Patent ID: 6024755
Filing Date: 2000-02-15
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A clamp for sealing tissues during introduction of a medical device, comprising:a generally cone-shaped housing having an outer surface, a proximal end, a distal end, wherein the diameter of said proximal end is larger than the diameter of said distal end, and a lumen therebetween, the lumen adapted to receive a medical device for introduction through body tissues, the outer surface of the housing being generally smooth and tapered from the proximal to the distal end, the proximal end of the housing having an annular surface which lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lumen; anda collar operably connected to the proximal end of the housing by a plurality of struts, the collar having a central opening aligned with the lumen of the housing for passage of the medical device, and an annular surface which surrounds the opening and is operable to engage the annular surface of the housing to clamp tissue therebetween, and thereafter release the tissue by releasing the clamp.