Abstract: A system having an elongate assembly, an expandable assembly having a fixed end region and a movable end region, the expandable assembly selectively transitioning between an expanded state and an unexpanded state with movement of the movable end region towards the fixed end region, and an advancement aid extending distally from the expandable assembly.

Abstract: A device for closing a tissue opening includes a proximal housing portion having a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and a fourth portion. The first portion and the fourth portion extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the proximal housing portion on opposite sides of the proximal housing portion. A distal portion extends from the proximal housing portion. At least the second portion and the third portion are configured to move toward the first portion.

Abstract: A device for closing a tissue opening includes a proximal housing portion having a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and a fourth portion. The first portion and the fourth portion extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the proximal housing portion on opposite sides of the proximal housing portion. A distal portion extends from the proximal housing portion. At least the second portion and the third portion are configured to move toward the first portion.

Abstract: A system having an elongate assembly, an expandable assembly having a fixed end region and a movable end region, the expandable assembly selectively transitioning between an expanded state and an unexpanded state with movement of the movable end region towards the fixed end region, and an advancement aid extending distally from the expandable assembly.

Abstract: A system having an elongate assembly, an expandable assembly having a fixed end region and a movable end region, the expandable assembly selectively transitioning between an expanded state and an unexpanded state with movement of the movable end region towards the fixed end region, and an advancement aid extending distally from the expandable assembly.

Abstract: A vessel closure device delivery system including a delivery device that couples to a vessel closure clip for delivering the clip onto a blood vessel and a retractable vessel locator is removeably attached to the delivery device, the distal end of the vessel locator being adapted to transition from a collapsed state suitable for insertion into a vessel and an expanded state that lodges against a wall of the vessel from inside the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a clip includes an introducer sheath including an outer surface extending between its proximal and distal ends. A clip is carried on the outer surface, e.g., on a carrier assembly that is slidable along the outer surface from the proximal end towards the distal end. A skin overlies the outer surface of the sheath and the carrier assembly that is separable from the outer surface as the carrier assembly is advanced from the proximal end towards the distal end of the sheath. During use, the distal end of the sheath is inserted into an opening through tissue, e.g., into a puncture communicating with a blood vessel. The carrier assembly is advanced towards the distal end of the sheath, causing the skin to separate from the outer surface of the elongate member, and the clip is deployed from the carrier to seal the opening.

Abstract: A device for closing a tissue opening includes a proximal housing portion having a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and a fourth portion. The first portion and the fourth portion extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the proximal housing portion on opposite sides of the proximal housing portion. A distal portion extends from the proximal housing portion. At least the second portion and the third portion are configured to move toward the first portion.

Abstract: A method for delivering a closure element to an opening formed in a wall of a body lumen. The method includes inserting a distal end region of an apparatus into the opening in the wall of the body lumen, moving a third grasping portion toward the first grasping portion to limit movement of the distal end of the apparatus relative to the opening in the wall of the body lumen, and moving a second grasping portion toward the first grasping portion to advance the closure element distally. The second grasping portion and third grasping portion are movable toward the first grasping portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a clip includes an introducer sheath including an outer surface extending between its proximal and distal ends. A clip is carried on the outer surface, e.g., on a carrier assembly that is slidable along the outer surface from the proximal end towards the distal end. A skin overlies the outer surface of the sheath and the carrier assembly that is separable from the outer surface as the carrier assembly is advanced from the proximal end towards the distal end of the sheath. During use, the distal end of the sheath is inserted into an opening through tissue, e.g., into a puncture communicating with a blood vessel. The carrier assembly is advanced towards the distal end of the sheath, causing the skin to separate from the outer surface of the elongate member, and the clip is deployed from the carrier to seal the opening.

Abstract: A surgical device of suturing vascular vessels is described, as well as methods for suturing tissue employing the surgical device. In one form the device includes a distal member that contains a suture and needle engaging fitting. A needle is advanced through tissue adjacent the puncture wound and into the needle engaging fitting to draw lengths of suture material which can then be used to close the puncture wound. In another form the device includes a needle advanceable through tissue and into a needle capture element within a distal end of the surgical device to draw lengths of suture material which can then be used to close various puncture wounds. In still another form the device includes at least one needle advanceable to draw lengths of suture material to close various puncture wounds. A foot is pivotal between a non-deployed and a deployed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a clip includes an introducer sheath including an outer surface extending between its proximal and distal ends. A clip is carried on the outer surface, e.g., on a carrier assembly that is slidable along the outer surface from the proximal end towards the distal end. A skin overlies the outer surface of the sheath and the carrier assembly that is separable from the outer surface as the carrier assembly is advanced from the proximal end towards the distal end of the sheath. During use, the distal end of the sheath is inserted into an opening through tissue, e.g., into a puncture communicating with a blood vessel. The carrier assembly is advanced towards the distal end of the sheath, causing the skin to separate from the outer surface of the elongate member, and the clip is deployed from the carrier to seal the opening.

Abstract: A vessel closure device delivery system including a delivery device that couples to a vessel closure clip for delivering the clip onto a blood vessel and a retractable vessel locator is removeably attached to the delivery device, the distal end of the vessel locator being adapted to transition from a collapsed state suitable for insertion into a vessel and an expanded state that lodges against a wall of the vessel from inside the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a closure element can include a splittable carrier tube and a splitter to split the tube. The carrier tube can have an outer surface retaining a closure element in a tubular configuration and can be split into radially-expandable flaps. A closure element can have a shape-memory body having a relaxed configuration with a planar-annular body defining a lumen with tines directed inwardly from the body. The clip can be held in a retaining configuration having a substantially asymmetrically-elongated tubular shape with a trapezoidal longitudinal cross-sectional profile and a proximal end having the tines being longitudinally directed with a first tine being more distally oriented compared to a substantially opposite second tine being more proximal, and retracting to a deploying configuration having a tubular shape with a rectangular longitudinal cross-sectional profile with the first tine being even with the second tine when being delivered.

Abstract: A method for delivering a closure element to an opening formed in a wall of a body lumen. The method includes inserting a distal end region of an apparatus into the opening in the wall of the body lumen, moving a third grasping portion toward the first grasping portion to limit movement of the distal end of the apparatus relative to the opening in the wall of the body lumen, and moving a second grasping portion toward the first grasping portion to advance the closure element distally. The second grasping portion and third grasping portion are movable toward the first grasping portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for placement into an opening formed in a wall of a body lumen to deploy a closure element. The apparatus comprising a housing having a handle portion formed at a distal end, the handle portion configured to be engaged by a user when advancing the housing to deploy the closure element. A locator assembly and a carrier assembly are at least partially received in the housing. The locator assembly can have one or more expansion members that can selectably contact the wall of the body lumen and a proximal end configured to cooperate with a portion of a locator control system operable to expand the one or more expansion members. A triggering system cooperates with the locator assembly and is moveable toward the one or more expansion members of the locator assembly upon the locator control system being operated to expand the one or more expansion members.

Abstract: An apparatus for placement into an opening formed in a wall of a body lumen to deploy a closure element. The apparatus comprising a housing having a handle portion formed at a distal end, the handle portion configured to be engaged by a user when advancing the housing to deploy the closure element. A locator assembly and a carrier assembly are at least partially received in the housing. The locator assembly can have a distal end that contains notches or a shaped edge which are designed to help prevent the misfiring of the tines of the closure element. A triggering system cooperates with the locator assembly and is moveable toward the one or more expansion members of the locator assembly upon the locator control system being operated to expand the one or more expansion members.

Abstract: A closure system and methods of use are provided for use in sealing an opening in a body tissue, such as a vascular puncture site. A method of closing the opening in the body tissue can be performed with the closure system having a closure clip. The method can include positioning the closure clip in a first closure clip position adjacent to the opening in the body tissue such that a plurality of spikes of the closure clip are inserted into the tissue at a location outward from a central axis of the opening. Subsequently, the closure clip can be positioned in a second closure clip position such that the plurality of spikes are pulled inward toward the central axis of the opening so as to pull the tissue between the opening and each of the spikes together and close the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for placement into an opening formed in a wall of a body lumen to deploy a closure element. The apparatus comprising a housing having a handle portion formed at a distal end, the handle portion configured to be engaged by a user when advancing the housing to deploy the closure element. A triggering element deploys the closure device and can at least be partially formed in the housing. A throw reducing mechanism can slide relative to the housing and reduce the distance a user must stretch a hand to move a triggering system within the housing. The housing can include, or be connected to, a handle member having one or more expansion members which expand to provide a stable base for manipulating the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a passage through tissue communicating with a body lumen is provided. The apparatus includes an elongate member having a proximal end a distal end and a lumen extending from the distal end toward the proximal end defining a longitudinal axis. A plug member is disposed on the distal end and extends distally from the elongate member in a pre-deployed and deployed configuration. The plug member includes a distal port therein in communication with the lumen and has a cross-sectional diameter at a plug proximal end and a plug distal end greater than a cross-sectional diameter of the distal end of the elongate member in the pre-deployed configuration. The apparatus also includes a member extendable distally from the distal port, the member including a proximal end and a distal end.