Importance

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Abstract

A method and device for sealing an opening in an anatomical structure within a living body involves the positioning of the tissue adjacent to the opening within a gap formed by a central part of a flexible tube between proximal and distal parts thereof. A movable surface coupled to the central part is also provided so that, in a first configuration, the movable surface is substantially continuous with outer surfaces of the proximal and distal parts and, in a second configuration, the movable surface projects away from the outer surfaces of the proximal and distal parts. A first needle coupled to a suture loop is drawn from a needle retention channel formed within the distal part through the tissue received in the gap and into a needle receiving channel formed within the proximal part. After the device has been rotated to a second position, the procedure is repeated and a second needle attached to the suture loop is drawn through the tissue in the same manner. The two ends are knotted together and tightened to seal the opening in the anatomical structure.

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First Claim