Abstract: A guide sheath for use in guiding a vascular puncture closure device to and in registry with a vascular puncture includes a stabilization system having retention wires deployable from the sheath and engageable with the vessel wall. The retention wires pierce the vessel wall at spaced locations, proximally and distally, about the puncture and form anchors to retain the sheath in registry with the puncture.

Abstract: A self-closing medical staple including a resilient body having an axis and a longitudinal opening, and at least two opposed longitudinal tines spaced about the axis. Each tine is partially enclosed by the body and has a distal end exposed distally of the body. The staple has a closed configuration wherein at least the distal ends of the tines are disposed adjacent to or contacting each other and an open configuration wherein at least the distal ends of the tines are radially separated from each other. A wound closure system includes a mandrel with a flared portion for sliding movement within the longitudinal opening to transform the staple between the open and closed configurations. The system includes a pusher for advancing the staple into tissue surrounding a wound. A method of closing a wound with the self-closing staple is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pledget is provided for use with a surgical staple having a plurality of prongs. The pledget includes a central region that is configured to be retained adjacent to a wound site by the surgical staple. The pledget may promote hemostasis by stemming the flow of blood from a wound that is being closed by the staple. Additionally, the pledget may be provided including physiologically active agents that may inhibit infection, promote extraluminal clotting, and inhibit intraluminal clotting.