Patent ID: 8057510

Claim:
A device for sealing a passage through tissue, comprising: an elongated tubular delivery member having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis; a generally annular body configured for insertion through the tissue to seal the passage, comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends, the lumen comprising a reduced cross-sectional region; and a generally annular sealing member slidably disposed within the lumen of the body, the sealing member comprising a lumen extending between proximal and distal ends thereof, and a plurality of shoulders disposed about the lumen of the sealing member, the shoulders being deflectable towards one another when the sealing member is moved at least partially into the reduced cross-sectional region, wherein the lumen is configured to allow fluid to flow relatively freely before deflection of the shoulders and the shoulders are configured to substantially close the lumen and seal the lumen from fluid flow therethrough after deflection of the shoulders, said sealing member being more flexible than said body, wherein the annular body is releasably secured adjacent the distal end of the elongated tubular delivery member and wherein the elongated tubular delivery member is configured to transmit a force applied along the longitudinal axis of the elongated tubular delivery member at the proximal end to the distal end of the elongated tubular delivery member to move the sealing member into the reduced cross-sectional region of the body and is further configured to engage the annular body and move within the lumen of the annular body.