Patent ID: 8007512

Claim:
A method for delivering a closure element to seal an opening through tissue, the method comprising: inserting a distal end of an elongate member into an opening through tissue, the elongate member having a distal end, a proximal end, a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end, and a skin overlying at least a portion of the outer surface of the elongate member between the distal end and the proximal end and at least partially overlying a carrier assembly slidably disposed on the elongate member and carrying the closure element; deploying one or more medical devices through the lumen of the elongate member; following removal of the one or more medical devices from within the lumen, locating a portion of a separate actuator assembly in fluid communication with the lumen of the elongate member and advancing the carrier assembly distally along the elongate member from the proximal end towards the distal end of the elongate member with the actuator assembly, thereby advancing the closure element towards the distal end of the elongate member and causing the skin to separate from the outer surface of the elongate member; engaging tissue adjacent the distal end of the elongate member with a plurality of tissue engaging elements on the closure element; and withdrawing the elongate member from the opening, thereby leaving the closure element to close the opening.