Abstract: A wound closure apparatus and associated methods are provided which utilize blood fluid by activating the clotting cascade of blood fluid within a substantially enclosed sterile container then introducing the blood fluid to the wound site to complete clotting. An apparatus for providing ways of inhibiting anticoagulating agents and slowing fibrin clot degradation are also disclosed. Kits are also disclosed. The invention provides a clotting cascade initiation apparatus including a substantially enclosed sterile containment chamber within which an aliquot of blood fluid, either autologous or from donor sources, can be received and retained. In preferred embodiments, the sterile containment chamber further includes a heparin binding agent which will bind heparin and remove it from the blood fluid. In further embodiments, the containment chamber will also include a procoagulating agent, wherein a clotting cascade can be initiated when the blood fluid is accepted into the sterile containment chamber.

Abstract: A wound closure apparatus is provided which utilizes blood fluid by activating the clotting cascade of blood fluid outside the body within a substantially enclosed sterile container then introducing the blood fluid to the wound site to complete clotting. An apparatus for providing ways of inhibiting anticoagulating agents and slowing fibrin clot degradation are also disclosed. Kits for practicing the invention singularly or in combination with and/or associated with preferred procedures are also disclosed. The invention provides a clotting cascade initiation apparatus including a substantially enclosed sterile containment chamber within which an aliquot of blood fluid, either autologous or from donor sources, can be received and retained. In preferred embodiments, the sterile containment chamber further includes a heparin binding agent which will bind heparin and remove it from the blood fluid.

Abstract: Wound closure methods and apparatus are provided which utilize blood fluid by activating the clotting cascade of blood fluid outside the body within a substantially enclosed sterile container then introducing the blood fluid to the wound site to complete clotting. Methods and apparatus for providing ways of inhibiting anti-coagulating agents and slowing fibrin clot degradation are also disclosed. Kits for practicing the invention singularly or in combination with and/or associated with preferred procedures are also disclosed. The present invention provides improved methods of creating hemostasis or control of bleeding at the site of wounds, particularly wounds created in arteries during procedures employing percutaneous access. The invention preferably includes the steps of acquiring an aliquot of a patient's blood, i.e.

Abstract: Wound closure methods and apparatus are provided which utilize blood fluid by activating the clotting cascade of blood fluid outside the body within a substantially enclosed sterile container then introducing the blood fluid to the wound site to complete clotting. Methods and apparatus for providing ways of inhibiting anti-coagulating agents and slowing fibrin clot degradation are also disclosed. Kits for practicing the invention singularly or in combination with and/or associated with preferred procedures are also disclosed. The present invention provides improved methods of creating hemostasis or control of bleeding at the site of wounds, particularly wounds created in arteries during procedures employing percutaneous access. The invention preferably includes the steps of acquiring an aliquot of a patient's blood, i.e.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a hollow handle having an end slot and a side slot and a blade carrier securable to a scalpel blade and moveable between first and second positions relative to the handle. One of the first and second positions is an extended, in-use position wherein the scalpel blade extends out of the handle through the end slot. The other position is a retracted, non-use position wherein the scalpel blade is wholly disposed within the handle. At least one finger extends from the blade carrier and has a first contoured portion engageable, when the blade carrier is in the first position, with a second contoured portion of the handle. The first and second contoured portions are substantially complementary such that the finger must deflect to permit disengagement of the first contoured portion of the finger from the second contoured portion of the handle so that the blade carrier can be moved from the first position toward the second position.