This is a device for bridging the neck of either a wide-necked or narrow-necked aneurysm in the vasculature. In general, it is a device used to stabilize the presence of vaso-occlusive devices (such as helically wound coils) in the aneurysm. The device preferably is delivered by a core wire which terminates in an electrolytically severable joint. The core wire will often be insulated. The retainer assembly itself is also attached to the electrolytic joint and typically has a number of array elements which are intended to be resident within the aneurysm after the device is deployed from the distal end of a catheter. After deployment of this retainer, the aneurysm is at least partially filled with a vaso-occlusive device such as helically wound coils.