Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus for achieving hemostasis in a puncture tract. Such a tract might have been created during a medical procedure, operation or a traumatic injury. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a bandage for placement within the puncture tract. The apparatus also includes a stem with a distal end. In some embodiments, the bandage couples to the distal end of the stem. In other embodiments, the bandage couples to the entire length of the stem. Along with the bandage, the stem's distal end is at least partially inserted into the puncture tract in some embodiments. In other embodiments, only the bandage is inserted into the puncture tract. The bandage is typically maintained within the puncture tract until hemostasis is achieved. Once hemostasis has been achieved, the operator removes the bandage from the puncture tract.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a guidewire directed vascular sealing device for securing hemostasis within a vascular puncture and puncture tract extending from the epidermis into a blood vessel in a living being. In some instances, the puncture tract is created by a percutaneous access apparatus used in the performance of medical catheter based diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a hemostatic compound or material designed to facilitate clot formation within the tract.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus for achieving hemostasis in a puncture tract that is created during a medical procedure. The puncture typically extends from the epidermis to the vasculature in a living organism. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes (1) a plug for subcutaneous placement within the puncture tract, and (2) a delivery mechanism for delivering and maintaining the plug within the puncture tract until hemostasis is achieved. The apparatus also includes in some embodiments a lubricious sheath that is placed around the plug to facilitate the insertion of the plug into the puncture tract.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus for achieving hemostasis in a puncture tract that is created during a medical procedure. The puncture typically extends from the epidermis to the vasculature in a living organism. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes (1) a plug for subcutaneous placement within the puncture tract, and (2) a delivery mechanism for delivering and maintaining the plug within the puncture tract until hemostasis is achieved. In some embodiments, the delivery mechanism and its associated plug are removed after hemostasis has been achieved. In this manner, the delivery mechanism and its associated plug act as a disposable bandage. The plug is the component of the disposable bandage that is inserted into the puncture tract to achieve hemostasis. The plug can have many shapes. Also, in some embodiments, the plug include one or more materials (e.g., chitosan) designed to promote coagulation and thereby hemostasis.