Importance

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Abstract

A device for promoting hemostasis in a blood vessel puncture is employed with an introducer that accesses the puncture through an incision. The introducer has an open distal end positionable at the puncture, an external portion with an open proximal end, and an axial channel therebetween. The device includes a hollow catheter, dimensioned to pass through the introducer channel, having a distal end to which is attached an expansible compression element, which may be an inflatable balloon, a collapsible prong assembly, or a resilient foam pad. The compression element is collapsed when the distal end of the catheter is enclosed within the introducer. When the catheter and the introducer are located the desired distance from the puncture, the introducer is displaced axially relative to the catheter to expose the compression element to the subcutaneous tissue, whereupon the compression element is expanded. Pressure is applied to the compression element through the introducer to promote hemostasis by the compression of subcutaneous tissue adjacent the puncture. The device preferably includes a locator member passing through the catheter and into the blood vessel through the puncture. The locator member may be either a guide wire, or a hollow tube with a locating balloon, disposed near the portion of the tube insertable into the vessel. The guide wire may be viewed fluoroscopically to determine the proper distance from the vessel for deployment of the compression element, while the balloon-type locator element uses the inflated locating balloon for determining proper deployment position.

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First Claim