Importance

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Abstract

A collapsible medical device for use, e.g., as a vascular sealer. The device includes a sheath adapted to be positioned such that a distal end thereof is adjacent the opening. A mandrel is disposed within a lumen of the sheath and is adapted to be positioned such that a distal length thereof is adjacent the distal end of the sheath. A collapsible sealing member comprises a fluid-impervious film carried by a plurality of wires. The wires are attached to the mandrel and expand radially outward therefrom. In one method of using such a device, the sealing member is held in a collapsed position within the sheath. The sealing member is advanced through the sheath and beyond the distal end thereof, whereby the sealing member resiliently expands. The sealing member is positioned against the inner wall of the blood vessel adjacent the opening, thereby effecting a temporary seal of the opening. The sealant is introduced into the tissue tract. After hardening, the sealing member is collapsed within the sheath. The sheath the sealing member collapsed therein (together with any existing introducer) are then withdrawn proximally from the patient.

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First Claim