Patent ID: 7803172
Filing Date: 2010-09-28
Classification: A61B,A61K,A61L

Abstract:
1. A method for sealing a puncture extending through tissue to a body lumen using an apparatus comprising an elongate positioning member carrying a cartridge on a proximal end thereof, the cartridge carrying therein a plug comprising lyophilized hydrogel and a pusher member adjacent the plug, the method comprising: introducing a distal end of the positioning member into the puncture with the cartridge adjacent the proximal end until a positioning element thereon is disposed within the body lumen; expanding the positioning element within the body lumen; at least partially withdrawing the positioning member from the puncture until the expanded positioning element contacts a wall of the body lumen adjacent the puncture; advancing the cartridge over the positioning member into the puncture until the pusher member passes over a feature on the positioning member that prevents the pusher member from being retracted proximally; and retracting the cartridge while the feature prevents the pusher member from retracting proximally to deploy the plug from the cartridge within the puncture, thereby exposing the plug to bodily fluid, whereupon the lyophilized hydrogel expands to substantially seal the puncture.