Abstract: An apparatus and method for closing an arteriotomy site are disclosed which may employ the use of a delivery sheath within which is provided an anchoring device formed of memory metal wherein the anchoring device can be extended into the blood vessel itself. The memory metal, has a linear insertion configuration and obtains a non-linear or coiled configuration which can then be pulled back against the inner surface of the blood vessel to form a backstop. A biodegradable plug is then introduced into the tissue tract until it engages the backstop thereby ensuring proper positioning of the biodegradable plug. The anchoring device can then be retracted through the biodegradable plug leaving the arteriotomy site substantially closed with hemostasis being formed therearound.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for providing an indication as to the relative position of a vessel or artery opening thereby facilitating the choice of which several closure techniques to use. A disclosed device includes an outer tube and a collapsible foot slidably disposed within a distal end of the outer tube. The device may further include one or more threaded suture needles, a biodegradable plug or other wound closing device that is connected to another shaft. The collapsed or folded foot is pushed distally out of the tube and through the opening in the vessel whereupon the foot expands. Pulling the expanded foot in the proximal direction provides an indication as to the orientation of the opening in the vessel, which assists in determining the type of closing procedure to be carried out.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for closing an arteriotomy site is disclosed. The apparatus includes inner and outer frames adapted to sandwich a blood vessel wall therebetween. The inner and outer frames may be manufactured from memory metals such that they can be compressed during the insertion into the tissue tract proximate the arteriotomy site, and then deployed into an expanded configuration larger than the dimensions of the arteriotomy opening itself. A universal joint connects the inner and outer frames to ensure proper pivoting therebetween. In addition, polymeric coverings can be provided on the inner and outer frames to ensure closure, while a collagen plug can also be provided between inner and outer frames to facilitate closure as well.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for closing an arteriotomy site are disclosed. The apparatus and method employ the use of a delivery sheath within which is provided an anchoring device formed of memory metal. The delivery sheath can be inserted through a tissue tract extending from an epidermal layer to the blood vessel wall, whereupon the anchoring device can be extended from the delivery sheath into the blood vessel itself The memory metal, once freed from the delivery sheath, obtains a non-linear or coiled configuration which can then be pulled back against the inner surface of the blood vessel to form a backstop. A biodegradable plug is then introduced into the tissue tract until it engages the backstop formed by the anchoring device thereby ensuring proper positioning of the biodegradable plug.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for providing an indication as to the relative position of a vessel or artery opening thereby facilitating the choice of which suturing or plugging technique to thereafter use. A disclosed device includes an outer tube and a collapsible foot slidably disposed within a distal end of the outer tube. The foot is connected to a shaft that passes through the tube and exits a proximal end thereof. The device may further include one or more threaded suture needles, a biodegradable plug or other wound closing device that is connected to another shaft. The collapsed or folded foot is pushed distally out of the tube and through the opening in the vessel whereupon the foot expands. Pulling the expanded foot in the proximal direction provides an indication as to the orientation of the opening in the vessel, which assists in determining the type of closing procedure to be carried out.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for closing an opening in a blood vessel wall is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one member which is extended through a tissue tract formed through the epidermis and subcutaneous layer of skin and through the opening in the blood vessel. The member includes a proximal end and a distal end with the distal end being positionable proximate to the opening in the blood vessel wall. A positive electrode is positioned next to the distal end with a negative electrode being positioned next to the proximal end When the electrodes are energized an electric field is created therebetween, blood cells are attracted to the positive electrode, and a thrombus is formed at the opening in the blood vessel wall. The member may include a balloon at the distal end to temporarily occlude blood flow from the blood vessel to the tissue tract to facilitate formation of the thrombus.