Abstract: A tissue engaging device and a corresponding deployment apparatus. The tissue engaging device has a generally annular-shaped body disposed about a central axis. The body has a plurality of inwardly protruding members separated by corresponding intermember spaces. The body is movable between a first position where the body is substantially convex before engagement with the tissue and a second position where the body is substantially concave when the body is engaged with the tissue. The tissue engaging device may be bioabsorbable. The deployment apparatus has a sheath and a tissue eversion apparatus for everting the tissue and positioning the everted tissue within the tissue engaging device.

Abstract: A system for securing a device in tissue, having a sheath having a plurality of side openings; a rotatable element disposed within the sheath; and a plurality of curved projections extending from the rotatable element, wherein rotation of the rotatable element within the sheath pushes distal ends of each of the curved projections outwardly through one of the plurality of openings and into the tissue.

Abstract: A suture securing system is provided for use in closing a vessel puncture site while eliminating the need for sutures to be manually tied in knots. The system may include an elongate body comprising a shaft and a barrel slidably mounted on the shaft. A knot replacement element may include an outer surface and an inner lumen configured to receive suture lengths. The knot replacement element may be at least partially positioned within the distal end of the barrel adjacent to the distal portion of the shaft and may be configured to selectively fasten the suture lengths together over the vessel repair site. The system may also include a snare configured to draw the suture lengths through the knot replacement element and at least a portion of the elongate body. A trimmer member may be configured to selectively trim the suture lengths extending from the knot replacement element.

Abstract: A system for securing a device in tissue, having a sheath having a plurality of side openings; a rotatable element disposed within the sheath; and a plurality of curved projections extending from the rotatable element, wherein rotation of the rotatable element within the sheath pushes distal ends of each of the curved projections outwardly through one of the plurality of openings and into the tissue.

Abstract: An introducer sheath and methods of making the introducer sheath are described. The introducer sheath may include a hub portion and a tubular portion. The hub portion may include a substantially non-planar valve portion in a relaxed state. The valve portion may include an aperture configured to receive a medical device. A hub portion may be formed using a forming device. An aperture may be formed through a distal surface of the valve portion. A valve portion may be formed in a cap defining a cavity sized to elastically receive a proximal end of the hub portion.

Abstract: An introducer sheath and methods of making the introducer sheath are described. The introducer sheath may include a hub portion and a tubular portion. The hub portion may include a substantially non-planar valve portion in a relaxed state. The valve portion may include an aperture configured to receive a medical device. A hub portion may be formed using a forming device. An aperture may be formed through a distal surface of the valve portion. A valve portion may be formed in a cap defining a cavity sized to elastically receive a proximal end of the hub portion.

Abstract: A suture applying device includes a shaft which carries a pair of needles near its distal end. The needles are joined by a length of suture, and the shaft is used to both introduce the needles into a lumen of a body structure and to draw the needles back through tissue on either side of the puncture site. After the needles have passed through the tissue, they are captured by a needle receiver and drawn outward through the tract, leaving a loop of suture behind to close the puncture site near the body lumen. The suture can then be tied or otherwise secured to close the puncture site.

Abstract: A hemostasis assembly having a selectively expandable hemostasis member can be used with a medical device and in a method for delivering a closure element through tissue and into an opening formed in, or adjacent to, a wall of a blood vessel or other body lumen of any size while maintaining or improving hemostasis. The medical device and method of use utilizes such an expandable hemostasis member to maintain or improve hemostasis throughout a medical procedure for closing and/or sealing openings through tissues and/or blood vessels.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided apparatuses and methods for using a medical instrument including a sizing and positioning adapter. The apparatus comprises an adapter for a medical instrument, the adapt having a body having a shim portion and an instrument holding portion adjacent the shim portion, wherein the shim portion provides an enlarged peripheral surface adjacent the medical instrument such that when the medical instrument is held in the instrument holding portion and the medical instrument and body are inserted through an opening in a patient tissue, at least a portion of the enlarged peripheral surface is in contact with at least a portion of the periphery of the opening in the patient tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing an opening in a body tissue. The apparatus includes a shaft, a plurality of arms, and an expander. The arms each extend between a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of each arm is hingedly attached to or integrally formed with the shaft. The arms are laterally spaced apart from each other. The arms are movable between a retracted configuration, in which the arms are each aligned along the shaft, and a deployed configuration, in which the proximal end of each arm pivots respectively about the distal end of the arm so as to extend laterally away from the shaft. The expander is positioned within the shaft, and movement of the expander causes the arms to move between the retracted and deployed configurations. Methods of using the apparatus are also included.

Abstract: An apparatus for occluding a venous or arterial puncture site is disclosed including a plug insertable within, or adjacent to, a puncture site in a wall of a body lumen. An insert is forced into an aperture within the plug to cause expansion thereof. The insert may be drawn into the aperture by applying tension to a line passing therethrough and secured to the insert. Barbs may secure to the plug to engage the wall of the body lumen or adjacent tissue tract. Elongate members passing through the wall of the plug may be forced outwardly into the wall of the body lumen or adjacent tissue as the insert is forced into the aperture.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided apparatuses and methods for using a medical instrument including a sizing and positioning adapter. The apparatus comprises an adapter for a medical instrument, the adapt having a body having a shim portion and an instrument holding portion adjacent the shim portion, wherein the shim portion provides an enlarged peripheral surface adjacent the medical instrument such that when the medical instrument is held in the instrument holding portion and the medical instrument and body are inserted through an opening in a patient tissue, at least a portion of the enlarged peripheral surface is in contact with at least a portion of the periphery of the opening in the patient tissue.

Abstract: A needle removal device is provided for removing needles from suturing devices and/or systems. In an embodiment, the needle removal device may be intended for use with a suturing device having one or more needle lumens. The needle removal device may include a first member having a first plurality of needle receptacles extending therethrough. The first needle receptacles may be configured and positioned to correspond to one or more of the one or more needle lumens of the suturing device. The needle removal device may also include a second member having a second plurality of needle receptacles extending therethrough. At least one of the first member or the second member may be moveable between a first position, wherein the first needle receptacles and the second needle receptacles are substantially aligned, and a second position, wherein the first needle receptacles and the second needle receptacles substantially unaligned.

Abstract: Suturing systems and needle removal devices for more efficiently removing needles from suturing systems are provide. In some embodiments, a suturing system guide body includes one or more needle lumens that transfer corresponding needles circumferentially around the guide body. Thus, when the needles exit the needle lumens at the proximal end of the guide body, the needles are in closer proximity to one another for removal. Other embodiments include various needle capture devices tools used for removing needles from a suturing system. Needle capture devices and tools can include needle receptacles positioned and configured to generally correspond to the needle lumens of the suturing system. The needle receptacles may be further configured to selectively receive and grasp onto one or more needles extending proximally from the needle lumens of the suturing system.

Abstract: A needle removal device is provided for removing needles from suturing systems. In an embodiment, the needle removal device may include a base member configured to be selectively positioned substantially adjacent a proximal portion of a suturing system. The proximal portion of the suturing system may include a plurality of needle lumens. The needle removal device may also include a plurality of needle receptacles at least partially defined by the base member. The needle receptacles may be positioned and configured to generally correspond to the needle lumens of the suturing system. The needle receptacles may be further configured to selectively receive and grasp onto one or more needles extending proximally from the needle lumens of the suturing system.

Abstract: An introducer sheath and methods of making the introducer sheath are described. The introducer sheath may include a hub portion and a tubular portion. The hub portion may include a substantially non-planar valve portion in a relaxed state. The valve portion may include an aperture configured to receive a medical device. A hub portion may be formed using a forming device. An aperture may be formed through a distal surface of the valve portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for establishing hemostasis relative to a puncture in a lumen wall. A closure device includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion or distal portion rotates during deployment to either close a puncture or plug a puncture to establish hemostasis. A method includes positioning a closure device in a deployment device, positioning the closure device in the tissue tract, and actuating the deployment device to establish relative rotation between the distal portion and the proximal portion of the closure device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for percutaneous repair of an affected area in a blood vessel.

Abstract: An anchor assembly configured to locate and anchor body tissue surrounding an opening in the body tissue. The anchor assembly can include a plurality of anchor elements. Each anchor element can include an elongate portion and an anchor portion extending from the elongate portion. The elongate portion can be configured to be manipulated by a user. The anchor portion can have a contracted configuration capable of passing through the opening in the body tissue and can have an expanded configuration capable of anchoring the body tissue surrounding the opening. The anchor portion and the elongate portion can be integrally formed from a single wire.

Abstract: A suture securing system is provided for use in closing a vessel puncture site while eliminating the need for sutures to be manually tied in knots. The system may include an elongate body comprising a shaft and a barrel slidably mounted on the shaft. A knot replacement element may include an outer surface and an inner lumen configured to receive suture lengths. The knot replacement element may be at least partially positioned within the distal end of the barrel adjacent to the distal portion of the shaft and may be configured to selectively fasten the suture lengths together over the vessel repair site. The system may also include a snare configured to draw the suture lengths through the knot replacement element and at least a portion of the elongate body. A trimmer member may be configured to selectively trim the suture lengths extending from the knot replacement element.