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Medical hole closure device and methods of use

  • US 5,976,174 A
  • Filed: 12/15/1997
  • Issued: 11/02/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/15/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for use in medical applications to close a hole extending between a first tissue surface and a second tissue surface, the hole having a diameter and an interior edge, the apparatus comprising:

  • a tube having a distal end adapted to be disposed adjacent the first tissue surface, a proximal end adapted to be disposed adjacent the second tissue surface, and a mid-region adapted to be extended through the hole, the tube comprising a flexible material;

    a first expansion ring disposed in the distal end of the tube, the first expansion ring having a deployed diameter greater than the diameter of the hole, the first expansion ring causing the flexible material at the distal end of the tube to conform to the deployed diameter of the first expansion ring; and

    a second expansion ring disposed in the proximal end of the tube, the second expansion ring having a deployed diameter greater than the diameter of the hole, the second expansion ring causing the flexible material at the proximal end of the tube to conform to the deployed diameter of the second expansion ring,wherein the first and second expansion rings are adapted to force the mid-region of the tube radially outward to contact and conform to the interior edge of the hole to seal the hole, without the first and second expansion rings or the tube applying a clamping force to the first and second tissue surfaces.

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