SELF-CLOSING DEVICES AND APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND DELIVERING THEM

摘要

A self-closing device for implantation within a patient's body includes base material including an inner surface area for securing the base material to a tissue structure, and a plurality of support elements surrounding or embedded in the base material. The support elements are separable to accommodate creating an opening through the base material for receiving one or more instruments through the base material, and biased to return towards a relaxed state for self-closing the opening after removing the one or more instruments. The device may be provided as a patch, cuff, or integrally attached to a tubular graft or in various shapes.