Closure device

Abstract

A closure device for closing an opening in tissue is provided. The closure device according the present invention includes a delivery system for deploying a closure element, wherein the closure element is movable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration to close an opening in tissue. The closure device of the present invention may further include a charge of hemostatic material.

1 .- 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A method of closing an opening in a blood vessel, the method comprising:
 positioning a closure element through the opening in the blood vessel and within a lumen of a tubular member, the tubular member applying a radial compressive force to the closure element;   following expanding of a distal portion of the closure element from a pre-deployed configuration to a deployed configuration, engaging an inside portion of the blood vessel with the distal portion of the closure element; and   following engaging the inside portion of the blood vessel with the closure element through proximal movement of the closure element and deployment of a proximal portion of the closure element from a pre-deployed configuration to a deployed configuration, engaging a proximal portion of the closure element with an outside portion of the blood vessel.   
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , further comprising releasing the closure element from an elongate member releasably connected to the closure element. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein releasing the closure element comprises cutting the elongate member. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein releasing the closure element comprises applying a force to a weakened portion to break the elongate member. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the closure element is made from bioabsorbable, bioerodible, biodegradable, and/or bioresorbable material. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 26 , further comprising positioning the closure element at a predetermined depth within the tubular member with at least a portion of the closure element extending beyond a distal end of the tubular member. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the closure element has a curved distal end in cross section. 
     
     
         33 . A method of closing an opening in tissue of a blood vessel, the method comprising:
 positioning a closure element within a lumen of a tubular member and within the blood vessel, the tubular member having a bias and applying a radial compressive force to the closure element, a portion of the closure element extending distally beyond a distal end of the tubular member in a pre-deployed configuration of a distal portion of the closure element;   following expanding of the distal portion of the closure element from the pre-deployed configuration to a deployed configuration, withdrawing the closure element proximally to engage an inside portion of the blood vessel with the distal portion of the closure device;   following contacting the inside portion of the blood vessel with the closure element, deploying a proximal portion of the closure element from a pre-deployed configuration to a deployed configuration;   engaging the proximal portion of the closure element with an outside portion of the blood vessel; and   releasing the closure element from an elongate member releasably connected to the closure element.   
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein expanding of the distal portion of the closure element comprises proximally withdrawing the elongate member to at least partially move the portion of the closure element which is distal an intermediate portion of the closure element towards the intermediate portion. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein deploying the proximal portion of the closure element comprises proximally withdrawing the elongate member to at least partially move the portion of the closure element which is distal the intermediate portion of the closure element towards a proximal portion of the closure element. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35 , further comprising locking the proximal portion in the deployed configuration. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein engaging the proximal portion of the closure element with the outside portion of the blood vessel applies a clamping force upon the blood vessel. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising positioning a hemostatic agent proximal the proximal portion. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising deploying a hemostatic material on or adjacent to the opening in the tissue. 
     
     
         40 . A method of closing an opening in a blood vessel, the method comprising:
 positioning a closure element within the blood vessel and at least partially extending from a distal end of a tubular member, the tubular member having a bias and applying a radial compressive force to the closure element;   reconfiguring a distal, tissue engaging portion of the closure element from a pre-deployed configuration to a deployed configuration;   withdrawing the closure element proximally to engage an inside portion of the blood vessel with the distal, tissue engaging portion, a portion of the distal;   following contacting the inside portion of the blood vessel with the closure element, deploying a proximal portion of the closure element from a pre-deployed configuration to a deployed configuration;   engaging the proximal portion of the closure element with an outside portion of the blood vessel; and   releasing the closure element from an elongate member releasably connected to the closure element.   
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40 , further comprising locking a position of the distal portion. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 40 , further comprising locking a position of the proximal portion. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein a portion of the closure element to which the elongate member extends through is positioned proximal the proximal portion engaging with the outside portion of the blood vessel. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein the elongate member extends through a portion of the closure element. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 40 , further comprising compressively restraining the proximal portion of the closure device within the tubular member.