| abstract |
The present invention provides a device (20) and method for occluding the body lumen (12, 16) including the cystic duct (14), wherein, in one embodiment, the device has a tapered end (21) and an expandable segment (54). In use, using a suitable access instrument (26), the tapered end of the device is inserted into the cystic duct and the expandable segment may be expanded to lodge the device in the duct and to occlude the duct. The access instrument may then be detached from the device and withdrawn. The device is left in the duct, acting as a plug. |