A new embolic agent, bioabsorbable polymeric material (BPM) is
incorporated to a Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC) to improve long-term
anatomic results in the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms.
The embolic agent, comprised at least in part of at least one
biocompatible and bioabsorbable polymer and growth factors, is carried by
hybrid bioactive coils and is used to accelerate histopathologic
transformation of unorganized clot into fibrous connective tissue in
experimental aneurysms. An endovascular cellular manipulation and
inflammatory response are elicited from implantation in a vascular
compartment or any intraluminal location. Thrombogenicity of the
biocompatible and bioabsorbable polymer is controlled by the composition
of the polymer. The coil further is comprised at least in part of a
growth factor or more particularly a vascular endothelial growth factor,
a basic fibroblast growth factor or other growth factors. The
biocompatible and bioabsorbable polymer is in the illustrated embodiment
at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polyglycolic
acid, poly.about.glycolic acid/poly-L-lactic acid copolymers,
polycaprolactive, polyhydroxybutyrate/hydroxyvalerate copolymers,
poly-L-lactide. Polydioxanone, polycarbonates, and polyanhydrides.