Patent ID: 6139556
Filing Date: 2000-10-31
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A device for sealing an opening in an anatomical structure within a living body such as a blood vessel, the device comprising:a tube including proximal and distal parts coupled together by a central part which extends away from the proximal part to form a gap between a distal end of the proximal part and a proximal end of the distal part, wherein the proximal part includes an end portion which, when the device is in an operative position, is located outside the body;a distal needle lumen extending within the distal part to a distal part opening formed in the proximal end of the distal part;a proximal needle lumen extending within the proximal part to a proximal part opening formed in the distal end of the proximal part so that the proximal part opening faces the distal part opening across the gap;a proximal needle pusher slidably received within the proximal needle lumen for pushing a needle coupled to a length of suture distally through the proximal needle lumen, out of the proximal part opening and across the gap into the distal part opening so that, when the device is positioned with a first portion of the anatomical structure received within the gap, the needle pierces the first portion of the anatomical structure before entering the distal part opening; anda distal needle pusher slidably mounted within the distal needle lumen for pushing a needle proximally out of the distal part opening, across the gap and into the proximal part opening so that, when the device is positioned with a second portion of the anatomical structure received within the gap, the needle pierces the second portion of the anatomical structure prior to entering the proximal part opening.