METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CLOSING VASCULAR PUNCTURE

摘要

A method and apparatus for closing a vascular wound includes a guidewire (58) and/or other surgical implement (32) extending from the wound (w). A sponge-like hemostatic material (80) is advanced over the surgical implement and into contact with an area of the blood vessel (94) surrounding the wound. The surgical implement (32) is removed. Blood (b) soaks the hemostatic material (80), and blood clotting is facilitated by the hemostatic agent within the material. A sealing layer of adhesive (106) can be applied to the sponge-like material (80), confining the blood flow to the sponge. Thus, the vascular puncture wound (w) is sealed by natural blood clot formation.