Biological tissue closure device and method
Devices and methods for biological tissue closure are disclosed. Arteriotomy closure and hemostasis devices and methods are disclosed. A device that can provide a lateral tension across an opening in the tissue and apply energy to seal the tissue is disclosed. Methods for using the device are also disclosed.
1. A method for closing an opening in a biological tissue comprising:
advancing a tensioning element into the opening, wherein the opening is located between an outer surface and an inner surface of a tissue wall;
tensioning the opening with the tensioning element in a lateral direction so that the opening collapses in a longitudinal direction; and
applying a sealer to the opening.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein a first part of the wall is brought to less than about 0.51 mm away from a second part of the wall.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein a first part of the wall is brought to less than about 0.38 mm away from a second part of the wall.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein a first part of the wall is brought to more than about 0.25 mm away from a second part of the wall.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sealer comprises energy.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the energy comprises acoustic energy.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the energy further comprises RF energy.
8. The method of claim 5 , wherein the energy comprises RF energy.
9. The method of claim 5 , wherein the energy comprises conductive heat energy.
10. The method of claim 5 , wherein the energy comprises inductive heat energy.
11. The method of claim 5 , wherein the energy comprises microwave heat energy.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sealer comprises an adhesive.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sealer comprises a filler.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sealer comprises a liquid.
15. The method of claim 12 , wherein the adhesive comprises a liquid adhesive.
16. The method of claim 1 , further comprising aiming the sealer at the opening.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein aiming comprises deploying an aiming device into the opening.
18. The method of claim 1 , further comprising deploying a web into the opening.
19. The method of claim 18 , wherein deploying comprises leaving the web in the opening at least for an extended period following closing the opening.
20. The method of claim 19 , wherein deploying comprises leaving the web in the opening at least until the web is entirely bioabsorbed.
21. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the opening is an arteriotomy.
22. The method of claim 1 , further comprising inserting a hollow member into the opening, and further performing a first surgical procedure through the hollow member, and wherein tensioning then is performed with the hollow member.
23. A method for closing an opening in a biological tissue, comprising:
inserting a closure device into the opening;
bringing a first part of the opening adjacent to a second part of the opening in a longitudinal direction by urging the opening apart in a lateral direction with the closure device while the closure device is positioned within the opening, wherein the opening is located between an outer surface and an inner surface of a tissue wall; and
applying a sealer to the opening.
24. The method of claim 23 , wherein the first part of the opening is brought to less than about 0.51 mm away from the second part of the opening.
25. The method of claim 24 , wherein the first part of the opening is brought to less than about 0.38 mm away from the second part of the opening.
26. The method of claim 25 , wherein the first part of the opening is brought to more than about 0.25 mm away from the second part of the opening.
27. A method for closing an opening, comprising:
inserting a first elongated member into the opening;
inserting a second elongated member into the opening; and
laterally expanding the opening, wherein expanding comprises applying one or more forces on the opening with the first and second elongated members to expand the opening in a first direction so that the opening closes in a second direction, wherein the opening is located between an outer surface and an inner surface of a tissue wall.
28. The method of claim 27 , wherein the opening is an arteriotomy.