Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for closing a tubular structure within a patient's body, e.g., a varicose vein. In one example, the apparatus includes an outer member including a cannula and an inner member carrying a pusher member slidably received within a lumen of the cannula. The cannula is inserted into the patient's body into-and-through the vein, the cannula carrying a clip within the lumen including proximal and distal tines in a stressed state and a filament coupled to one of the proximal tines. The inner member is advanced relative to the outer member to advance the pusher member to expose the distal tines from the distal tip beyond the tubular structure, whereupon the distal tines elastically deform towards a relaxed state at least partially around the tubular structure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for closing a tubular structure within a patient's body, e.g., a varicose vein. In one example, the apparatus includes an outer member including a cannula and an inner member carrying a pusher member slidably received within a lumen of the cannula. The cannula is inserted into the patient's body into-and-through the vein, the cannula carrying a clip within the lumen including proximal and distal tines in a stressed state and a filament coupled to one of the proximal tines. The inner member is advanced relative to the outer member to advance the pusher member to expose the distal tines from the distal tip beyond the tubular structure, whereupon the distal tines elastically deform towards a relaxed state at least partially around the tubular structure.