Patent ID: 8617190

Claim:
A method of performing a procedure on a vessel having a previously made opening, the method comprising: obtaining a device comprising a member having a longitudinal axis and an annular ring configured to be disposed about the member, the annular ring having at least two staple members extending therefrom, the at least two staple members each having a distal portion formed of an elastic material and ending in a sharpened point, the distal portions having a first configuration, where the distal portions are separated by a first distance and wherein the distal portions are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a second configuration, where the distal portions are separated by a second distance, the second distance being less than the first distance; positioning the member at a location near the opening; holding the distal portions of the at least two staple members in the first configuration with the member; penetrating the sharpened points into the tissue adjacent the opening; and removing the member from the annular ring thereby permitting the distal portions to move to the second configuration.