable mesh can be an elastic mesh. In an example, a stretchable mesh can be made from a polymer. In an example, a stretchable mesh can be made from metal. In an example, a stretchable mesh can be attached to the first and second flexible longitudinal embolic members. In an example, a stretchable mesh can loop around the first and second flexible longitudinal embolic members. In an example, a stretchable mesh can span the entire interiors of loops. In an example, a stretchable mesh can span at least 50% of the interiors of loops. In an example, a stretchable mesh can be impermeable to blood flow. In an example, a stretchable mesh can resist blood flow.

We now discuss the specific components of FIGS. 4 through 6 in detail. FIGS. 4 through 6 show three sequential views of the same example of a device and method to occlude an aneurysm. To provide anatomical context, FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aneurysm sac 1 which has formed on a longitudinal blood vessel. FIG. 4 also shows an occlusive device comprising: a longitudinal lumen 404 that has been inserted into the longitudinal blood vessel; a first flexible longitudinal embolic member 401 that travels through lumen 404 into aneurysm sac 1; a second flexible longitudinal embolic member 402 that travels through lumen 404 into aneurysm sac 1; a stretchable mesh 405 which spans between first flexible longitudinal embolic member 401 and second flexible longitudinal embolic member 402; and a plurality of connections (including 403) which connect first and second flexible longitudinal embolic members 401 and 402 at a plurality of locations along their longitudinal lengths. In this example, flexible longitudinal embolic members 401 and 402 are two different segments (or sides) of the same continuous embolic member. In this example, this continuous embolic member has two parallel segments or sides (comprising flexible longitudinal embolic members 401 and 402) within longitudinal lumen 404. In another example, flexible longitudinal embolic member 401 and flexible longitudinal embolic member 402 can be different flexible longitudinal embolic members that are connected in some other manner at their distal ends.

In this example, flexible longitudinal embolic members 401 and 402 are substantially parallel as they travel through longitudinal lumen 404. However, as shown in FIG. 5, portions of flexible longitudinal embolic members 401 and 402 which are not connected to each other separate from each other after they exit longitudinal lumen 404 within aneurysm sac 1. In an example, this separation can be partly caused by pressure from contact with the wall of aneurysm sac 1. In an example, this separation can be partly caused by flexible longitudinal embolic members 401 and 402 having a shape memory with a shape that is restored after these embolic members exit longitudinal lumen 404. In the example that is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, segments of flexible longitudinal embolic members 401 and 402 which are not connected by connections (such as 403) move away from each other after they exit longitudinal lumen 404.

FIG. 6 shows the accumulation of a plurality of interconnected, contiguous loops within aneurysm sac 1 as flexible longitudinal embolic members 401 and 402 continue to be pushed into aneurysm sac 1. These loops are pair-wise connected to each other by the plurality of connections (including connection 403). As shown in FIG. 6, the stretchable mesh stretches to span the arcuate interiors of these loops. As shown in FIG. 6, accumulation of this plurality of loops and the stretchable mesh within aneurysm sac 1 forms an embolic coil-and-mesh mass (such as a coil-and-mesh ball) which substantially occludes the aneurysm. In this example, the interconnected and contiguous nature of these loops helps to prevent loops from prolapsing out of aneurysm sac 1 into the parent blood vessel. This can result in less prolapse of coils into the parent vessel than is the case with coils in the prior art which disperse and accumulate in a free-form spiraling manner within the aneurysm sac. Also, FIG. 6 shows longitudinal lumen 404 as having been removed.

In the example shown in FIGS. 4 through 6, the connections (such as 403) between embolic members 401 and 402 are relatively evenly-spaced along the longitudinal lengths of embolic members 401 and 402. In an example, the spacing of these connections can be selected for a specific aneurysm with a specific size and shape in order to most efficiently occlude that specific aneurysm. In an example, the spacing of connections can differ between devices which are configured to occlude narrow-neck aneurysms and devices which are configured to occlude wide-neck aneurysms. In an example, the spacing of these connections can be pre-selected to vary along the length of embolic members 401 and 402 in order to most efficiently occlude an aneurysm at different times or stages during the occlusion procedure. For example, connections can be separated by longer distances at the most distal portions of embolic members 401 and 402 and become progressively shorter at more proximal portions of embolic members 401 and 402. In an example, the most distal connections can be spaced to form loops which span the entire circumference of the aneurysm sac but successive loops can become smaller and smaller to better fill the central space of the aneurysm sac. In an example, connections which connect flexible longitudinal embolic members can be at non-uniform distances along their lengths in order to better occlude an aneurysm sac.

In an example, the device shown in FIGS. 4 through 6 can be described as a device to occlude an aneurysm comprising a series of proximally-and-distally-connected mesh-filled loops. In an example, the device shown in FIGS. 4 through 6 can be described as a device to occlude an aneurysm comprising a series of proximally-and-distally-connected mesh-filled loops which overlap within an aneurysm sac to create a coil-and-mesh mass (such as a coil-and-mesh ball). In an example, the device shown in FIGS. 4 through 6 can be described as a device to occlude an aneurysm comprising a series of proximally-and-distally-connected mesh-filled loops whose sides are relatively parallel as they travel through a lumen and whose sides become concave after they exit the lumen into an aneurysm sac in order to create a coil-and-mesh mass (such as a coil-and-mesh ball).

In an example, FIGS. 4 through 6 show a device for occluding an aneurysm comprising: a catheter; a first segment of a longitudinal embolic coil; a second segment of a longitudinal embolic coil, wherein the first and second segments are connected to each other at a proximal location along their length and are connected to each other at a distal location along their length, wherein the first and second segments have a first configuration when they are within the catheter, wherein there is a first average distance between the first and second segments when they are in the first configuration, wherein the first and second segments have a second configuration after they exit the catheter into an aneurysm sac, wherein there is a second average distance between the first and second segments when they are in the second configuration, and wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance; and a stretchable mesh which spans between the first and second segments.

In an example, FIGS. 4 through 6 show a device for occluding an aneurysm comprising: a catheter; a first longitudinal embolic coil; a second longitudinal embolic coil, wherein the first and second longitudinal embolic coils are connected to each other at a plurality of locations along their lengths, forming a plurality of loops whose sides comprise segments of the first longitudinal embolic coil and segments of the second longitudinal embolic coil, wherein the first and second longitudinal embolic coils have a first configuration when they are within the catheter and a second configuration after they exit the catheter into an aneurysm sac, wherein the sides of the loops are further apart in the second configuration than in the first configuration; and a stretchable mesh which spans the interiors of the loops between the first and second longitudinal embolic coils.

In an example, this invention can be embodied in a device to occlude an aneurysm comprising: a longitudinal lumen that is configured to be inserted into a blood vessel, wherein this blood vessel is the parent vessel from which an aneurysm has formed; a first flexible longitudinal embolic member that is configured to travel through the longitudinal lumen and be inserted into the aneurysm sac; a second flexible longitudinal embolic member that is configured to travel through the longitudinal lumen and be inserted into the aneurysm sac; wherein the longitudinal axes of the first and second flexible longitudinal embolic members are substantially parallel as these embolic members travel through the longitudinal lumen; and a plurality of connections which connect the first and second embolic members at a plurality of locations along their lengths; wherein segments of the first and second flexible longitudinal embolic members that are not connected by the connections move away from each other after they exit the longitudinal lumen, thereby forming loops within the aneurysm sac; wherein these loops are connected by the connections; and wherein accumulation of these loops within the aneurysm sac substantially occludes the aneurysm.

In an example, a longitudinal lumen can be a catheter. In an example, flexible longitudinal embolic members can be coils. In an example, connections can connect flexible longitudinal embolic members at uniformly-spaced locations along their lengths. In an example, connections which connect flexible longitudinal embolic members can be at non-uniform distances along their lengths in order to better occlude an aneurysm sac.

In an example, this invention can be embodied in a device to occlude an aneurysm comprising: a longitudinal lumen that is configured to be inserted into a blood vessel, wherein this blood vessel is the parent vessel from which an aneurysm has formed; a first flexible longitudinal embolic member that is configured to travel through the longitudinal lumen and be inserted into the aneurysm sac; a second flexible longitudinal embolic member that is configured to travel through the longitudinal lumen and be inserted into the aneurysm sac; wherein the longitudinal axes of the first and second embolic members are substantially parallel as these embolic members travel through the longitudinal lumen; a stretchable mesh which spans between the first flexible longitudinal embolic member and the second flexible longitudinal embolic member; and a plurality of connections which connect the first and second embolic members at a plurality of locations along the lengths of the embolic members; wherein the segments of the first and second embolic members that are not connected by the connections move away from each other after they exit the longitudinal lumen, thereby forming loops within the aneurysm sac; wherein these loops are connected by the connections; and wherein accumulation of these loops within the aneurysm sac substantially occludes the aneurysm.

In an example, a longitudinal lumen can be a catheter. In an example, flexible longitudinal embolic members can be coils. In an example, connections can connect flexible longitudinal embolic members at uniformly-spaced locations along their lengths. In an example, a stretchable mesh can be an elastic mesh. In an example, a stretchable mesh can be impermeable to blood flow. In an example, a stretchable mesh can resist blood flow. In an example, a stretchable mesh can fill the entire interior of a loop. In an example, a stretchable mesh can fill at least 50% of the interior of a loop.

In an example, this invention can be embodied in a device for occluding a cerebral aneurysm comprising: a longitudinal lumen that is configured to be inserted into a blood vessel; a first segment of a longitudinal embolic coil; a second segment of a longitudinal embolic coil, wherein the first and second segments are connected to each other at a proximal location along their length and are connected to each other at a distal location along their length, wherein the first and second segments have a first configuration when they are within the longitudinal lumen, wherein there is a first average distance between the first and second segments when they are in the first configuration, wherein the first and second segments have a second configuration after they exit the longitudinal lumen into an aneurysm sac, wherein there is a second average distance between the first and second segments when they are in the second configuration, and wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance; and a stretchable mesh which spans between the first and second segments.

In an example, the first and second segments can form a loop. In an example, this loop can be more circular in the second configuration than in the first configuration. In an example, this loop can have a greater interior area in the second configuration than in the first configuration. In an example, the stretchable mesh can fill the entire interior of a loop. In an example, the stretchable mesh can fill at least 50% of the interior of a loop. In an example, the stretchable mesh can resist blood flow.

Claims

1. A device to occlude an aneurysm comprising: a longitudinal lumen that is configured to be inserted into a blood vessel, wherein this blood vessel is the parent vessel from which an aneurysm has formed;a first flexible longitudinal embolic member that is configured to travel through the longitudinal lumen and be inserted into the aneurysm sac;a second flexible longitudinal embolic member that is configured to travel through the longitudinal lumen and be inserted into the aneurysm sac; wherein the longitudinal axes of the first and second embolic members are substantially parallel as these embolic members travel through the longitudinal lumen;a stretchable mesh which spans between the first flexible longitudinal embolic member and the second flexible longitudinal embolic member; anda plurality of connections which connect the first and second embolic members at a plurality of locations along the lengths of the embolic members; wherein segments of the first and second embolic members that are not connected by the connections move away from each other after they exit the longitudinal lumen, thereby forming loops within the aneurysm sac; wherein part of the perimeter of a loop is comprised of a segment of the first flexible longitudinal embolic member and part of the perimeter of a loop is comprised of a segment of the second flexible longitudinal embolic member; wherein a loop has a contiguous 360-degree perimeter; wherein the stretchable mesh fills at least 50% of the interior of the loop; wherein these loops are connected by the connections; wherein accumulation of these loops within the aneurysm sac substantially occludes the aneurysm; and wherein the most distal connections are spaced to form loops which are configured to span the circumference of the aneurysm sac but successive contiguous loops become smaller to fill the central space of the aneurysm sac.
2. The device in claim 1 wherein the longitudinal lumen is a catheter.
3. The device in claim 1 wherein the flexible longitudinal embolic members are coils.
4. The device in claim 1 wherein the stretchable mesh is an elastic mesh.
5. The device in claim 1 wherein the stretchable mesh is impermeable to blood flow.
6. The device in claim 1 wherein the stretchable mesh resists blood flow.
7. The device in claim 1 wherein the stretchable mesh fills the entire interior of a loop.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/526,600 entitled “Devices and Methods for Occluding a Cerebral Aneurysm” by Robert A. Connor which was filed on Oct. 29, 2014 which, in turn: (a) is being petitioned to be a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/989,048 entitled “Aneurysm Occlusion Device” by Robert A. Connor and Muhammad Tariq Janjua which has a 371 date of Oct. 21, 2010, a filing date of Apr. 24, 2009, and a priority date of May 1, 2008 which is the U.S. national phase filing of PCT/US 2009/002537 entitled “Aneurysm Occlusion Device” by Robert A. Connor and Muhammad Tariq Janjua filed on Apr. 24, 2009 which claimed the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/126,047 entitled “Flow of Soft Members into a Net to Embolize an Aneurysm” by Robert A. Connor which received a filing date of May 1, 2008 and claimed the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/126,027 entitled “Net Filled with Soft Members to Embolize an Aneurysm” by Robert A. Connor which received a filing date of May 1, 2008; and (b) is being petitioned to claim the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/897,245 entitled “Devices and Methods for Occluding a Cerebral Aneurysm” by Robert A. Connor filed on Oct. 30, 2013. The entire contents of these related applications are incorporated herein by reference.

US Referenced Citations (1119)

Number	Name	Date	Kind
4364392	Strother et al.	Dec 1982	A
4994069	Ritchart et al.	Feb 1991	A
5226889	Sheiban	Jul 1993	A
5304132	Jang	Apr 1994	A
5334210	Gianturco	Aug 1994	A
5350397	Palermo et al.	Sep 1994	A
5370691	Samson	Dec 1994	A
5382259	Phelps et al.	Jan 1995	A
5405379	Lane	Apr 1995	A
5411549	Peters	May 1995	A
5423829	Pham et al.	Jun 1995	A
5443478	Purdy	Aug 1995	A
5522822	Phelps et al.	Jun 1996	A
5536252	Imran et al.	Jul 1996	A
5582619	Ken	Dec 1996	A
5603722	Phan et al.	Feb 1997	A
5624449	Pham et al.	Apr 1997	A
5624461	Mariant	Apr 1997	A
5624685	Takahashi et al.	Apr 1997	A
5639277	Mariant et al.	Jun 1997	A
5645559	Hachtman et al.	Jul 1997	A
5649949	Wallace et al.	Jul 1997	A
5690666	Berenstein et al.	Nov 1997	A
5690667	Gia	Nov 1997	A
5693088	Lazarus	Dec 1997	A
5702361	Evans et al.	Dec 1997	A
5718711	Berenstein et al.	Feb 1998	A
5723004	Dereume et al.	Mar 1998	A
5733294	Forber et al.	Mar 1998	A
5733329	Wallace et al.	Mar 1998	A
5743905	Eder et al.	Apr 1998	A
5749891	Ken et al.	May 1998	A
5749894	Engelson	May 1998	A
5766160	Samson et al.	Jun 1998	A
5766219	Horton	Jun 1998	A
5769882	Fogarty et al.	Jun 1998	A
5769884	Solovay	Jun 1998	A
5776097	Massoud	Jul 1998	A
5785679	Abolfathi et al.	Jul 1998	A
5795331	Cragg et al.	Aug 1998	A
5800453	Gia	Sep 1998	A
5800455	Palermo et al.	Sep 1998	A
5826587	Berenstein et al.	Oct 1998	A
5833657	Reinhardt et al.	Nov 1998	A
5833705	Ken et al.	Nov 1998	A
5836966	St. Germain	Nov 1998	A
5853418	Ken et al.	Dec 1998	A
5868780	Lashinski et al.	Feb 1999	A
5873907	Frantzen	Feb 1999	A
5888546	Ji et al.	Mar 1999	A
5891130	Palermo et al.	Apr 1999	A
5894022	Ji et al.	Apr 1999	A
5911731	Pham et al.	Jun 1999	A
5916235	Guglielmi	Jun 1999	A
5922019	Hankh et al.	Jul 1999	A
5925059	Palermo et al.	Jul 1999	A
5928260	Chin et al.	Jul 1999	A
5935145	Villar et al.	Aug 1999	A
5935148	Villar et al.	Aug 1999	A
5938697	Killion et al.	Aug 1999	A
5941249	Maynard	Aug 1999	A
5941888	Wallace et al.	Aug 1999	A
5948018	Dereume et al.	Sep 1999	A
5951599	McCrory	Sep 1999	A
5957948	Mariant	Sep 1999	A
5957975	Lafont et al.	Sep 1999	A
5964797	Ho	Oct 1999	A
5980514	Kupiecki et al.	Nov 1999	A
6004338	Ken et al.	Dec 1999	A
6007573	Wallace et al.	Dec 1999	A
6013084	Ken et al.	Jan 2000	A
6015424	Rosenbluth et al.	Jan 2000	A
6015433	Roth	Jan 2000	A
6017977	Evans et al.	Jan 2000	A
6024754	Engelson	Feb 2000	A
6024765	Wallace et al.	Feb 2000	A
6027526	Limon et al.	Feb 2000	A
6033423	Ken et al.	Mar 2000	A
6036720	Abrams et al.	Mar 2000	A
6063070	Eder	May 2000	A
6063104	Villar et al.	May 2000	A
6063111	Hieshima et al.	May 2000	A
6071298	Lashinski et al.	Jun 2000	A
6074407	Levine et al.	Jun 2000	A
6086610	Duerig et al.	Jul 2000	A
6093199	Brown et al.	Jul 2000	A
6096021	Helm et al.	Aug 2000	A
6096034	Kupiecki et al.	Aug 2000	A
6096175	Roth	Aug 2000	A
6099546	Gia	Aug 2000	A
6099559	Nolting	Aug 2000	A
6123712	Di Caprio et al.	Sep 2000	A
6123714	Gia et al.	Sep 2000	A
6136011	Stambaugh	Oct 2000	A
6139564	Teoh	Oct 2000	A
6140452	Felt et al.	Oct 2000	A
6143007	Mariant et al.	Nov 2000	A
6149681	Houser et al.	Nov 2000	A
6159165	Ferrera et al.	Dec 2000	A
6159238	Killion et al.	Dec 2000	A
6165193	Greene et al.	Dec 2000	A
6165212	Dereume et al.	Dec 2000	A
6168592	Kupiecki et al.	Jan 2001	B1
6168615	Ken et al.	Jan 2001	B1
6168622	Mazzocchi	Jan 2001	B1
6187027	Mariant et al.	Feb 2001	B1
6190406	Duerig et al.	Feb 2001	B1
6193728	Ken et al.	Feb 2001	B1
6210429	Vardi et al.	Apr 2001	B1
6221066	Ferrera et al.	Apr 2001	B1
6231586	Mariant	May 2001	B1
6231597	Deem et al.	May 2001	B1
6238403	Greene et al.	May 2001	B1
6254592	Samson et al.	Jul 2001	B1
6258115	Dubrul	Jul 2001	B1
6258117	Camrud et al.	Jul 2001	B1
6270523	Herweck et al.	Aug 2001	B1
6273910	Limon	Aug 2001	B1
6273911	Cox et al.	Aug 2001	B1
6280457	Wallace et al.	Aug 2001	B1
6281263	Evans et al.	Aug 2001	B1
6287318	Villar et al.	Sep 2001	B1
6299619	Greene et al.	Oct 2001	B1
6306177	Felt et al.	Oct 2001	B1
6309367	Boock	Oct 2001	B1
6309413	Dereume et al.	Oct 2001	B1
6312421	Boock	Nov 2001	B1
6312463	Rourke et al.	Nov 2001	B1
6331191	Chobotov	Dec 2001	B1
6335384	Evans et al.	Jan 2002	B1
6342068	Thompson	Jan 2002	B1
6344041	Kupiecki et al.	Feb 2002	B1
6344048	Chin et al.	Feb 2002	B1
6346117	Greenhalgh	Feb 2002	B1
6350270	Roue	Feb 2002	B1
6371972	Wallace et al.	Apr 2002	B1
6375668	Gifford et al.	Apr 2002	B1
6375669	Rosenbluth et al.	Apr 2002	B1
6379373	Sawhney et al.	Apr 2002	B1
6383174	Eder	May 2002	B1
6391037	Greenhalgh	May 2002	B1
6395018	Castaneda	May 2002	B1
6398803	Layne et al.	Jun 2002	B1
6406490	Roth	Jun 2002	B1
6409721	Wheelock et al.	Jun 2002	B1
6409749	Maynard	Jun 2002	B1
6416543	Hilaire et al.	Jul 2002	B1
6419685	Di Caprio et al.	Jul 2002	B2
6423085	Murayama et al.	Jul 2002	B1
6428558	Jones et al.	Aug 2002	B1
6432128	Wallace et al.	Aug 2002	B1
6454738	Tran et al.	Sep 2002	B1
6454780	Wallace	Sep 2002	B1
6458119	Berenstein et al.	Oct 2002	B1
6463317	Kucharczyk et al.	Oct 2002	B1
6468302	Cox et al.	Oct 2002	B2
6471672	Brown et al.	Oct 2002	B1
6475233	Trozera	Nov 2002	B2
6475236	Roubin et al.	Nov 2002	B1
6485509	Killion et al.	Nov 2002	B2
6485510	Camrud et al.	Nov 2002	B1
6497722	Von Oepen et al.	Dec 2002	B1
6500190	Greene et al.	Dec 2002	B2
6506201	Di Caprio et al.	Jan 2003	B2
6506204	Mazzocchi	Jan 2003	B2
6511468	Cragg et al.	Jan 2003	B1
6511505	Cox et al.	Jan 2003	B2
6520985	Burpee et al.	Feb 2003	B1
6520987	Plante	Feb 2003	B1
6527919	Roth	Mar 2003	B1
6533801	Wallace et al.	Mar 2003	B2
6547804	Porter et al.	Apr 2003	B2
6551305	Ferrera et al.	Apr 2003	B2
6558414	Layne	May 2003	B2
6569190	Whalen et al.	May 2003	B2
6569193	Cox et al.	May 2003	B1
6579305	Lashinski	Jun 2003	B1
6579314	Lombardi et al.	Jun 2003	B1
6585748	Jeffree	Jul 2003	B1
6585753	Eder et al.	Jul 2003	B2
6585758	Chouinard et al.	Jul 2003	B1
6589230	Gia et al.	Jul 2003	B2
6599316	Vardi et al.	Jul 2003	B2
6602261	Greene et al.	Aug 2003	B2
6602269	Wallace et al.	Aug 2003	B2
6602284	Cox et al.	Aug 2003	B2
6603994	Wallace et al.	Aug 2003	B2
6605056	Eidenschink et al.	Aug 2003	B2
6605101	Schaefer et al.	Aug 2003	B1
6605111	Bose et al.	Aug 2003	B2
6613074	Mitelberg et al.	Sep 2003	B1
6616617	Ferrera et al.	Sep 2003	B1
6623493	Wallace et al.	Sep 2003	B2
6629947	Sahatjian et al.	Oct 2003	B1
6645237	Klumb et al.	Nov 2003	B2
6652576	Stalker	Nov 2003	B1
6656214	Fogarty et al.	Dec 2003	B1
6660020	Wallace et al.	Dec 2003	B2
6660032	Klumb et al.	Dec 2003	B2
6669719	Wallace et al.	Dec 2003	B2
6669723	Killion et al.	Dec 2003	B2
6673103	Golds et al.	Jan 2004	B1
6676701	Rourke et al.	Jan 2004	B2
6689148	Sawhney et al.	Feb 2004	B2
6699277	Freidberg et al.	Mar 2004	B1
6719783	Lentz et al.	Apr 2004	B2
6723108	Jones et al.	Apr 2004	B1
6746468	Sepetka et al.	Jun 2004	B1
6746475	Rivelli	Jun 2004	B1
6770087	Layne et al.	Aug 2004	B2
6780196	Chin et al.	Aug 2004	B2
6786920	Shannon et al.	Sep 2004	B2
6790225	Shannon et al.	Sep 2004	B1
6796997	Penn et al.	Sep 2004	B1
6802851	Jones et al.	Oct 2004	B2
6811560	Jones et al.	Nov 2004	B2
6814754	Greenhalgh	Nov 2004	B2
6818018	Sawhney	Nov 2004	B1
6833003	Jones et al.	Dec 2004	B2
6835203	Vardi et al.	Dec 2004	B1
6855153	Saadat	Feb 2005	B2
6855154	Abdel-Gawwad	Feb 2005	B2
6860899	Rivelli	Mar 2005	B1
6899730	Rivelli	May 2005	B1
6913618	Denardo et al.	Jul 2005	B2
6916337	Roth	Jul 2005	B2
6929658	Freidberg et al.	Aug 2005	B1
6958061	Truckai et al.	Oct 2005	B2
6962602	Vardi et al.	Nov 2005	B2
6964657	Cragg et al.	Nov 2005	B2
6969401	Marotta et al.	Nov 2005	B1
6979344	Jones et al.	Dec 2005	B2
6984240	Ken et al.	Jan 2006	B1
6994721	Israel	Feb 2006	B2
7001422	Escamilla et al.	Feb 2006	B2
7014645	Greene et al.	Mar 2006	B2
7029486	Schaefer et al.	Apr 2006	B2
7029487	Greene et al.	Apr 2006	B2
7033374	Schaefer et al.	Apr 2006	B2
7033385	Eder et al.	Apr 2006	B2
7037327	Salmon et al.	May 2006	B2
7037330	Rivelli et al.	May 2006	B1
7041129	Rourke et al.	May 2006	B2
7052510	Richter	May 2006	B1
7052513	Thompson	May 2006	B2
7060091	Killion et al.	Jun 2006	B2
7070609	West	Jul 2006	B2
7081129	Chobotov	Jul 2006	B2
7083632	Avellanet et al.	Aug 2006	B2
7083640	Lombardi et al.	Aug 2006	B2
7083643	Whalen et al.	Aug 2006	B2
7112216	Gregorich	Sep 2006	B2
7118656	Roth	Oct 2006	B2
7128736	Abrams et al.	Oct 2006	B1
7137993	Acosta et al.	Nov 2006	B2
7141063	White et al.	Nov 2006	B2
7147655	Chermoni	Dec 2006	B2
7147659	Jones	Dec 2006	B2
7147660	Chobotov et al.	Dec 2006	B2
7147661	Chobotov et al.	Dec 2006	B2
7153323	Teoh et al.	Dec 2006	B1
7156871	Jones et al.	Jan 2007	B2
7182744	Yamasaki et al.	Feb 2007	B2
7186263	Golds et al.	Mar 2007	B2
7195636	Avellanet et al.	Mar 2007	B2
7195648	Jones et al.	Mar 2007	B2
7201762	Greene et al.	Apr 2007	B2
7211109	Thompson	May 2007	B2
7220270	Sawhney et al.	May 2007	B2
7226475	Lenz et al.	Jun 2007	B2
7229461	Chin et al.	Jun 2007	B2
7231260	Wallace et al.	Jun 2007	B2
7232461	Ramer	Jun 2007	B2
7235098	Palmaz	Jun 2007	B2
7238194	Monstadt et al.	Jul 2007	B2
7241301	Thramann et al.	Jul 2007	B2
7241308	Andreas et al.	Jul 2007	B2
7244261	Lorenzo et al.	Jul 2007	B2
7247159	Lorenzo et al.	Jul 2007	B2
7288112	Denardo et al.	Oct 2007	B2
7294123	Jones et al.	Nov 2007	B2
7294137	Rivelli et al.	Nov 2007	B2
7294146	Chew et al.	Nov 2007	B2
7300459	Heuser	Nov 2007	B2
7300661	Henson et al.	Nov 2007	B2
7306598	Truckai et al.	Dec 2007	B2
7306622	Jones et al.	Dec 2007	B2
7306624	Yodfat et al.	Dec 2007	B2
7309351	Escamilla et al.	Dec 2007	B2
7309352	Eder et al.	Dec 2007	B2
7311861	Lanphere et al.	Dec 2007	B2
7323005	Wallace et al.	Jan 2008	B2
7326225	Ferrera et al.	Feb 2008	B2
7326236	Andreas et al.	Feb 2008	B2
7331974	Schaefer et al.	Feb 2008	B2
7338511	Mirigian et al.	Mar 2008	B2
7361367	Henson et al.	Apr 2008	B2
7374568	Whalen et al.	May 2008	B2
7384426	Wallace et al.	Jun 2008	B2
7402169	Killion et al.	Jul 2008	B2
7410482	Murphy et al.	Aug 2008	B2
7413573	Hartley et al.	Aug 2008	B2
7414038	Kinugasa et al.	Aug 2008	B2
7442382	Henson et al.	Oct 2008	B2
7449236	Lanphere et al.	Nov 2008	B2
7455753	Roth	Nov 2008	B2
7481821	Fogarty et al.	Jan 2009	B2
7483558	Greene et al.	Jan 2009	B2
7485123	Porter	Feb 2009	B2
7491214	Greene et al.	Feb 2009	B2
7491226	Palmaz et al.	Feb 2009	B2
7491229	Eder et al.	Feb 2009	B2
7520893	Rivelli	Apr 2009	B2
7537609	Davidson et al.	May 2009	B2
7547321	Silvestri et al.	Jun 2009	B2
7563270	Gumm	Jul 2009	B2
7569066	Gerberding et al.	Aug 2009	B2
7572288	Cox	Aug 2009	B2
7572290	Yodfat et al.	Aug 2009	B2
7588597	Frid	Sep 2009	B2
7588780	Buiser et al.	Sep 2009	B2
7588825	Bell et al.	Sep 2009	B2
7608088	Jones et al.	Oct 2009	B2
7611530	Pomeranz et al.	Nov 2009	B2
7615071	Chobotov	Nov 2009	B2
7621928	Thramann et al.	Nov 2009	B2
7641680	Palmaz et al.	Jan 2010	B2
7645298	Hartley et al.	Jan 2010	B2
7651525	Dolan	Jan 2010	B2
7666220	Evans et al.	Feb 2010	B2
7666333	Lanphere et al.	Feb 2010	B2
7691124	Balgobin	Apr 2010	B2
7695484	Wallace et al.	Apr 2010	B2
7695488	Berenstein et al.	Apr 2010	B2
7695507	Rivelli et al.	Apr 2010	B2
7695509	Rourke et al.	Apr 2010	B2
7704274	Boyle et al.	Apr 2010	B2
7708754	Balgobin et al.	May 2010	B2
7708755	Davis et al.	May 2010	B2
7713264	Murphy et al.	May 2010	B2
7736671	DiCarlo et al.	Jun 2010	B2
7744610	Hausen	Jun 2010	B2
7744652	Morsi	Jun 2010	B2
7749242	Tran et al.	Jul 2010	B2
7758892	Chen et al.	Jul 2010	B1
7763011	Ortiz et al.	Jul 2010	B2
7766933	Davis et al.	Aug 2010	B2
7766955	Vardi et al.	Aug 2010	B2
7769603	Jung et al.	Aug 2010	B2
7776079	Gumm	Aug 2010	B2
7780645	Jones	Aug 2010	B2
7780719	Killion et al.	Aug 2010	B2
7799047	Greene et al.	Sep 2010	B2
7799052	Balgobin et al.	Sep 2010	B2
7803179	Denison	Sep 2010	B2
7803180	Burpee et al.	Sep 2010	B2
7811300	Feller et al.	Oct 2010	B2
7811305	Balgobin et al.	Oct 2010	B2
7818084	Boyden et al.	Oct 2010	B2
7819891	Balgobin et al.	Oct 2010	B2
7819892	Balgobin et al.	Oct 2010	B2
7842054	Greene et al.	Nov 2010	B2
7842377	Lanphere et al.	Nov 2010	B2
7850725	Vardi et al.	Dec 2010	B2
7857843	Henderson	Dec 2010	B2
7862608	Hogendijk et al.	Jan 2011	B2
7875044	Feller et al.	Jan 2011	B2
7883526	Jones et al.	Feb 2011	B2
7892273	George et al.	Feb 2011	B2
7892279	Davidson et al.	Feb 2011	B2
7896899	Patterson et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7901445	Wallace et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7905913	Chew et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7914574	Schmid et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7914639	Layne et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7918881	Andreas et al.	Apr 2011	B2
7922755	Acosta et al.	Apr 2011	B2
7935142	Gregorich	May 2011	B2
7938845	Aganon et al.	May 2011	B2
7942925	Yodfat et al.	May 2011	B2
7947071	Schmid et al.	May 2011	B2
7955382	Flanagan et al.	Jun 2011	B2
7959662	Erbel et al.	Jun 2011	B2
7963987	Melsheimer et al.	Jun 2011	B2
7976527	Cragg et al.	Jul 2011	B2
7976823	Lanphere et al.	Jul 2011	B2
7985238	Balgobin et al.	Jul 2011	B2
7988721	Morris et al.	Aug 2011	B2
7993364	Morsi	Aug 2011	B2
8002789	Ramzipoor et al.	Aug 2011	B2
8003180	Goffena et al.	Aug 2011	B2
8007529	Yan	Aug 2011	B2
8012192	Eidenschink et al.	Sep 2011	B2
8012197	Bashiri et al.	Sep 2011	B2
8016853	Griffen et al.	Sep 2011	B2
8016870	Chew et al.	Sep 2011	B2
8016871	Chew et al.	Sep 2011	B2
8016876	Gregorich et al.	Sep 2011	B2
8016878	Meyer et al.	Sep 2011	B2
8019413	Ferren et al.	Sep 2011	B2
8021416	Abrams	Sep 2011	B2
8024036	Ferren et al.	Sep 2011	B2
8034073	Davis et al.	Oct 2011	B2
8038706	Eidenschink et al.	Oct 2011	B2
8038708	Case et al.	Oct 2011	B2
8048140	Purdy	Nov 2011	B2
8052736	Doig et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8057495	Pal et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8062379	Morsi	Nov 2011	B2
8066036	Monetti et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8067071	Farnsworth et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8070792	Gregorich et al.	Dec 2011	B2
8075585	Lee et al.	Dec 2011	B2
8095382	Boyden et al.	Jan 2012	B2
8100960	Bruszewski	Jan 2012	B2
8133256	Wilson et al.	Mar 2012	B2
8142456	Rosqueta et al.	Mar 2012	B2
8147534	Berez et al.	Apr 2012	B2
8147537	Boyden et al.	Apr 2012	B2
8163003	Boyden et al.	Apr 2012	B2
8172862	Wallace et al.	May 2012	B2
8172895	Anderson et al.	May 2012	B2
8187315	Clauson et al.	May 2012	B1
8202292	Kellett	Jun 2012	B2
8211141	Davis et al.	Jul 2012	B2
8211160	Garrison et al.	Jul 2012	B2
8221447	Solar et al.	Jul 2012	B2
8226660	Teoh et al.	Jul 2012	B2
8226706	Hartley et al.	Jul 2012	B2
8236042	Berez et al.	Aug 2012	B2
8246672	Osborne	Aug 2012	B2
8252040	Cox	Aug 2012	B2
8257421	Berez et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8257430	Covalin et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8257431	Henderson et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8262607	Porter	Sep 2012	B2
8262686	Fogarty et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8267923	Murphy et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8267955	Patterson et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8267985	Garcia et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8267986	Berez et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8273100	Martinez	Sep 2012	B2
8273101	Garcia et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8277500	Schmid et al.	Oct 2012	B2
8282679	Denison	Oct 2012	B2
8292914	Morsi	Oct 2012	B2
8292944	Schmid et al.	Oct 2012	B2
8308751	Gerberding	Nov 2012	B2
8313504	Do et al.	Nov 2012	B2
8323306	Schaefer et al.	Dec 2012	B2
8328860	Strauss et al.	Dec 2012	B2
8353943	Kuppurathanam et al.	Jan 2013	B2
8357178	Grandfield et al.	Jan 2013	B2
8357179	Grandfield et al.	Jan 2013	B2
8357180	Feller et al.	Jan 2013	B2
8361104	Jones et al.	Jan 2013	B2
8361106	Solar et al.	Jan 2013	B2
8372062	Murphy et al.	Feb 2013	B2
8372114	Hines	Feb 2013	B2
8377091	Cruise et al.	Feb 2013	B2
8377112	Griffin et al.	Feb 2013	B2
8377241	Farnsworth et al.	Feb 2013	B2
8382825	Garcia et al.	Feb 2013	B2
8388650	Gerberding et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8388677	Herrmann	Mar 2013	B2
8394136	Hartley et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8398670	Amplatz et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8398701	Berez et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8409267	Berez et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8409269	Berez et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8414637	Chouinard	Apr 2013	B2
8419787	Yodfat et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8425541	Masters et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8425542	Moftakhar et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8425548	Connor	Apr 2013	B2
8430922	Jung et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8439942	Moran et al.	May 2013	B2
8444667	Porter	May 2013	B2
8444668	Jones et al.	May 2013	B2
8444686	Holman et al.	May 2013	B2
8449532	Murphy et al.	May 2013	B2
8449592	Wilson et al.	May 2013	B2
8454649	Cragg et al.	Jun 2013	B2
8460240	Towler	Jun 2013	B2
8470013	Duggal et al.	Jun 2013	B2
8470035	Cruise et al.	Jun 2013	B2
8473030	Greenan et al.	Jun 2013	B2
8475517	Jung et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8478437	Boyden et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8480727	Clarke	Jul 2013	B2
8486101	Tran et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8491459	Yun	Jul 2013	B2
8491646	Schreck	Jul 2013	B2
8500788	Berez et al.	Aug 2013	B2
8506618	Chouinard et al.	Aug 2013	B2
8506619	Ortiz et al.	Aug 2013	B2
8512219	Ferren et al.	Aug 2013	B2
8512395	Meyer et al.	Aug 2013	B2
8523934	Purdy	Sep 2013	B2
8529556	Murphy et al.	Sep 2013	B2
8529596	Grandfield et al.	Sep 2013	B2
8529614	Berez et al.	Sep 2013	B2
8529616	Boyle et al.	Sep 2013	B2
8529619	Abrams	Sep 2013	B2
8535367	Kim et al.	Sep 2013	B2
8535590	Milner et al.	Sep 2013	B2
8550344	Jung et al.	Oct 2013	B2
8551155	Jung et al.	Oct 2013	B2
8556953	Berez et al.	Oct 2013	B2
8562636	Fogarty et al.	Oct 2013	B2
8562667	Cox	Oct 2013	B2
8577693	Jung et al.	Nov 2013	B2
8597320	Sepetka et al.	Dec 2013	B2
8597321	Monstadt et al.	Dec 2013	B2
8597323	Plaza et al.	Dec 2013	B1
8597342	McKinsey et al.	Dec 2013	B2
8597745	Farnsworth et al.	Dec 2013	B2
8617132	Golzarian et al.	Dec 2013	B2
8623071	Lundkvist et al.	Jan 2014	B2
8636760	Garcia et al.	Jan 2014	B2
8647377	Kim et al.	Feb 2014	B2
8657865	Gumm	Feb 2014	B2
8663309	Chobotov	Mar 2014	B2
8668716	Hines	Mar 2014	B2
8668717	Hines	Mar 2014	B2
8671815	Hancock et al.	Mar 2014	B2
8696701	Becking et al.	Apr 2014	B2
8709062	Dusbabek et al.	Apr 2014	B2
8709065	Chobotov	Apr 2014	B2
8715312	Burke et al.	May 2014	B2
8715317	Janardhan et al.	May 2014	B1
8715336	Chu et al.	May 2014	B2
8721706	Jung et al.	May 2014	B2
8728094	Roorda et al.	May 2014	B2
8728145	Chuter et al.	May 2014	B2
8728146	Gregorich et al.	May 2014	B2
8734502	Orr	May 2014	B2
8740966	Brocker et al.	Jun 2014	B2
8747430	Porter	Jun 2014	B2
8747432	Janardhan et al.	Jun 2014	B1
8747455	Greenberg	Jun 2014	B2
8747597	Rosqueta et al.	Jun 2014	B2
8753371	Janardhan et al.	Jun 2014	B1
8764788	Martinez	Jul 2014	B2
8769796	Bourang et al.	Jul 2014	B2
8771294	Sepetka et al.	Jul 2014	B2
8771341	Strauss et al.	Jul 2014	B2
8771342	Vardi	Jul 2014	B2
8784446	Janardhan et al.	Jul 2014	B1
8784475	Martinson et al.	Jul 2014	B2
8784477	Bregulla et al.	Jul 2014	B2
8795345	Grandfield et al.	Aug 2014	B2
8795346	Alkhatib	Aug 2014	B2
8795347	Bourang et al.	Aug 2014	B2
8801772	Shobayashi et al.	Aug 2014	B2
8808347	Bourang et al.	Aug 2014	B2
8808361	Strauss et al.	Aug 2014	B2
8813625	Janardhan et al.	Aug 2014	B1
8821564	Schreck et al.	Sep 2014	B2
8828071	Bourang et al.	Sep 2014	B2
8840867	Sophie et al.	Sep 2014	B2
8845679	Janardhan et al.	Sep 2014	B1
20010000797	Mazzocchi	May 2001	A1
20010001835	Greene, Jr. et al.	May 2001	A1
20010009996	Ferrera et al.	Jul 2001	A1
20010016766	Vardi et al.	Aug 2001	A1
20010037137	Vardi et al.	Nov 2001	A1
20010056281	Wallace et al.	Dec 2001	A1
20020002382	Wallace et al.	Jan 2002	A1
20020018752	Krall et al.	Feb 2002	A1
20020042628	Chin et al.	Apr 2002	A1
20020058962	Wallace et al.	May 2002	A1
20020082620	Lee	Jun 2002	A1
20020082636	Sawhney et al.	Jun 2002	A1
20020087077	Wallace et al.	Jul 2002	A1
20020107534	Schaefer et al.	Aug 2002	A1
20020116047	Vardi et al.	Aug 2002	A1
20020120276	Greene et al.	Aug 2002	A1
20020128671	Wallace et al.	Sep 2002	A1
20020133190	Horton et al.	Sep 2002	A1
20020143348	Wallace et al.	Oct 2002	A1
20020151926	Wallace et al.	Oct 2002	A1
20020151965	Roth	Oct 2002	A1
20020156516	Vardi et al.	Oct 2002	A1
20020169473	Sepetka et al.	Nov 2002	A1
20020177855	Greene et al.	Nov 2002	A1
20030014007	Eidenschink et al.	Jan 2003	A1
20030014075	Rosenbluth et al.	Jan 2003	A1
20030018294	Cox	Jan 2003	A1
20030018356	Schaefer et al.	Jan 2003	A1
20030065375	Eskuri	Apr 2003	A1
20030074049	Hoganson et al.	Apr 2003	A1
20030074056	Killion et al.	Apr 2003	A1
20030083676	Wallace	May 2003	A1
20030083737	Greene et al.	May 2003	A1
20030088311	Greene et al.	May 2003	A1
20030093097	Avellanet et al.	May 2003	A1
20030093108	Avellanet et al.	May 2003	A1
20030093111	Ken et al.	May 2003	A1
20030100945	Yodfat et al.	May 2003	A1
20030109917	Rudin et al.	Jun 2003	A1
20030130689	Wallace et al.	Jul 2003	A1
20030135264	Whalen et al.	Jul 2003	A1
20030139802	Wulfman et al.	Jul 2003	A1
20030159920	Roth	Aug 2003	A1
20030181927	Wallace	Sep 2003	A1
20030187473	Berenstein et al.	Oct 2003	A1
20030195553	Wallace et al.	Oct 2003	A1
20030195606	Davidson et al.	Oct 2003	A1
20030223955	Whalen et al.	Dec 2003	A1
20040002752	Griffin et al.	Jan 2004	A1
20040015227	Vardi et al.	Jan 2004	A1
20040045554	Schaefer et al.	Mar 2004	A1
20040059370	Greene et al.	Mar 2004	A1
20040091543	Bell et al.	May 2004	A1
20040093014	Ho et al.	May 2004	A1
20040098027	Teoh et al.	May 2004	A1
20040098028	Martinez	May 2004	A1
20040111112	Hoffmann	Jun 2004	A1
20040111142	Rourke et al.	Jun 2004	A1
20040115164	Pierce et al.	Jun 2004	A1
20040158282	Jones et al.	Aug 2004	A1
20040161451	Pierce et al.	Aug 2004	A1
20040181253	Sepetka et al.	Sep 2004	A1
20040186551	Kao et al.	Sep 2004	A1
20040193246	Ferrera	Sep 2004	A1
20040210249	Fogarty et al.	Oct 2004	A1
20040215331	Chew et al.	Oct 2004	A1
20040220663	Rivelli, Jr.	Nov 2004	A1
20040243168	Ferrera et al.	Dec 2004	A1
20040243216	Gregorich	Dec 2004	A1
20040249435	Andreas et al.	Dec 2004	A1
20040249439	Richter et al.	Dec 2004	A1
20040260384	Allen	Dec 2004	A1
20050004660	Rosenbluth et al.	Jan 2005	A1
20050010281	Yodfat et al.	Jan 2005	A1
20050015110	Fogarty et al.	Jan 2005	A1
20050021077	Chin et al.	Jan 2005	A1
20050033349	Jones et al.	Feb 2005	A1
20050033350	Ken et al.	Feb 2005	A1
20050065592	Holzer	Mar 2005	A1
20050075405	Wilson et al.	Apr 2005	A1
20050080445	Sawhney et al.	Apr 2005	A1
20050090888	Hines et al.	Apr 2005	A1
20050095428	Dicarlo et al.	May 2005	A1
20050096728	Ramer	May 2005	A1
20050107863	Brown	May 2005	A1
20050119687	Dacey et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050131516	Greenhalgh	Jun 2005	A1
20050131518	Hartley et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050133046	Becker et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050149159	Andreas et al.	Jul 2005	A1
20050149164	Rivelli	Jul 2005	A1
20050171572	Martinez	Aug 2005	A1
20050171597	Boatman et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050192618	Porter	Sep 2005	A1
20050192621	Wallace et al.	Sep 2005	A1
20050192661	Griffen et al.	Sep 2005	A1
20050209674	Kutscher et al.	Sep 2005	A1
20050228434	Amplatz et al.	Oct 2005	A1
20050251247	Roth	Nov 2005	A1
20050267510	Razack	Dec 2005	A1
20050267568	Berez et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20050277978	Greenhalgh	Dec 2005	A1
20050283220	Gobran et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20060036045	Wilson et al.	Feb 2006	A1
20060036281	Patterson et al.	Feb 2006	A1
20060052816	Bates et al.	Mar 2006	A1
20060058834	Do et al.	Mar 2006	A1
20060079923	Chhabra et al.	Apr 2006	A1
20060085061	Vardi et al.	Apr 2006	A1
20060116709	Sepetka et al.	Jun 2006	A1
20060116712	Sepetka et al.	Jun 2006	A1
20060116713	Sepetka et al.	Jun 2006	A1
20060136033	Hermann et al.	Jun 2006	A1
20060149299	Greene et al.	Jul 2006	A1
20060155323	Porter et al.	Jul 2006	A1
20060184195	Schaefer et al.	Aug 2006	A1
20060184196	Schaefer et al.	Aug 2006	A1
20060206196	Porter	Sep 2006	A1
20060206200	Garcia et al.	Sep 2006	A1
20060206201	Garcia et al.	Sep 2006	A1
20060224230	Rivelli et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060229714	Lombardi et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060235464	Avellanet et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060241690	Amplatz et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060241740	Vardi et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060251695	Henson et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060251700	Henson et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060271149	Berez et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060271153	Garcia et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060276831	Porter et al.	Dec 2006	A1
20060292206	Kim et al.	Dec 2006	A1
20070016233	Ferrera et al.	Jan 2007	A1
20070021816	Rudin	Jan 2007	A1
20070031584	Roth	Feb 2007	A1
20070032855	Davidson et al.	Feb 2007	A1
20070050008	Kim et al.	Mar 2007	A1
20070055355	Kim et al.	Mar 2007	A1
20070060994	Gobran et al.	Mar 2007	A1
20070061005	Kim et al.	Mar 2007	A1
20070067015	Jones et al.	Mar 2007	A1
20070083257	Pal et al.	Apr 2007	A1
20070088368	Acosta et al.	Apr 2007	A1
20070088387	Eskridge et al.	Apr 2007	A1
20070100301	Gumm	May 2007	A1
20070106311	Wallace et al.	May 2007	A1
20070129786	Beach et al.	Jun 2007	A1
20070135907	Wilson et al.	Jun 2007	A1
20070150041	Evans et al.	Jun 2007	A1
20070150045	Ferrera	Jun 2007	A1
20070167747	Borgert et al.	Jul 2007	A1
20070175536	Monetti et al.	Aug 2007	A1
20070176333	Greene et al.	Aug 2007	A1
20070207186	Scanlon et al.	Sep 2007	A1
20070219578	Solar et al.	Sep 2007	A1
20070219610	Israel	Sep 2007	A1
20070219619	Dieck et al.	Sep 2007	A1
20070225794	Thramann et al.	Sep 2007	A1
20070239261	Bose et al.	Oct 2007	A1
20070265656	Amplatz et al.	Nov 2007	A1
20070299464	Cruise et al.	Dec 2007	A1
20070299498	Perez et al.	Dec 2007	A1
20080004653	Sherman et al.	Jan 2008	A1
20080004692	Henson et al.	Jan 2008	A1
20080031919	Henson et al.	Feb 2008	A1
20080033341	Grad	Feb 2008	A1
20080033366	Matson et al.	Feb 2008	A1
20080039933	Yodfat et al.	Feb 2008	A1
20080097495	Feller et al.	Apr 2008	A1
20080103585	Monstadt et al.	May 2008	A1
20080114391	Dieck et al.	May 2008	A1
20080114436	Dieck et al.	May 2008	A1
20080125852	Garrison et al.	May 2008	A1
20080147100	Wallace	Jun 2008	A1
20080152686	Henson et al.	Jun 2008	A1
20080161936	Feller et al.	Jul 2008	A1
20080195137	Alleyne et al.	Aug 2008	A1
20080200945	Amplatz et al.	Aug 2008	A1
20080221600	Dieck et al.	Sep 2008	A1
20080249608	Dave	Oct 2008	A1
20080281350	Sepetka et al.	Nov 2008	A1
20080312732	Hartley et al.	Dec 2008	A1
20080319521	Norris et al.	Dec 2008	A1
20080319525	Tieu et al.	Dec 2008	A1
20080319533	Lehe	Dec 2008	A1
20090062834	Moftakhar et al.	Mar 2009	A1
20090062841	Amplatz et al.	Mar 2009	A1
20090069880	Vonderwalde et al.	Mar 2009	A1
20090082846	Chobotov	Mar 2009	A1
20090088832	Chew et al.	Apr 2009	A1
20090105748	Fogarty et al.	Apr 2009	A1
20090112249	Miles et al.	Apr 2009	A1
20090112250	Greene et al.	Apr 2009	A1
20090118761	Masters et al.	May 2009	A1
20090125053	Ferrera et al.	May 2009	A1
20090132028	Vardi et al.	May 2009	A1
20090149864	Porter	Jun 2009	A1
20090164013	Cruise et al.	Jun 2009	A1
20090171437	Brocker et al.	Jul 2009	A1
20090177268	Lundkvist et al.	Jul 2009	A1
20090192536	Berez et al.	Jul 2009	A1
20090198318	Berez et al.	Aug 2009	A1
20090227976	Calabria et al.	Sep 2009	A1
20090228029	Lee	Sep 2009	A1
20090232869	Greene et al.	Sep 2009	A1
20090248135	Bruszewski et al.	Oct 2009	A1
20090254111	Monstadt et al.	Oct 2009	A1
20090270970	Yodfat et al.	Oct 2009	A1
20090270974	Berez et al.	Oct 2009	A1
20090275974	Marchand et al.	Nov 2009	A1
20090287241	Berez et al.	Nov 2009	A1
20090287288	Berez et al.	Nov 2009	A1
20090287291	Becking et al.	Nov 2009	A1
20090287292	Becking et al.	Nov 2009	A1
20090287294	Rosqueta et al.	Nov 2009	A1
20090292348	Berez et al.	Nov 2009	A1
20090297582	Meyer et al.	Dec 2009	A1
20090299326	Morsi	Dec 2009	A1
20090299390	Dehnad	Dec 2009	A1
20090299448	Timko et al.	Dec 2009	A1
20090318941	Sepetka et al.	Dec 2009	A1
20090318947	Garcia et al.	Dec 2009	A1
20090318948	Linder et al.	Dec 2009	A1
20090318949	Ganpath et al.	Dec 2009	A1
20090319017	Berez et al.	Dec 2009	A1
20090319023	Hildebrand et al.	Dec 2009	A1
20100004671	Gerberding et al.	Jan 2010	A1
20100004726	Hancock et al.	Jan 2010	A1
20100010624	Berez et al.	Jan 2010	A1
20100016833	Ogle et al.	Jan 2010	A1
20100023105	Levy et al.	Jan 2010	A1
20100036412	Porter et al.	Feb 2010	A1
20100042200	Richter et al.	Feb 2010	A1
20100063472	Becker et al.	Mar 2010	A1
20100063531	Rudakov et al.	Mar 2010	A1
20100069948	Veznedaroglu et al.	Mar 2010	A1
20100082091	Berez et al.	Apr 2010	A1
20100094335	Gerberding et al.	Apr 2010	A1
20100106240	Duggal et al.	Apr 2010	A1
20100114302	Tzafriri et al.	May 2010	A1
20100131002	Connor et al.	May 2010	A1
20100152828	Pakbaz et al.	Jun 2010	A1
20100152834	Hannes et al.	Jun 2010	A1
20100152837	Lundkvist et al.	Jun 2010	A1
20100168781	Berenstein et al.	Jul 2010	A1
20100174301	Wallace et al.	Jul 2010	A1
20100179640	Reith	Jul 2010	A1
20100179645	Chen et al.	Jul 2010	A1
20100198250	Ricci et al.	Aug 2010	A1
20100198334	Yodfat et al.	Aug 2010	A1
20100222804	Murphy et al.	Sep 2010	A1
20100222864	Rivelli et al.	Sep 2010	A1
20100274276	Chow et al.	Oct 2010	A1
20100274346	Chouinard et al.	Oct 2010	A1
20100280452	Chen et al.	Nov 2010	A1
20100305681	Gumm	Dec 2010	A1
20100312326	Chuter et al.	Dec 2010	A1
20100318173	Kolandaivelu et al.	Dec 2010	A1
20100324660	Denison	Dec 2010	A1
20110004294	Bialas	Jan 2011	A1
20110005062	Greene et al.	Jan 2011	A1
20110009940	Grandfield et al.	Jan 2011	A1
20110009941	Grandfield et al.	Jan 2011	A1
20110009950	Grandfield et al.	Jan 2011	A1
20110022149	Cox et al.	Jan 2011	A1
20110039967	Wilson et al.	Feb 2011	A1
20110046658	Connor et al.	Feb 2011	A1
20110046716	Parkinson et al.	Feb 2011	A1
20110054511	Henson et al.	Mar 2011	A1
20110054589	Bashiri et al.	Mar 2011	A1
20110066221	White et al.	Mar 2011	A1
20110082427	Golzarian et al.	Apr 2011	A1
20110082491	Sepetka et al.	Apr 2011	A1
20110082533	Vardi et al.	Apr 2011	A1
20110089592	Farnsworth et al.	Apr 2011	A1
20110092997	Kang	Apr 2011	A1
20110098814	Monstadt et al.	Apr 2011	A1
20110118777	Patterson et al.	May 2011	A1
20110137332	Sepetka et al.	Jun 2011	A1
20110137405	Wilson et al.	Jun 2011	A1
20110144669	Becking et al.	Jun 2011	A1
20110144686	Wilson et al.	Jun 2011	A1
20110144740	Molaei et al.	Jun 2011	A1
20110152993	Marchand et al.	Jun 2011	A1
20110152996	Acosta et al.	Jun 2011	A1
20110152998	Berez et al.	Jun 2011	A1
20110166588	Connor et al.	Jul 2011	A1
20110166592	Garcia et al.	Jul 2011	A1
20110166641	Bales et al.	Jul 2011	A1
20110182998	Reb et al.	Jul 2011	A1
20110184451	Sahl	Jul 2011	A1
20110184452	Huynh et al.	Jul 2011	A1
20110184453	Levy et al.	Jul 2011	A1
20110184454	Barry et al.	Jul 2011	A1
20110184455	Keeley et al.	Jul 2011	A1
20110184456	Grandfield et al.	Jul 2011	A1
20110196413	Wallace et al.	Aug 2011	A1
20110202085	Loganathan et al.	Aug 2011	A1
20110208227	Becking	Aug 2011	A1
20110213406	Aganon et al.	Sep 2011	A1
20110224776	Sepetka et al.	Sep 2011	A1
20110230957	Bonsignore et al.	Sep 2011	A1
20110238105	Gelbart et al.	Sep 2011	A1
20110245862	Dieck et al.	Oct 2011	A1
20110245863	Martinez	Oct 2011	A1
20110264192	Hartley et al.	Oct 2011	A1
20110265943	Rosqueta et al.	Nov 2011	A1
20110276071	Connor et al.	Nov 2011	A1
20110282378	Murphy et al.	Nov 2011	A1
20110286925	Lerouge et al.	Nov 2011	A1
20110288627	Hartley et al.	Nov 2011	A1
20110307044	Bourang et al.	Dec 2011	A1
20110307045	Bourang et al.	Dec 2011	A1
20110307046	Bourang et al.	Dec 2011	A1
20110307052	Bourang et al.	Dec 2011	A1
20110313443	Lorenzo et al.	Dec 2011	A1
20110313512	Hartley et al.	Dec 2011	A1
20110319926	Becking et al.	Dec 2011	A1
20110319928	Griffin et al.	Dec 2011	A1
20120004682	Connor	Jan 2012	A1
20120004719	Gregorich et al.	Jan 2012	A1
20120016462	Gregorich et al.	Jan 2012	A1
20120041540	Shobayashi	Feb 2012	A1
20120046676	Morsi	Feb 2012	A1
20120053670	Purdy	Mar 2012	A1
20120055614	Hancock et al.	Mar 2012	A1
20120071911	Sadasivan et al.	Mar 2012	A1
20120078285	Griffin	Mar 2012	A1
20120089174	Chen et al.	Apr 2012	A1
20120116352	Rangi	May 2012	A1
20120116441	Yamanaka et al.	May 2012	A1
20120116442	Monstadt et al.	May 2012	A1
20120130479	Chuter et al.	May 2012	A1
20120143237	Cam et al.	Jun 2012	A1
20120143317	Cam et al.	Jun 2012	A1
20120165919	Cox et al.	Jun 2012	A1
20120165920	Meyer et al.	Jun 2012	A1
20120172921	Yamanaka et al.	Jul 2012	A1
20120172972	Meyer et al.	Jul 2012	A1
20120172977	Bregulla et al.	Jul 2012	A1
20120179192	Fogarty et al.	Jul 2012	A1
20120197283	Marchand et al.	Aug 2012	A1
20120209309	Chen et al.	Aug 2012	A1
20120209311	Grandfield et al.	Aug 2012	A1
20120215250	Grandfield et al.	Aug 2012	A1
20120221095	Berez et al.	Aug 2012	A1
20120238644	Gong et al.	Sep 2012	A1
20120239074	Aboytes et al.	Sep 2012	A1
20120245674	Molaei et al.	Sep 2012	A1
20120245675	Molaei et al.	Sep 2012	A1
20120253369	Morsi	Oct 2012	A1
20120253377	Slazas et al.	Oct 2012	A1
20120253448	Hartley et al.	Oct 2012	A1
20120259354	Kellett	Oct 2012	A1
20120259404	Tieu et al.	Oct 2012	A1
20120265287	Sharma et al.	Oct 2012	A1
20120271200	Martinson et al.	Oct 2012	A1
20120271399	Perkins et al.	Oct 2012	A1
20120277784	Berez et al.	Nov 2012	A1
20120283764	Solar et al.	Nov 2012	A1
20120283765	Berez et al.	Nov 2012	A1
20120283768	Cox et al.	Nov 2012	A1
20120283769	Cruise et al.	Nov 2012	A1
20120283815	Berez et al.	Nov 2012	A1
20120289995	Constant et al.	Nov 2012	A1
20120296361	Cam et al.	Nov 2012	A1
20120296362	Cam et al.	Nov 2012	A1
20120303052	Connor	Nov 2012	A1
20120303108	Fogarty et al.	Nov 2012	A1
20120303112	Armstrong et al.	Nov 2012	A1
20120310270	Murphy et al.	Dec 2012	A1
20120310271	Kwon	Dec 2012	A1
20120310611	Sadasivan et al.	Dec 2012	A1
20120316598	Becking et al.	Dec 2012	A1
20120316632	Gao	Dec 2012	A1
20120316638	Grad et al.	Dec 2012	A1
20120323268	Martinez	Dec 2012	A1
20120323309	Cattaneo	Dec 2012	A1
20120323547	Baloch et al.	Dec 2012	A1
20120330341	Becking et al.	Dec 2012	A1
20120330343	Kim et al.	Dec 2012	A1
20120330347	Becking et al.	Dec 2012	A1
20120330402	Vad et al.	Dec 2012	A1
20130012979	Amplatz et al.	Jan 2013	A1
20130018220	Vad et al.	Jan 2013	A1
20130018409	Le et al.	Jan 2013	A1
20130023903	Roorda et al.	Jan 2013	A1
20130035712	Theobald et al.	Feb 2013	A1
20130041454	Dobson et al.	Feb 2013	A1
20130045182	Gong et al.	Feb 2013	A1
20130046371	Greenberg et al.	Feb 2013	A1
20130053872	Hansen	Feb 2013	A1
20130053944	Welch	Feb 2013	A1
20130060317	Dusbabek et al.	Mar 2013	A1
20130060322	Leynov et al.	Mar 2013	A1
20130066357	Aboytes et al.	Mar 2013	A1
20130066359	Murphy et al.	Mar 2013	A1
20130066360	Becking et al.	Mar 2013	A1
20130066413	Jin et al.	Mar 2013	A1
20130066415	Hocking	Mar 2013	A1
20130072959	Wu et al.	Mar 2013	A1
20130085518	Trommeter et al.	Apr 2013	A1
20130085522	Becking et al.	Apr 2013	A1
20130089576	Maitland et al.	Apr 2013	A1
20130090682	Bachman et al.	Apr 2013	A1
20130090719	Bales et al.	Apr 2013	A1
20130090721	Bales et al.	Apr 2013	A1
20130095087	Shalaby et al.	Apr 2013	A1
20130103074	Riina et al.	Apr 2013	A1
20130103135	Vinluan	Apr 2013	A1
20130108574	Chevalier et al.	May 2013	A1
20130116659	Porter	May 2013	A1
20130116722	Aboytes et al.	May 2013	A1
20130116774	Strauss et al.	May 2013	A1
20130123830	Becking et al.	May 2013	A1
20130123899	Leopold et al.	May 2013	A1
20130123901	Connor et al.	May 2013	A1
20130131711	Bowman	May 2013	A1
20130131716	Cruise et al.	May 2013	A1
20130131780	Armstrong et al.	May 2013	A1
20130131786	Chobotov	May 2013	A1
20130146173	Krivoruchko et al.	Jun 2013	A1
20130150946	Hartley et al.	Jun 2013	A1
20130166010	Vad	Jun 2013	A1
20130166017	Cartledge et al.	Jun 2013	A1
20130172925	Garcia et al.	Jul 2013	A1
20130172975	Berez et al.	Jul 2013	A1
20130172976	Garcia et al.	Jul 2013	A1
20130190795	Matson et al.	Jul 2013	A1
20130190800	Murphy et al.	Jul 2013	A1
20130190805	Slazas et al.	Jul 2013	A1
20130197547	Fukuoka et al.	Aug 2013	A1
20130197570	Ebata et al.	Aug 2013	A1
20130197617	Armstrong et al.	Aug 2013	A1
20130197624	Armstrong et al.	Aug 2013	A1
20130204288	Johnson et al.	Aug 2013	A1
20130204289	Dasnurkar et al.	Aug 2013	A1
20130204290	Clarke et al.	Aug 2013	A1
20130204347	Armstrong et al.	Aug 2013	A1
20130204351	Cox et al.	Aug 2013	A1
20130204354	Adams	Aug 2013	A1
20130211443	Cragg et al.	Aug 2013	A1
20130211492	Schneider et al.	Aug 2013	A1
20130211497	Charlebois et al.	Aug 2013	A1
20130211498	Buckley et al.	Aug 2013	A1
20130211505	Robison	Aug 2013	A1
20130211507	LaDuca et al.	Aug 2013	A1
20130218191	Heltai	Aug 2013	A1
20130226276	Newell et al.	Aug 2013	A1
20130226278	Newell et al.	Aug 2013	A1
20130231695	Malek	Sep 2013	A1
20130231732	Vonderwalde et al.	Sep 2013	A1
20130238083	Duggal et al.	Sep 2013	A1
20130245606	Stam et al.	Sep 2013	A1
20130245667	Marchand et al.	Sep 2013	A1
20130245745	Vong et al.	Sep 2013	A1
20130252900	Reb et al.	Sep 2013	A1
20130253086	Wilson et al.	Sep 2013	A1
20130253572	Molaei et al.	Sep 2013	A1
20130253631	Schmid et al.	Sep 2013	A1
20130253634	Wilson et al.	Sep 2013	A1
20130261728	Perkins et al.	Oct 2013	A1
20130261730	Bose et al.	Oct 2013	A1
20130261732	Perkins et al.	Oct 2013	A1
20130267986	Hines	Oct 2013	A1
20130268046	Gerberding et al.	Oct 2013	A1
20130268053	Molaei et al.	Oct 2013	A1
20130274862	Cox et al.	Oct 2013	A1
20130274863	Cox et al.	Oct 2013	A1
20130274866	Cox et al.	Oct 2013	A1
20130274868	Cox et al.	Oct 2013	A1
20130282096	Berez et al.	Oct 2013	A1
20130289690	Thapliyal	Oct 2013	A1
20130289713	Pearson et al.	Oct 2013	A1
20130289714	Strauss et al.	Oct 2013	A1
20130302251	Constant et al.	Nov 2013	A1
20130304109	Abrams et al.	Nov 2013	A1
20130310687	Takizawa et al.	Nov 2013	A1
20130325053	Porter et al.	Dec 2013	A1
20130331883	Strauss et al.	Dec 2013	A1
20130338688	Rehman et al.	Dec 2013	A1
20130344159	Moine et al.	Dec 2013	A1
20130345738	Eskridge	Dec 2013	A1
20130345785	Hartley et al.	Dec 2013	A1
20140005698	Eskridge	Jan 2014	A1
20140012303	Heipl	Jan 2014	A1
20140012307	Franano et al.	Jan 2014	A1
20140012363	Franano et al.	Jan 2014	A1
20140018843	Berez et al.	Jan 2014	A1
20140018902	Myr	Jan 2014	A1
20140025151	Gao	Jan 2014	A1
20140025154	Liang et al.	Jan 2014	A1
20140031858	Bhagchandani et al.	Jan 2014	A1
20140031918	Newell et al.	Jan 2014	A1
20140031920	Malek	Jan 2014	A1
20140039536	Cully et al.	Feb 2014	A1
20140039606	Rudakov et al.	Feb 2014	A1
20140046338	Grandfield et al.	Feb 2014	A1
20140047694	Monstadt et al.	Feb 2014	A1
20140052168	Sawhney	Feb 2014	A1
20140052233	Cox et al.	Feb 2014	A1
20140058420	Hannes et al.	Feb 2014	A1
20140058436	Rosenbluth et al.	Feb 2014	A1
20140058498	Hannes et al.	Feb 2014	A1
20140058500	Lundkvist et al.	Feb 2014	A1
20140074149	Garcia et al.	Mar 2014	A1
20140081313	Elliott	Mar 2014	A1
20140081374	Kim et al.	Mar 2014	A1
20140082924	Lundkvist et al.	Mar 2014	A1
20140083969	Porter	Mar 2014	A1
20140088690	Fogarty et al.	Mar 2014	A1
20140094896	Berez et al.	Apr 2014	A1
20140099374	Golzarian et al.	Apr 2014	A1
20140100647	Bourang	Apr 2014	A1
20140114342	Berez et al.	Apr 2014	A1
20140114343	Lee et al.	Apr 2014	A1
20140121744	Kusleika	May 2014	A1
20140121745	Kusleika et al.	May 2014	A1
20140121746	Kusleika et al.	May 2014	A1
20140121752	Losordo et al.	May 2014	A1
20140128901	Kang et al.	May 2014	A1
20140128907	Hui et al.	May 2014	A1
20140128957	Losordo et al.	May 2014	A1
20140130965	Banks et al.	May 2014	A1
20140135810	Divino et al.	May 2014	A1
20140135811	Divino et al.	May 2014	A1
20140135812	Divino et al.	May 2014	A1
20140142611	Plaza et al.	May 2014	A1
20140163604	Monstadt	Jun 2014	A1
20140172001	Becking et al.	Jun 2014	A1
20140172067	Brown et al.	Jun 2014	A1
20140172071	Berez et al.	Jun 2014	A1
20140180377	Bose et al.	Jun 2014	A1
20140180387	Khenansho et al.	Jun 2014	A1
20140180397	Gerberding et al.	Jun 2014	A1
20140188208	Hancock et al.	Jul 2014	A1
20140194973	Chobotov	Jul 2014	A1
20140200607	Sepetka et al.	Jul 2014	A1
20140200648	Newell et al.	Jul 2014	A1
20140207162	Tran et al.	Jul 2014	A1
20140207180	Ferrera	Jul 2014	A1
20140214071	Thomas	Jul 2014	A1
20140222128	Dusbabek et al.	Aug 2014	A1
20140222130	Kusleika	Aug 2014	A1
20140236216	Gerberding	Aug 2014	A1
20140243951	Orr	Aug 2014	A1
20140249614	Levi et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140249616	Strauss et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140249620	Carman et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140260928	Janardhan et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140265096	Janardhan et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140277100	Kang	Sep 2014	A1
20140277361	Farhat et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140277370	Brocker et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140277391	Layman et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140288633	Burke et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140296358	Maitland et al.	Oct 2014	A1
20150005807	Lagodzki	Jan 2015	A1

Foreign Referenced Citations (1)

Number	Date	Country
PCTUS2009002537	Apr 2009	WO

Non-Patent Literature Citations (2)

Entry
U.S. Appl. No. 12/387,637, filed 2009, Connor et al.
U.S. Appl. No. 13/889,451, filed 2013, Connor et al.

Related Publications (1)

	Number	Date	Country
	20160206320 A1	Jul 2016	US

Provisional Applications (3)

Number	Date	Country
61126047	May 2008	US
61126027	May 2008	US
61897245	Oct 2013	US

Continuation in Parts (2)

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	14526600	Oct 2014	US
Child	15080915		US
Parent	12989048	Oct 2010	US
Child	14526600		US

Coils with a series of proximally-and-distally-connected loops for occluding a cerebral aneurysm

Information

Patent Number

Date Filed

Date Issued

Inventors

Original Assignees

Examiners

CPC

Field of Search

CPC

International Classifications

Term Extension

Abstract