Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use with a hole closure device that is configured to be deployed by expanding inside a subject's body. An insertion device includes an outer tube and an inner pushing element. The outer tube constrains the hole closure device from expanding, during insertion of the hole closure device into the subject's body. The pushing element causes at least a portion of the hole closure device to self expand by pushing the portion out of a distal end of the outer tube, by the pushing element being advanced distally with respect to the outer tube. A safety element is couplable to the pushing element and is configured to prevent the hole closure device from expanding, by preventing distal advancement of the pushing element with respect to the outer tube, when the safety element is coupled to the pushing element. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a trocar (40) that defines a lumen therethrough, configured to provide a passage through skin of a subject into a body of the subject. A cannula (60) is configured to be placed into the subject's body via the passage provided by the trocar, the cannula being configured to be slidable with respect to the trocar. The cannula includes an outer tube (64) having a first expandable element (77) disposed at a distal end thereof, and an inner tube (62) having a second expandable element (72) disposed at a distal end thereof, the inner tube being configured to be slidable with respect to the outer tube. A vacuum port (61) applies vacuum pressure to the first expandable element via a space (65) between the inner and outer tubes of the cannula. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a trocar (40) that defines a lumen therethrough, configured to provide a passage through skin of a subject into a body of the subject. A cannula (60) is configured to be placed into the subject's body via the passage provided by the trocar, the cannula being configured to be slidable with respect to the trocar. The cannula includes an outer tube (64) having a first expandable element (77) disposed at a distal end thereof, and an inner tube (62) having a second expandable element (72) disposed at a distal end thereof, the inner tube being configured to be slidable with respect to the outer tube. A vacuum port (61) applied vacuum pressure to the first expandable element via a space (65) between the inner and outer tubes of the cannula. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a trocar (40) that defines a lumen therethrough, configured to provide a passage through skin of a subject into a body of the subject. A cannula (60) is configured to be placed into the subject's body via the passage provided by the trocar, the cannula being configured to be slidable with respect to the trocar. The cannula includes an outer tube (64) having a first expandable element (77) disposed at a distal end thereof, and an inner tube (62) having a second expandable element (72) disposed at a distal end thereof, the inner tube being configured to be slidable with respect to the outer tube. A vacuum port (61) applied vacuum pressure to the first expandable element via a space (65) between the inner and outer tubes of the cannula. Other applications are also described.