Methods for sealing a vascular puncture

摘要

Apparatus and methods for sealing a puncture communicating with a blood vessel are provided that include introducing a porous carrier formed from lyophilized hydrogel or other material into the puncture. The plug may include at least one of first and second hydrogel precursors and a pH adjusting agent carried by the porous carrier in an unreactive state prior to exposure to an aqueous physiological environment. Once exposed to bodily fluids, the carrier expands as the lyophilized material hydrates to enhance and facilitate rapid hemostasis of the puncture. When the plug is placed into the puncture, the natural wetting of the plug by bodily fluids (e.g., blood) causes the first and second precursors to react and cross-link into an adhesive or “sticky” hydrogel that aids in retaining the plug in place within the puncture.

主权项

1. An apparatus for sealing a puncture extending through tissue, comprising:
a tubular member comprising a proximal end, a distal end sized for insertion through the puncture, a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends, and a distal opening in communication with the lumen; a plug disposed within the lumen, the plug comprising a first precursor disposed on at least a portion of an exterior of a core of the plug, the first precursor remaining in an unreactive state prior to exposure to an aqueous physiological environment in the tissue whereupon the first precursor reacts to form a sticky hydrogel to retain the plug in place within the puncture; and a pusher member slidable within the lumen of the tubular member for deploying the plug through the lumen and out the distal opening of the tubular member, wherein the plug and/or hydrogel are swellable in the physiological environment.