Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and apparatus to provide hemostasis at a blood vessel puncture site, having a hemostasis material and a clot formation accelerator, wherein said clot formation accelerator is substantially dispersed throughout said hemostasis material.

Abstract: The present disclosure is a method and apparatus to prepare a tissue tract having a handle member with a centerline, and a scalpel member fixedly attached to the handle member having a blunt tip, wherein the handle member has a first side positioned at a first positive angel relative to the centerline, and a second side opposite the first side positioned at a second positive angle relative to the centerline.

Abstract: A biopsy cannula and a delivery catheter are configured to deliver one or more absorbable sponge pledgets to a biopsy site after removal of one or more tissue samples from the site. The delivery catheter allows a large amount of hydrated sponge material to be delivery to the biopsy site to facilitate hemostasis. One example of the delivery catheter includes a closed distal end, a side port, a tapered section, and an enlarged proximal portion for receiving the pledget. The side port of the delivery catheter is arranged to delivery the pledget through the side port of the biopsy cannula. In order to fill a relatively large biopsy site where multiple tissue samples have been taken in a radial pattern, the biopsy cannula is rotated and additional pledgets are delivered to the biopsy site at different radial locations. The absorbable sponge pledget may also be used as a marker for location of the biopsy site at a later time.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for sterilizing cross-linked gelatin as well as to sterilized cross-linked gelatin. In particular, the methods of this invention employ E-beam sterilization techniques.

Abstract: An absorbable sponge containing a contrasting agent (e.g, radiopaque agent) that can be introduced to a biopsy tract or other puncture wound site is provided. The contrasting agent permits identification of the site by fluoroscopy or other imaging techniques.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a pledget of hemostasis promoting material to a blood vessel puncture to facilitate hemostasis, having an introducer sheath having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, a control tip coupled to the introducer sheath, and a self-expandable member disposed around a portion of the control tip to control blood flow at the blood vessel puncture.