EXPANDABLE DEVICE SHEATH FOR VASCULAR CLOSURE PLUG DEPLOYMENT

摘要

The present disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for closing and/or sealing an opening in a vessel wall and/or an adjacent tissue tract. In some cases, the device includes a sheath having a distal end that can expand radially as needed. In some cases, the distal portion of the sheath is weakened so that it may tear in a predetermined manner. In some cases, the distal portion of the sheath is weakened so that it may deform plastically in a predetermined manner. In some cases, the distal portion of the sheath or the entire sheath may be folded so that it unfolds in a predetermined manner. In general, each of these sheaths may have a relatively small introduction profile, may have a distal portion that can expand to a larger diameter than the introduction profile during use, and can be collapsed again to a smaller profile for removal.

主权项

1. A vascular closure device, comprising:
an insertion sheath having a lumen therethrough; a device sheath having a distal end capable of being inserted into the lumen of the insertion sheath, the device sheath expandable at or near its distal end; a handle extending from a proximal end of the device sheath, the handle capable of being coupled to the insertion sheath; an expandable vascular plug disposed within the distal end of the device sheath; and wherein the device sheath expands at or near its distal end as the vascular plug is expanded.