Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus for facilitating closure of an opening in a blood vessel, includes a closure instrument having an elongated member defining a longitudinal axis and proximal and distal ends. The elongated member has a vacuum lumen extending at least a portion of the length thereof for conveying a vacuum and terminating in a vacuum port adjacent the distal end of the elongated member. The distal end of the elongated member is dimensioned to be positioned proximal a vessel opening in a blood vessel whereby vessel edge portions defining the vessel opening are at least drawn toward the vacuum port in response to a vacuum conveyed through the vacuum lumen. At least one surgical clip is mounted adjacent the distal end of the elongated member and is adapted to be formed to an at least partially formed condition thereof. The one clip is positioned with respect to the vacuum port to engage the vessel edge portions drawn toward the vacuum port upon movement of the one clip to the formed condition thereof to generally approximate the vessel edge portions to at least partially close the vessel opening. A method for facilitating closure of an opening in a blood vessel is also disclosed.

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First Claim