Embolic device, an apparatus for embolizing a target vascular site and a method thereof

1. An embolic device for embolizing a target vascular site, the embolic device comprising:

a straight core which serves as the backbone of the embolic device; and

a water-responsive element having an original shape and a deformed shape, the water-responsive element being coated on the straight core in a manner such that the original shape of the water-responsive element follows the straight core,

wherein the straight core and the water-responsive element are stretched to lengthen into a temporary shape for deployment,

wherein, in the temporary shape for deployment, the water-responsive element is in the deformed shape which is also straight, the water-responsive element in the deformed shape having a cross-sectional diameter of a smaller size than an original cross-sectional diameter of the water-responsive element in the original shape, and the water-responsive element in the deformed shape having a length longer than an original length of the water-responsive element in the original shape,

wherein the straight core and the water-responsive element are provided in the temporary shape,

wherein the water-responsive element is configured to resume the original shape in response to an external stimulus in form of coming into contact with water being applied to the water-responsive element in its deformed shape, and

wherein, when the water-responsive element starts to return to the original shape upon coming into contact with water, the straight core still remain in a stretched and lengthen state, which causes the embolic device to buckle and form a random or regular shape to embolize the target vascular site and prevent fluid flow through the target vascular site.

2. The embolic device of claim 1 , wherein the straight core comprises a biodegradable shape memory element, and the biodegradable shape memory element is a biodegradable shape memory polymer or copolymer.

3. The embolic device of claim 2 , wherein the biodegradable shape memory element comprises a polymer material selected from the group consisting of polyesters, polylactide acid, polyglycolide, polycaprolactones, poly(anhydrides), poly(ortho esters), and any mixture or copolymers thereof.

4. The embolic device of claim 2 , wherein the copolymer comprises poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide).

5. The embolic device of claim 1 , wherein the water-responsive element comprises a hydrogel.

6. The embolic device of claim 5 , wherein the water-responsive element comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, gelatin hydrogel, cellulose acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, chitosan, and any combination thereof.

7. The embolic device of claim 1 , further comprising a therapeutic agent.

8. The embolic device of claim 1 , further comprising a radiopaque marker configured to provide visibility of at least part of the embolic device under exposure to a radiant energy source.

9. An apparatus for embolizing a target vascular site, the apparatus comprising:

an embolic device of claim 1 ; and

a catheter configured to deliver the embolic device to the target vascular site.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the water-responsive element of the embolic device in the deformed shape is adapted to pass through the catheter to allow the embolic device to exit a distal end of the catheter to the target vascular site.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 , further comprising an element configured to deliver the embolic device from the catheter to the target vascular site.

12. A method of embolizing a target vascular site, the method comprising:

providing an embolic device of claim 1 ;

inserting a catheter toward the target vascular site;

loading the embolic device comprising the water-responsive element in the deformed shape into the catheter; and

delivering the embolic device to the target vascular site to allow the water-responsive element in the deformed shape to resume the original shape to embolize the target vascular site.