Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
40 words
A device for embolizing a body cavity, the device comprising: an elongated, flexible, filamentous carrier having a looped portion; and a member of an expansile, hydrophilic polymer coaxially encapsulating at least a portion of the looped portion of the carrier.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
40 words
A device for embolizing a body cavity, the device comprising: an elongated, flexible, filamentous carrier having a looped portion; and a member of an expansile, hydrophilic polymer coaxially encapsulating at least a portion of the looped portion of the carrier.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 1 , wherein the carrier includes an axial lumen, and wherein the polymer of the member substantially fills the lumen of the encapsulated portion of the carrier.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 1 , wherein the carrier includes an axial lumen having an axial reservoir therein.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 1 , wherein the carrier comprises a filamentous element selected from the group consisting of a flexible wire, helical coil, and tube.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device of claim 1 , wherein the coaxial member is cylindrical.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device of claim 1 , wherein the coaxial member comprises hydrogel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 1 , wherein the coaxial member is at least one of biodegradable and bioresorbable.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 1 , wherein the coaxial member has a substantially greater lubricity when hydrated than when dry.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
90 words
A device for occluding a cavity, the device comprising: an elongated, filamentous carrier having a looped portion, the carrier being formed of a biocompatible material having an elastic memory and an external surface; and a coaxial member of an expansile hydrogel formed over the carrier such that the member covers a substantial portion of the external surface of the looped portion of the carrier; wherein the device has at least one of a greater flexibility and a greater lubricity when the hydrogel is hydrated than when the hydrogel is dehydrated.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
90 words
A device for occluding a cavity, the device comprising: an elongated, filamentous carrier having a looped portion, the carrier being formed of a biocompatible material having an elastic memory and an external surface; and a coaxial member of an expansile hydrogel formed over the carrier such that the member covers a substantial portion of the external surface of the looped portion of the carrier; wherein the device has at least one of a greater flexibility and a greater lubricity when the hydrogel is hydrated than when the hydrogel is dehydrated.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
111 words
The device of claim 9 , wherein an unsupported end of a portion of the device deflects downward under the weight of the portion and relative to an opposite, supported end of the portion about 0.75 in. (19.1 mm) when: the hydrogel is in a dry state and a horizontal distance between the opposite ends of the portion is more than about 2.25 in. (57.2 mm); the hydrogel is in a moderately hydrated state and the horizontal length is between about 1.5 in. (38.2 mm) and 2.25 in. (57.2 mm); and, the hydrogel is in a fully hydrated stated and the horizontal length is less than about 1.5 in (38.2 mm).
Claim 13
Independent Claim
79 words
A device for embolizing a body cavity, the device comprising: an elongated, filamentous carrier with an external surface, at least a portion of the carrier being a looped portion; and a coaxial member of a hydrophilic polymer covering a substantial portion of the external surface of the looped portion of the carrier; wherein a physical property of the coaxial member in an aqueous environment is a function of time in the environment and a physical parameter of the environment.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
79 words
A device for embolizing a body cavity, the device comprising: an elongated, filamentous carrier with an external surface, at least a portion of the carrier being a looped portion; and a coaxial member of a hydrophilic polymer covering a substantial portion of the external surface of the looped portion of the carrier; wherein a physical property of the coaxial member in an aqueous environment is a function of time in the environment and a physical parameter of the environment.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
44 words
The device of claim 11 , wherein the physical property is at least one of the flexibility and the lubricity of the member, and wherein the physical parameter of the environment is at least one of the temperature and the pH of the environment.