Patent ID: 8317822

Claim:
A vessel wound closure system comprising: an introducer having at least one port at a distal end thereof; a dilator extending within the introducer and configured to penetrate a wall of a vessel, the dilator having at least a first groove through which blood flow from the vessel occurs, the first groove being in fluid communication with the at least one port; and a hydratable membrane disposed substantially around the introducer adjacent to the distal end of the introducer, the hydratable membrane being configured to seal a vessel wound upon hydration thereof from blood flow communicated through the first groove and the at least one port, wherein the dilator further comprises at least one flexible member extending proximally and outwardly from a distal end of the dilator, the flexible member being configured to proceed through a tissue tract connected with the vessel wound to prevent the hydratable membrane from snagging, the flexible member being further configured to prevent the hydratable membrane from entering the vessel wound.