Importance

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Abstract

A device and a method for sealing an opening in an anatomical structure is provided. The device includes a flexible tube including a proximal portion and a distal portion extending along a common axis. The proximal portion is coupled to the distal portion by a central portion, which extends from a distal end of the proximal portion to a proximal end of the distal portion. The central portion bends away from the axis along a curve so that the distal end of the proximal portion faces the proximal end of the distal portion across a gap formed by the central portion. In use, the device is inserted through an opening in a wall of the anatomical structure so that a portion of the wall is received within the gap. A needle, that is attached to a first length of suture, is then inserted through a first needle lumen to an opening formed in the distal end of the proximal portion and crosses the gap penetrating the wall to enter a needle receiving chamber that is formed in the distal portion. The needle bends around the needle receiving chamber to exit the needle receiving chamber at a point opposite the second needle lumen. The needle is withdrawn from the structure via the second needle lumen and the device is rotated to a second position where a second length of suture is drawn through a second portion of the wall and secured to the first length of suture to seal the opening.

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First Claim