Closure device

[0001] This U.S. patent application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application having Ser. No. 61/139,995, filed on Dec. 22, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to medical devices, and more particular to device, apparatus, and methods for managing access through tissue.

[0003] Catheterization and interventional procedures, such as angioplasty or stenting, generally are performed by inserting a hollow needle through a patient's skin and tissue into the vascular system. A guide wire may be advanced through the needle and into the patient's blood vessel accessed by the needle. The needle is then removed, enabling an introducer sheath to be advanced over the guide wire into the vessel, e.g., in conjunction with or subsequent to a dilator.

[0004] A catheter or other device may then be advanced through a lumen of the introducer sheath and over the guide wire into a position for performing a medical procedure. Thus, the introducer sheath may facilitate introducing various devices into the vessel, while minimizing trauma to the vessel wall and/or minimizing blood loss during a procedure.

[0005] In practice, the introducer sheath is generally inserted into the patient's vasculature using the modified Seldinger technique. In the Seldinger technique, a needle is first inserted into the vessel and a guidewire then follows through the needle. Next, the needle is removed and a sheath/dilator combination is advanced over the guidewire. The dilator expands the puncture in the vessel to a size suitable to receive the distal end of an introducer sheath. After the distal end of the sheath is disposed within the vessel, the dilator and guidewire are removed, thereby allowing access to the vessel lumen or other body lumen via the inserted introducer sheath.

[0006] Upon completing the procedure, the devices and introducer sheath would be removed, leaving a puncture site, i.e. an arteriotomy in the vessel wall. Traditionally, external pressure would be applied to the puncture site until clotting and wound sealing occur; however, the patient must remain bedridden for a substantial period after clotting to ensure closure of the wound. This procedure, however, may be time consuming and expensive, requiring as much as an hour of a physician's or nurse's time. It is also uncomfortable for the patient and requires that the patient remain immobilized in the operating room, catheter lab, or holding area. In addition, a risk of hematoma exists from bleeding before hemostasis occurs. Risks of additional complications can also include pseudo aneurism, retro-peritoneal hematoma, and/or A-V fistula.

[0007] Various apparatus have been suggested for percutaneously sealing a vascular puncture by occluding the puncture site. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,192,302 and 5,222,974, issued to Kensey et al., describe the use of a biodegradable plug that may be delivered through an introducer sheath into a puncture site. Another technique has been suggested that involves percutaneously suturing the puncture site, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,304,204, issued to Hathaway et al. Such apparatuses were designed for permanent deployment, without regard for subsequent removal.

[0008] Devices and methods are disclosed herein for a closure device. A closure device includes a body movable from a pre-deployed configuration towards a deployed configuration, a plurality of tissue-engaging portions extending from the body. Two or more of the tissue-engaging portions are separated by a first distance in the deployed configuration and a second distance in the pre-deployed configuration. The first distance can be smaller than the second distance. The closure device also includes a plurality of device-capture features secured to or forming part of the body. The device-capture features can be engaged to move the tissue-engaging portions to a separation greater than the first distance.

[0009] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention claimed. The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the method and system of the invention. Together with the description, the figures serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0035] It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are generally represented by like-reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. It also should be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of examples of the present invention.

[0036] Devices and methods are disclosed herein for managing access through tissue. In particular, several examples are described below in which a closure device may be deployed to close an opening in a body lumen. At some point after the device has been deployed to close the opening in the body lumen, such as after the hole in the body lumen has healed, it may be desirable to remove the closure device. In at least one example, the closure device includes device-capture features. The device-capture features may provide access points for an external device to engage the closure device for removal from the patient as desired. Alternatively, the device-capture features may provide access points usable to move, reposition, or expand the closure device to provide access to the body lumen while maintaining the closure device, or at least a portion of the closure device, within the patient. For instance, the closure device can be expanded sufficiently to allow a guidewire, catheter, introducer sheath or other medical instrument access through skin, tissue, body lumen, etc. Additional information regarding the functionality and capabilities of a closure device usable to gain medical instrument access subsequent to an initially performed medical procedure can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/767,818, filed Jun. 25, 2007, entitled “Methods, Devices, and Apparatus for Managing Access Through Tissue”, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Several examples of closure devices with several configurations of device-capture features as well as methods for removing closure devices are also described in more detail below.

[0037] Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A-1D show a first example of a closure device 100 for managing access through tissue. The closure device 100 may be used for closing an incision, puncture, or other passage through tissue. In some examples, the closure device 100 may close communication with a blood vessel or other body lumen (not shown). The closure device 100 may include a body 105. In the present example, the body 105 may be generally annular in shape and/or may surround a central axis 110. As used herein, an “annular-shaped body” may include any hollow body, e.g., including one or more structures surrounding an opening, whether the body is substantially flat or has a significant thickness or depth. Thus, although an annular-shaped body may be circular, it may include other noncircular shapes as well, such as elliptical or other shapes that are asymmetrical about a central axis. In other examples, the body 105 may include other shapes and/or may not have a central axis 110. In some examples, the shape of the body 105 can be shaped according to how the arteriotomy is shaped upon dilation.

[0038] The closure device 100 for managing access through tissue may include a plurality of tissue-engaging portions 115 extending from the body 105. The tissue-engaging portions 115 may include edges 125 and/or tip portions 120. Portions of the tissue-engaging portions 115 may include tip portions 120 that are sharp and/or obtuse. Parts of the tissue-engaging portions 115 also include edges 125. In some examples, the tissue-engaging portions 115 may not have edges such that they are generally rounded.

[0039] In the present example, the tip portions 120 may be obtuse to facilitate engaging the tissue. In some examples where the tip portion 120 is obtuse, the tip portion 120 may not substantially penetrate the tissue, but rather may engage the tissue to manage access through the tissue. For example, if the closure device 100 for managing access through tissue were used with an opening in a body lumen, the tip portions 120 may not penetrate through the tissue into the body lumen, but rather may engage the tissue near the opening (although in some examples, the tip portions 120 may partially penetrate the tissue). Engaging tissue may include using frictional forces and/or other forces to manipulate the tissue. For example, in an example where the tissue-engaging portions 115 have tip portions 120 that are obtuse, the tip portions 120 may engage the tissue such that, as the closure device 100 moves back toward the deployed configuration, the tissue is pulled closed. In other examples, the tip portion 120 may substantially penetrate the tissue. In further examples, the tip portions 120 of primary tissue-engaging portions (not shown) may substantially penetrate the tissue while the tip portions 120 of secondary tissue-engaging portions (not shown) may not substantially penetrate the tissue. Other configurations of the tissue-engaging portions 115 and their tip portions 120 may be used.

[0040] In the present example, the body 105 may include a plurality of looped or curved elements 130 that may be connected to one another to form the body 105. Each looped element 130 may include an inner or first curved region 135 and an outer or second curved region 140. The first and second curved regions 135, 140 may be out of phase with one another and/or may be connected alternately to one another, thereby defining an endless sinusoidal pattern. Alternatively, other generally zigzag patterns may be provided that repeat periodically, e.g., saw tooth or square tooth patterns (not shown), instead of a sinusoidal pattern, thereby defining inner and outer regions that may alternate about the body 105.

[0041] FIG. 1A shows the closure device 100 in a deployed configuration. In the present example, when the closure device 100 is in the deployed configuration, the first curved regions 135 may define an inner periphery 145 of the body 105 and the closure device 100, and the second curved regions 140 may define an outer periphery 150. Regardless of the configuration of the device, the closure device 100 includes device-capture features 155.

[0042] The device-capture features 155 are secured to one or more of the curved elements 130. In addition, the device-capture features 155 may be located within or on the inner periphery 145 and/or outside of or on the outer periphery 150. Further, any number of device-capture features 155 may be located at the described locations and/or at other locations on the closure device 100. In the illustrated example, the device-capture features 155 are located on several of the curved regions 140. The device-capture features 155 allow the closure device 100 to be disengaged from tissue to allow the closure device 100 to be removed, moved, repositioned, or generally manipulated. The deployment of the closure device 100 will first be discussed, followed by a discussion of alternative configuration of devices with device-capture features.

[0043] The plurality of tissue-engaging portions 115 may be biased to extend towards one another. In the present example, the tissue-engaging portions 115 may be biased generally inwardly into the space bounded by the inner periphery 145. In other configurations, the tissue-engaging portions 115 may be biased toward the central axis 110. In other examples, at least two of the tissue-engaging portions 115 may be biased to extend towards each other.

[0044] In the present example, the tissue-engaging portions 115 may be disposed on the first curved regions 135 and/or oriented toward the central axis 110 when the closure device 100 is in the deployed configuration. The tissue-engaging portions 115 may be provided in pairs opposite from one another, as in the present example. The tissue-engaging portions 115 may be provided symmetrically with respect to the central axis 110 and/or may be provided asymmetrically.

[0045] Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the tissue-engaging portions 115 may be disposed on alternating first curved regions 135. Thus, at least one period of a zigzag pattern may be disposed between adjacent tissue-engaging portions 115, which may enhance flexibility of the closure device 100, as explained further below.

[0046] In the deployed configuration, shown in FIG. 1A, the tissue-engaging portions 115 may be separated by a first distance, i.e., d₁. FIGS. 1B and 1C illustrate the device in a pre-deployed configuration. In the pre-deployed configuration, the tissue-engaging portions 115 and the inner curved regions 135 of the body are rotated out of plane relative to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1B. As shown in FIG. 1B, the body 105 and/or the tissue-engaging portions 115 may be deflected into the pre-deployed configuration. In the present example, the tissue-engaging portions 115 may extend transversely with respect to a plane defined in the deployed configuration, thereby defining the pre-deployed configuration for the closure device 100.

[0047] In other examples, the body 105 and/or the tissue-engaging portions 115 in the pre-deployed configuration may not extend transversely with respect to a plane defined in the deployed configuration. For example, the body 105 and/or the tissue-engaging portions 115 in the pre-deployed configuration may remain in a plane defined in the deployed configuration. In another example, the body 105 and/or the tissue-engaging portions 115 in the pre-deployed configuration may move out of, optionally not completely transverse to, a plane defined in the deployed configuration.

[0048] In the pre-deployed configuration, shown in FIG. 1B, the tissue-engaging portions 115 may be separated by a second distance, i.e., d₂. In the present example, the first distance d₁ (FIG. 1A) and the second distance d₂ (FIG. 1B) may be measured from the tip portions 120 of two tissue-engaging portions 115. In other examples, the first and second distances d₁, d₂ may be measured from another portion of the tissue-engaging portions 115, for example from the base (not shown) of the tissue-engaging portions 115. The first distance d₁, in the present example, may be smaller than the second distance d₂, such that the distance d₁ in the deployed configuration may be smaller than the distance d₂ in the pre-deployed configuration.

[0049] The distances d₁, d₂ may vary before deployment, pre-deployment, and/or when providing access through the tissue post deployment. With continued reference to FIGS. 1B-1C, before being deployed in tissue, the closure device 100 for managing access through tissue may be substantially in the pre-deployed configuration such that two tissue-engaging portions 115 may be separated by about the second distance d₂. When deployed in tissue, the closure device 100 may be substantially in the deployed configuration illustrated in FIG. 1A such that the two tissue-engaging portions 115 may be separated by about the first distance d₁.

[0050] In the present example, the tissue-engaging portions 115 may be oriented substantially parallel to the central axis 110 in the pre-deployed configuration, as shown in FIG. 1C. In this pre-deployed configuration, the body 105 may have a generally annular shape defining a length, 11, which may extend generally parallel to the central axis 110, and may correspond generally to an amplitude of the zigzag pattern. The body 105 may be sufficiently flexible such that the closure device 100 may assume a generally circular or elliptical shape, as shown in FIG. 1B, e.g. substantially conforming to an exterior surface of a delivery device (not shown) used to deliver the closure device 100 for managing access through tissue.

[0051] The tissue-engaging portions 115 and/or body 105 may be biased to move from the pre-deployed configuration towards the deployed configuration of FIG. 1A. Thus, with the tissue-engaging portions 115 in the pre-deployed configuration, the tissue-engaging portions 115 may penetrate and/or be engaged with tissue at a puncture site. When the closure device 100 is released, the tissue-engaging portions 115 may attempt to return towards one another (i.e., the distance may decrease from the second distance d₂ toward the first distance d₁) as the closure device 100 moves towards the deployed configuration, thereby drawing the engaged tissue together and substantially closing and/or sealing the puncture site, as explained further below.

[0052] The looped elements 130 may distribute stresses in the closure device 100 for managing access through tissue as the device moves between the deployed and pre-deployed configurations, thereby generally minimizing localized stresses that may otherwise plastically deform, break, and/or otherwise damage the closure device 100 during delivery. In addition, when the closure device 100 is in the pre-deployed configuration, the looped elements 130 may be movable between a compressed state, such as that shown in FIG. 1D, and an expanded state, such as that shown in FIG. 1C (where opposite ends 160a, 160b are connected to one another). The body 105 may be biased towards the expanded state, but may be compressed to the compressed state, e.g., by constraining the closure device 100. Alternatively, only a portion of the body 105 may be biased towards the expanded state. For example, in the present example, the first curved regions 135 and/or the looped elements 130 may be biased towards the compressed state. Furthermore, the looped elements 130 may reduce the force required to be exerted on the closure device 100 to transition the closure device 100 from the deployed configuration to the pre-deployed configuration before loading onto a delivery device (not shown).

[0053] With the closure device 100 in the pre-deployed configuration, the looped elements 130 may be circumferentially and/or radially compressed to the compressed state until the closure device 100 defines a first diameter or circumference 165a, such as that shown in FIG. 1D. The closure device 100 may be constrained in the compressed state, e.g., by loading the closure device 100 onto a carrier assembly or a delivery device (not shown), as described further below. When released from the constraint, e.g., when deployed from the carrier assembly, the closure device 100 may automatically expand towards the expanded state, such as that shown in FIG. 1C, thereby defining a second diameter or circumference 165b. Thus, the curved elements 130 may facilitate reducing the profile of the closure device 100 during delivery, e.g., to facilitate introducing the closure device 100 through a smaller puncture or passage. Once the closure device 100 is deployed entirely from the delivery device, the looped elements 130 may resiliently expand as the closure device 100 returns towards the deployed configuration.

[0054] After the closure device 100 is deployed, it may be desirable to remove the closure device 100. For example, it may be desirable to remove the closure device 100 once the tissue has healed that was closed by the closure device 100. As previously introduced, the device-capture features 155 facilitate removal of the closure device.

[0055] FIG. 1D illustrates the closure device 100 being expanded to draw the tissue-engaging portions 115 from engagement with tissue. In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 1D the device-capture features 155 may each be moved away from the central axis 110. The device-capture features 155 are secured to the looped elements 130. Accordingly, as the device-capture features 155 are moved away from the central axis 110, the curved elements 130, including the tissue-engaging portions 115, are also drawn away from the central axis 110. The distance the device-capture features 155 move may result in the tissue-engaging portions 115 being at a distance from each other that is larger than distance d₁ illustrated in FIG. 1A, corresponding to the distance between the tissue-engaging portions 115 at a deployed state.

[0056] The distance the device-capture features 155 moves may be sufficient for the tissue-engaging portions 115 to be drawn from engagement with the tissue. Once the tissue-engaging portions 115 are drawn from engagement with the tissue, the closure device 100 may be moved parallel to the central axis 110. Movement of the device-capture features parallel to the central axis 110 may cause the closure device 100 to return toward the pre-deployment position in which the curved elements 130 are generally parallel to the central axis 110. Accordingly, the device-capture features 155 facilitate the removal of the closure device 100 after the closure device 100 has been deployed.

[0057] Additionally, the device-capture features 155 may be configured to allow a practitioner to locate the device-capture features 155. For example, the device-capture features 155 may include radiopaque markers or other markers visible using external imaging, such as fluoroscopy and/or ultrasound. In at least one example, the closure device 100 may be coated with radiopaque material, which may be a high-density material such as gold, platinum, platinum/iridium, and the like.

[0058] Alternatively, a closure device 100 may be partially coated with radiopaque material by using masking techniques. For example, the entire closure device 100 may first be coated with radiopaque material. The closure device 100 may then be masked at locations where the radiopaque coating is desired. For example, the looped elements 30 of the closure device 100 may be left unmasked during this process if it is desired to leave the looped elements 30 uncoated by radiopaque material. This may be desirable, e.g., to prevent radiopaque material from adversely affecting the flexibility of the body 105. The closure device 100 may then be treated to remove the radiopaque material from the unmasked areas, in this example, the body 105. The masking may then be removed using conventional processes, leaving the rest of the closure device 100 coated with radiopaque material, including the device-capture features 155.

[0059] In some examples, the device 100 may include a bioactive agent. The bioactive agent may be associated with a base coat and/or top coat and/or incorporated or otherwise applied to a supporting structure of the closure device 100.

[0060] The bioactive agent may have any therapeutic effect. Examples of suitable therapeutic properties may include anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, anti-coagulant, anti-fibrin, antithrombonic (check spelling), antimitotic, antibiotic, antiallergic, antioxidant properties, and/or other therapeutic properties.

[0061] For example, a bioactive agent may be used to reduce scar tissue response when the closure device 100 is deployed in tissue. Reducing scar tissue response, structural tissue response, restenosis, and/or thrombosis may facilitate access to the tissue after the closure device 100 is deployed. For example, if a device did not use a beneficial agent to reduce scar tissue response, structural tissue response, restenosis, and/or thrombosis after deployment, these and/or other tissue responses may hinder future access to the tissue.

[0062] In some examples, silver and/or alloys of silver may be incorporated into at least a portion of the closure device 100. For example, silver and/or alloys of silver may be included as a component of a mixture that may be incorporated into the material of the closure device 100. In examples where a closure device 100 is formed from a sheet of material, the sheet of material may include silver and/or alloys of silver as a component of the material. In examples where the closure device 100 is formed from a wire as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,719,777, the wire may include silver and/or alloys of silver as a component of the wire.

[0063] In other examples, at least a portion of the closure device 100 may include a coating that includes silver and/or alloys of silver as a component of the coating. For example, a coating of silver and/or alloys of silver may be applied to a portion of the surface of the closure device 100. Coatings may be applied using various coating methods. Coating methods may include physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, ion beam assisted deposition, electroplating and/or other coating methods. Physical vapor deposition may include sputter deposition and/or other physical vapor deposition methods.

[0064] FIG. 2 illustrates a device 200 similar to the closure device 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D in which similar parts have similar numbers that are increased by 100. Accordingly, the device 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a body 205 having tissue engagement portions 215 disposed generally curved regions 235 of curved elements 230. Device-capture features 255 are also secured to the curved regions 235 of the curved elements. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the device-capture features 255 are located generally about an inner periphery 245.

[0065] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative example in which the device-capture features 355 are secured to a combination of curved regions 335 and curved regions 340 of curved elements 330. As a result, device-capture features 355 are disposed generally about an inner periphery 345 as well as about an outer periphery 350. As will be discussed in more detail below, device-capture features may be secured to inner portions and/or outer portions as well as other portions of devices having various configurations as described below. Regardless of the configuration of the devices and the configuration of the device-capture features, device-capture features allow devices to be removed from engagement with tissue after the devices have been deployed. More generally, the device-capture features allow a closure device to be removed, moved, repositioned, or generally manipulated.

[0066] FIG. 4 summarizes one example of a method for removing a device with device-capture features. It will be understood that a similar method may be used to move, reposition, or generally manipulate the closure device. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the method begins at step 400 with deployment of a device having device-capture features. In one example, a deployment device may be used to deploy the device in a similar manner as described above. As previously introduced, at some point it may be desirable to remove the device, such as after the tissue the device is engaging has healed. While a removal process is described herein, it will be appreciated that the device may be left in engagement with the tissue indefinitely.

[0067] To remove the device the method continues at step 410 when an external device engages the device-capture features. In at least one example, a removal device can engage the device. Engaging the external device can include initially locating the device and introducing a distal end of the removal device into proximity with the device and into proximity with the engagement points in particular.

[0068] Once the device-capture features have been engaged, at step 420 the device-capture features are moved to cause tissue engagement portions to be withdrawn from engagement with the corresponding tissue. In at least one example, moving the device to cause the tissue engagement portions to be withdrawn from engagement with tissue includes moving the device-capture features in such a manner as to cause the device to return toward a pre-deployed position. This movement may include moving the device-capture features away from a central axis of the device and/or moving the device-capture features parallel to the central axis. Once the tissue-engaging portions are withdrawn from engagement with the tissue, the device may be withdrawn at step 430.

[0069] Accordingly, the method provides for removal of devices with device-capture features after the devices have been deployed. Such a method may be performed on devices having any number of body configurations as well as device-capture features. Several device configurations will now be discussed below that include device-capture features coupled thereto. The devices illustrated and discussed below include device-capture features that are located toward outer peripheries of the devices. It will be appreciated that such configurations are provided only to illustrate various device configurations and that device-capture features may be provided at other locations on the device, such as toward, within, and/or on the inner periphery and in combinations in which device-capture features are located both toward, within, on, and/or outside of the outer periphery of the device. Further, it will be appreciated that device-capture features may also be secured to the body by intermediate members as well as by any other suitable structure.

[0070] FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate another example of a closure device 500 that includes device-capture features 555. The closure device 500 may include a generally annular shaped body 505 defining a plane and disposed about a central axis 500 extending through the plane. The body 505 may include a plurality of looped elements 530 that are connected to one another to form the body 505, similar to the example of FIGS. 1A-1E. Each looped element 530 may include an inner or first curved region 535 and an outer or second curved region 540, in a deployed configuration (shown in FIG. 5A). Similar to the example of FIGS. 1A-1D, the first and second curved regions 535, 540 may form an endless sinusoidal pattern or other generally zigzag pattern. When the closure device 500 is in the deployed configuration, which may be substantially planar in the present example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the first curved regions 535 may define an inner periphery 545, and the second curved regions 540 may define an outer periphery 550.

[0071] Unlike the previous example, the closure device 500 for managing access through tissue of the present example may include only one pair of primary tissue-engaging portions 515a. The primary tissue-engaging portions 515a may have a length 11, although alternatively each of the primary tissue-engaging portions 515a may have a different length than one another.

[0072] Although the length, l₁, is illustrated as extending from a curved region 535, 540, beyond the central axis 510, it may be possible for the length, l₁, to be less than this distance, such as a length defined from a curved region 535, 540 to the central axis 510 or a length defined from a curved region 535, 540 toward, but not passing the central axis 510. The primary tissue-engaging portions 515a may be disposed in one or more opposing pairs, e.g., on opposing first curved regions 535, and may be oriented towards and/or across the central axis 510 in the planar configuration. In the deployed configuration, the primary tissue-engaging portions 515a may be sufficiently long such that the primary tissue-engaging portions 515a at least partially overlap one another, i.e., extend across the central axis 510 towards an opposing tissue-engaging portion 515a. Therefore, the tip portions 520 of the primary tissue-engaging portions 515a may extend past the central axis 500 and/or the primary tissue-engaging portions 515a in each pair may lie substantially parallel to each other when the closure device 500 for managing access through tissue is in the deployed configuration. Each of the primary tissue-engaging portions 515a may include a variety of tip portions 520 and/or edges 525.

[0073] In the deployed configuration, shown in FIG. 5A, the primary tissue-engaging portions 515a may be separated by a first distance, i.e., d₁. In a pre-deployed configuration, shown in FIG. 5B, the primary tissue-engaging portions 515a may be separated by a second distance, i.e., d₂. In the present example, the first and second distances d₁, d₂ may be measured from the base (not shown) of the two primary tissue-engaging portions 515a. In other examples, the first and second distances d₁, d₂ may be measured from another portion of the primary tissue-engaging portions 515a, for example from tip portion 520 of the primary tissue-engaging portions 515a. The first distance d₁, in the present example, may be smaller than the second distance d₂, such that the distance d₁ in the deployed configuration may be smaller than the distance d₂ in the pre-deployed configuration.

[0074] The distances d₁, d₂ may vary before deployment, pre-deployment, and/or when providing access through the tissue post deployment. In the present example, before being deployed in tissue, the closure device 500 for managing access through tissue may be substantially in the pre-deployed configuration such that the two primary tissue-engaging portions 515a may be separated by about the second distance d₂. When deployed in tissue, the closure device 500 may be substantially in the deployed configuration such that the two primary tissue-engaging portions 515a may be separated by about the first distance d₁. When providing access to the tissue after being deployed in tissue, the closure device 500 may be moved from the substantially deployed configuration toward and/or to the pre-deployed configuration.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 5B, the body 505 and/or the primary tissue-engaging portions 515a may be deflected into the pre-deployed configuration, similar to the example of FIGS. 1A-1D. In the present example, the primary tissue-engaging portions 515a may extend transversely with respect to a plane defined in the deployed configuration, thereby defining the pre-deployed configuration for the closure device 500.

[0076] The primary tissue-engaging portions 515a and/or body 505 may be biased to move from the pre-deployed configuration towards the deployed configuration of FIG. 5A. Thus, with the primary tissue-engaging portions 515a in the pre-deployed configuration, the primary tissue-engaging portions 515a may penetrate and/or be engaged with tissue at a puncture site. When the closure device 500 is released, the primary tissue-engaging portions 515a may attempt to return towards one another (i.e., the distance may decrease from the second distance d₂ toward the first distance d₁) as the closure device 500 moves towards the deployed configuration, thereby drawing the engaged tissue together and substantially closing and/or sealing the puncture site, as explained further below.

[0077] The primary tissue-engaging portions 515a of the present example may include the tip portions 520 and/or edges 525. For example, the tip portions 520 and/or edges 525 of the primary tissue-engaging portions 515a, in the present example, may be obtuse.

[0078] FIGS. 6A-6G illustrate a further example of a closure device 600 for managing access through tissue according to the present invention. In the present example, the device 600 may include a body 605. The body may include looped elements 630 and tissue-engaging portions 615, similar to the previous examples. The reference numbers for elements of the device 600 are consistent with like elements used for the devices 100, 200, 300, and 500.

[0079] The device 600 for managing access through tissue of the present example may include a plurality of primary tissue-engaging portions 615a and a plurality of secondary tissue-engaging portions 615b. Each of the primary and secondary tissue-engaging portions 615a, 615b may include a variety of tip portions 650 and/or edges 625.

[0080] The primary tissue-engaging portions 615a may be similar to the primary tissue-engaging portions 515a of the previous example. However, each of the secondary tissue-engaging portions 615b may be disposed on a first or inner curved region 605, such that one or more secondary tissue-engaging portions 615b may be provided between opposing pairs of primary tissue-engaging portions 615a. Each of the secondary tissue-engaging portions 615b may have a length l₂ that is substantially less than the length, l₁, of the primary tissue-engaging portions 615a.

[0081] Although the length, l₁, is illustrated as extending from a curved region 635, 640, beyond the central axis 610, it may be possible for the length, l₁, to be less than this distance, such as a length defined from a curved region 635, 640 to the central axis 610 or a length defined from a curved region 635, 640 toward, but not passing the central axis 610. A secondary tissue-engaging portion 615b may be disposed on either side of each primary tissue-engaging portion 615a in the present example. For example, the device 600 for managing access through tissue may include first and second primary tissue-engaging portions 615a. Each of the first and second primary tissue-engaging portions 615a may include a secondary tissue-engaging portion 615b on either side of it. Thus, the device 600 may include a total of two primary tissue-engaging portions 615a and four secondary tissue-engaging portions 615b. The secondary tissue-engaging portions 615b, in the present example, may be disposed substantially symmetrically about the central axis 610. The tissue-engaging portions 615a, 615b may be provided on every other first curved regions 605. For example, a first curved region 605 having neither a primary tissue-engaging portion 615a nor a secondary tissue-engaging portion 615b may separate each adjacent tissue-engaging portion, e.g., between two adjacent secondary tissue-engaging portions 615b, or between a secondary tissue-engaging portion 615b and a primary tissue-engaging portion 615a. The primary and secondary tissue-engaging portions 615a, 615b may also include other orientations and arrangements.

[0082] The device 600 may be moved from the deployed configuration of FIG. 6A to the pre-deployed configuration, as shown in FIGS. 6B-6D. In the present example, the body 605 and/or the tissue-engaging portions 615a, 615b may be deflected into the pre-deployed configuration such that they extend transversely with respect to the plane defined in FIG. 6A. The primary tissue-engaging portions 615a and/or secondary tissue-engaging portions 615b may be oriented substantially parallel to the central axis 610 in the pre-deployed configuration, as shown in FIGS. 6B-6D. In the pre-deployed configuration of the present example, the body 605 may have a generally annular shape defining a length, LE₁, which extends generally parallel to the central axis 610, and corresponds generally to an amplitude of the sinusoidal pattern. The body 605 may be sufficiently flexible such that the device 600 may assume a generally circular or elliptical shape, as shown in FIG. 6B, e.g., conforming to an exterior surface of a delivery device (not shown).

[0083] The tissue-engaging portions 615a, 615b may be biased towards one another and/or towards the central axis 610, i.e., due to the bias of the device 600 towards the deployed configuration of FIG. 6A. With the device 600 in the pre-deployed configuration, the device 600 may be delivered such that the primary tissue-engaging portions 615a, in the present example, may entirely penetrate the wall of a blood vessel or other body lumen, while the secondary tissue-engaging portions 615b may only partially penetrate and/or engage the wall due to their relative lengths. In other examples, the primary tissue-engaging portions 615a may partially penetrate the wall of a blood vessel or other body lumen, while the secondary tissue-engaging portions 615b may partially penetrate and/or engage the wall due to their relative lengths. In further examples, the primary tissue-engaging portions 615a may engage the wall of a blood vessel or other body lumen, while the secondary tissue-engaging portions 615b may penetrate and/or engage the wall due to their relative lengths.

[0084] In the deployed configuration, shown in FIG. 6A, the primary tissue-engaging portions 615a may be separated by a first distance, i.e., d₁. In a pre-deployed configuration, shown in FIG. 6B, the primary tissue-engaging portions 615a may be separated by a second distance, i.e., d₂. In the present example, the first and second distances d₁, d₂ may be measured from the base (not shown) of the two primary tissue-engaging portions 615a. In other examples, the first and second distances d₁, d₂ may be measured from another portion of the primary tissue-engaging portions 615a, for example from the tip portions 620 of the primary tissue-engaging portions 615a. The first distance d₁, in the present example, may be smaller than the second distance d₂, such that the distance d₁ in the deployed configuration may be smaller than the distance d₂ in the pre-deployed configuration.

[0085] The distances d₁, d₂ may vary before deployment, pre-deployment, and/or when providing access through the tissue post deployment. In the present example, before being deployed in tissue, the device 600 for managing access through tissue may be substantially in the pre-deployed configuration such that the two primary tissue-engaging portions 615a may be separated by about the second distance d₂. When deployed in tissue, the device 600 may be substantially in the deployed configuration such that the two primary tissue-engaging portions 615a may be separated by about the first distance d₁. When providing access to the tissue after being deployed in tissue, the device 600 may be moved from the substantially deployed configuration substantially toward and/or to the pre-deployed configuration.

[0086] The looped elements 630 may be expandable between a compressed state, as shown in FIG. 6C, and an expanded state, as shown in FIG. 6D, similar to the example of FIGS. 1C and 1D. The looped elements 630 may be biased to the expanded state, but may be resiliently compressed to the compressed state, e.g., by constraining the device 600.

[0087] As described in connection with FIG. 6A, each of the secondary tissue-engaging portions 615b may have a length l₂ that is substantially less than the length, l₁, of the primary tissue-engaging portions 615a. Although the length, l₁, in FIG. 6G is illustrated as extending from a curved region 605, 640, beyond the central axis 610, it may be possible for the length, l₁, to be less than this distance, such as a length defined from a curved region 605, 640 to the central axis 610 or a length defined from a curved region 605, 640 toward, but not passing the central axis 610, as described in connection with FIGS. 6A and 6E.

[0088] Turning to FIG. 7, another example of a device 700 is shown that, similar to the devices described above, may include a plurality of looped elements 730 that interconnect to form a body 705. One or more device-capture features 755 are secured to the body 705. For example, each looped element 730 may have a first or inner curved region 735 and a second or outer curved region 740. The device-capture features 755 may be secured to either or both of the curved regions 735, 740. Primary tissue-engaging portions 715a may be disposed on opposing first curved regions 735. Secondary tissue-engaging portions 715b may be provided on first curved regions 735 on either side of each primary tissue-engaging portion 715a. In addition, a first curved region 735 without a tissue-engaging portion 715a, 715b may separate adjacent tissue-engaging portions. Although the length, l₁, is illustrated as extending from a curved region 735, 740, beyond a central axis, it may be possible for the length, l₁, to be less than this distance, such as a length defined from a curved region 735, 740 to the central axis or a length defined from a curved region 735, 740 toward, but not passing the central axis.

[0089] The device 700 may also include stop members 770 on one or more of the tissue-engaging portions 715a, 715b, e.g., adjacent the respective first curved region 735. Each stop member 770 may be blunt-shaped. For example, the stop members 770 may be shaped generally triangularly with an apex 775 of the stop member 770 extending from the first curved region 735, and the tissue-engaging portion 715a, 715b extending from a wide or blunt base 775 of the stop member 770. During use, the blunt bases 775 may limit penetration of the respective tissue-engaging portions 715a, 715b into tissue by reducing an effective length of the respective tissue-engaging portion 715a, 715b. For example, when the tissue-engaging portions 715a, 715b are driven into tissue, the tissue-engaging portions 715a, 715b may penetrate the tissue until the blunt bases 775 contact the tissue, whereupon the tissue-engaging portions 715a, 715b may be prevented from penetrating further into the tissue. Stop members 770 may be used in other examples to decrease the amount of the tissue-engaging portion 715a, 715b that penetrates and/or engages surrounding tissue. Each of the tissue-engaging portions 715a, 715b may include a variety of tip portions 720 and/or edges 725.

[0090] FIGS. 8A-8E show a further example of a device 800 that includes device-capture features 855. The device 800 may include a peripheral body 805 and a plurality of tissue-engaging portions 815. Each tissue-engaging portion 815 may include a pair of legs 817 terminating in a tip portion 820. In the present example, the tissue-engaging portions 815 may be configured for penetrating and/or otherwise engaging tissue. Each of the tissue-engaging portions 815 may include a variety of tip portions 820 and/or edges 825. The tissue-engaging portions 815 may be disposed substantially symmetrically about a central axis 810. The body 805 may include a plurality of expandable elements 840 that may be connected by hinged regions 822. The hinged regions 822 may also connect adjacent tissue-engaging portions 815.

[0091] FIG. 8A shows the device 800 in a deployed configuration. In the present example, the deployed configuration may be a substantially planar configuration. In other examples, the deployed configuration may be another type of configuration, as shown, for example, by the examples shown in FIGS. 17-20.

[0092] As shown in FIGS. 8B and 8D, the tissue-engaging portions 815 may be deflected such that they extend from the body 805 substantially transversely with respect to the plane defined by the device 800. In the examples of FIG. 8B-8D, the tissue-engaging portions 815 may be oriented substantially parallel to the axis 810 to define a pre-deployed configuration.

[0093] In the deployed configuration, shown in FIG. 8A, the tissue-engaging portions 815 may be separated by a first distance, i.e., d₁. In the pre-deployed configuration, shown in FIG. 8D, the tissue-engaging portions 815 may be separated by a second distance, i.e., d₂. In the present example, the first and second distances d₁, d₂ may be measured from a tip portion 820 of the tissue-engaging portions 815. In other examples, the first and second distances d₁, d₂ may be measured from another portion of the tissue-engaging portions 815, for example from the base (not shown) of the tissue-engaging portions 815. The first distance d₁, in the present example, may be smaller than the second distance d₂, such that the distance d, in the deployed configuration may be smaller than the distance d₂ in the pre-deployed configuration.

[0094] The tissue-engaging portions 815 may define an angle with respect to the axis 810, as shown in FIG. 8E, to define a removal configuration. The device 800 may move substantially toward a removal configuration after the device 800 has been deployed. In the present example, while in the removal configuration, the body 805 may have a generally annular shape, e.g., a hexagonal shape as shown in FIG. 8E. In other examples, the device 800 may take other shapes in the removal configuration.

[0095] In at least one example, the device-capture features 855 may be captured and moved away from the central axis 810 while maintaining the device 800 in substantially the same plane as when the device 800 is in the deployed configuration. In the removal configuration, the tissue-engaging portions 815 may be moved a sufficient distance to withdraw the tissue-engaging portions 815 from the tissue.

[0096] For example, in the removal configuration, the tissue-engaging portions 815 may be separated by a third distance, i.e., d₃. In the present example, the first and third distances d₁, d₃ may be measured from a tip portion 820 of the tissue-engaging portions 815. In other examples, the first and third distances d₁, d₃ may be measured from another portion of the tissue-engaging portions 815, for example from the base (not shown) of the tissue-engaging portions 815. The first distance d₁, in the present example, may be smaller than the third distance d₃, such that the distance d₁, in the deployed configuration may be smaller than the distance d₃ in the access configuration.

[0097] The removal configuration shown in FIG. 8E may provide an example of a removal configuration and/or pre-deployed that may be within the same plane as the deployed configuration. In other examples, a removal configuration and/or pre-deployed may extend away from a plane in the deployed configuration, though the pre-deployed configuration may not be transverse to the plane. In further examples, a removal configuration and/or pre-deployed configuration may both extend away from a plane in the deployed configuration, though the access and/or pre-deployed configuration may not be transverse to the plane, and away from a central axis 810.

[0098] The body 805 may be sufficiently flexible such that the device 800 may assume a generally circular or elliptical shape, as shown in FIG. 8D, e.g., conforming to an exterior surface of a delivery device (not shown) used to deliver the device 800.

[0099] In addition, the expandable elements 820 may be expandable from a compressed state, shown in FIG. 8B, to an expanded state, shown in FIG. 8C. The expandable elements 820 may be biased to the expanded state, but may be compressed to the compressed state, e.g., by constraining the device 800. In some examples, the device 800 may be formed with the expandable elements 820 in the expanded state.

[0100] With the closure device 100 in its pre-deployed configuration, the expandable elements 820 may be circumferentially and/or radially compressed to the compressed state such that the device 800 defines a first diameter 855a, shown in FIG. 8B. The device 800 may be constrained at the first diameter 855a, e.g., by loading the device 800 into a delivery device (not shown), as described further below. When released from the constraint, e.g., when deployed from the delivery device, the device 800 may automatically expand to a second diameter 855b, shown in FIG. 8C. Thus, the expandable elements 820 may reduce the profile of the device 800 for managing access through tissue during delivery, e.g., to facilitate introduction of the device 800 through a smaller puncture or other passage.

[0101] Although the lengths, l₁, are illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C as extending from a curved region (not shown), beyond the central axis (not shown), it may be possible for the length, l₁, to be less than this distance, such as a length defined from a curved region to the central axis or a length defined from a curved region toward, but not passing, the central axis.

[0102] Turning to FIG. 9, another example of a closure device 900 for managing access through tissue according to the present invention is shown. The closure device 900 may include a body 905, a plurality of tissue-engaging portions 915, and/or a plurality of expandable elements 930 that may interconnect adjacent tissue-engaging portions 915. The body 905 may include outer curved regions 940 that may extend between adjacent tissue-engaging portions 915, thereby defining an outer periphery (not shown) for the closure device 900. The expandable elements 930, in the present example, may be spring elements.

[0103] The closure device 900 may be moveable between a deployed configuration, which is substantially planar in the present example, such as that shown in FIG. 9, and a pre-deployed configuration, which is substantially transverse to the deployed configuration in the present example. The closure device 900 may be biased towards the deployed configuration.

[0104] In the present example, the expandable elements 930 may generally be hollow diamond shaped elements, including curved inner regions 935 oriented towards the central axis 910 of the body 905 when the closure device 900 is in the deployed configuration. The expandable elements 930 may serve multiple purposes. One purpose may include biasing the closure device 900, e.g., allowing the closure device 900 to at least partially expand resiliently. For example, when the closure device 900 is deflected into the pre-deployed configuration (not shown), the expandable elements 930 may allow the tissue-engaging portions 915 to be moved away from the central axis 910 and/or one another. Thus, during deployment, the tissue-engaging portions 915 may be deflected radially outwardly or otherwise expanded to engage a larger area of tissue.

[0105] As the tissue-engaging portions 915 are expanded, the expandable elements 930 may deform to become wider (along a dimension extending generally between the adjacent tissue-engaging portions 915) and shorter (along a dimension extending generally parallel to the tissue-engaging portions 915). Once a force causing the tissue-engaging portions 915 to expand is removed, the expandable elements 930 may resiliently try to return towards their original shape, thereby pulling the tissue-engaging portions 915 substantially closer towards one another towards the deployed configuration.

[0106] Finally, after the closure device 900 is deployed, e.g., the tissue-engaging portions 915 have penetrated and/or engaged the tissue, the curved inner regions 935 may return towards the deployed configuration, and may pinch or otherwise engage tissue between the inner curved regions 935 and the adjacent tissue-engaging portions 915. Thus, contracting the expandable elements 930 may enhance the ability of the closure device 900 to seal a puncture site, e.g., by pulling engaged tissue inwardly towards the central axis 910 of the closure device 900.

[0107] After the closure device 900 has been deployed, the expandable elements 930 may be expanded by applying a force to the device-capture features 955 as described above. Accordingly, the device-capture features 955 allow the closure device 900 to be removed, moved, repositioned, or generally manipulated after deployment.

[0108] FIG. 10 illustrates, a further example of a closure device 1000. The device 1910 (not labeled) may be substantially similar to the device 900 shown in FIG. 9, with the exception of the shape of the expandable elements 1030. In the present example, rather than diamond shaped elements 930 in FIG. 9, the expandable elements 1030 may be looped elements generally defining a circular shape.

[0109] Turning now to FIG. 11, this is another example of a closure device 1100 having device-capture features 1155. The closure device 1100 may include a body 1105 that may be generally annular-shaped and/or may define a plane. In the present example, the body 1105 may be disposed about a central axis 1110 that may extend through the plane. The body 1105 may include a plurality of outer curved elements 1130 that may extend between adjacent tissue-engaging portions 1115 and may be connected to each other to form the body 1105. When the closure device 1100 is in the deployed configuration, a substantially planar configuration in the present example as shown in FIG. 11, the curved elements 1130 may define an outer periphery 1150 of the closure device 1100.

[0110] The tissue-engaging portions 1115 may be curved or arcuately shaped and may include tip portions 1111 that may extend toward the central axis 1110 when the closure device 1100 is in a deployed configuration. The curves of the tissue-engaging portions 1115 may all be in phase with one another such that the tissue-engaging portions 1115 spiral about the central axis 1110. This may allow a length of the tissue-engaging portions 1115 to be maximized for a given diameter of the body 1105.

[0111] For example, the tissue-engaging portions 1115 may have a length that is greater than a radius of the body 1105 without the tip portions 1111 of the tissue-engaging portions 1115 touching one another. Thus, due to the arcuate shape of each tissue-engaging portion 1115, the tissue-engaging portions 1115 of the closure device 1100 may be generally longer than the straight tissue-engaging portions of the previous devices having comparable diameters. The tissue-engaging portions 1115 may, therefore, penetrate deeper into and/or apply more pressure to tissue than the tissue-engaging portions of the other devices.

[0112] The body 1105 and/or the tissue-engaging portions 1115 of the closure device 1100 may be deflected until the tissue-engaging portions 1115 extend transversely with respect to the deployed configuration, thereby defining a pre-deployed configuration (not shown), which may be transverse in the present examples. In the pre-deployed configuration, the tissue-engaging portions 1115 may be oriented substantially parallel to the central axis 1110. Additionally, the tissue-engaging portions 1115 and/or body 1105 may be biased to move from the pre-deployed configuration towards the deployed configuration. The closure device 1100 may be delivered in substantially the same manner as will be described with respect to other devices of the present invention. Similarly, the closure device 1100 may be withdrawn from engagement with the tissue by applying force to one or more of the device-capture features 1155.

[0113] Turning to FIG. 12, this is another example of a device 1200 having device-capture features 1255. The device 1200 may include a peripheral body 1205 and a plurality of tissue-engaging portions 1215. Each tissue-engaging portion 1215 may include a pair of legs 1217 terminating in a tissue-engaging portion 1215. The tissue-engaging portions 1215 may be disposed substantially symmetrically about a central axis 1210. The body 1205 may include a plurality of expandable elements 1230. The expandable elements 1230 may be connected by hinged regions 1222 that may also connect adjacent tissue-engaging portions 1215.

[0114] The tissue-engaging portions 1215 may be deflected from a deployed configuration, shown in FIG. 12, to a pre-deployed configuration (not shown). In the present example, the tissue-engaging portions 1215 may be deflected such that they extend substantially transversely from the body 1205 to the pre-deployed configuration. In this pre-deployed configuration, the tissue-engaging portions 1215 may be oriented substantially parallel to the axis 1210 such that the body 1205 has a generally annular shape (not shown). The tissue-engaging portions 1215 may be biased from the pre-configured configuration towards the deployed configuration shown in FIG. 12.

[0115] The expandable elements 1230 may have a generally arcuate shape that may be expandable from a first width to a second wider width by applying a force to the device-capture features 1255, behaving similarly to the diamond-shaped cells of the example shown in FIGS. 8A-8E. Thus, the expandable elements 1230 may be biased to the expanded state, but may be compressed to the compressed state, as described above.

[0116] Turning to FIG. 13, this is another example of a closure device 1300 having device-capture features 1355. The device-capture features 1355 are configured to have a force applied thereto to withdraw tissue-engaging portions 1315 from engaging with the tissue. The closure device 1300 may include a peripheral body 1305 including a plurality of legs 1317 extending between tissue-engaging portions 1315, expandable elements 1330, and/or hinged regions 1322. The closure device 1300 may be formed from a single sheet of material, similar to examples described above.

[0117] The tissue-engaging portions 1315 may be biased to a deployed configuration, as shown. The body 1305 may be deflectable to a pre-deployed configuration (not shown). In the present example, the tissue-engaging portions 1305 may be oriented substantially transversely with respect to the plane of the sheet in the pre-deployed configuration. The body 1305, and particularly the legs 1317 in the present example, may be sufficiently flexible such that the closure device 1300 may assume a generally annular shape in the pre-deployed configuration, e.g., to facilitate loading of the closure device 1300 for managing access through tissue onto a delivery device (not shown).

[0118] The expandable elements 1330 may be substantially enclosed loops that may at least partially open from a compressed state (shown in FIG. 23), to an expanded state (not shown). The loops may be biased to the expanded state, similar to examples described above, thereby allowing the closure device 1300 for managing access through tissue to assume a reduced diameter and an expanded diameter.

[0119] Turning to FIG. 14, this is a further example of a closure device 1400 having device-capture features 1455. The closure device 1400, in the present example, may include two expandable elements 1430. The expandable elements 1430 may be disposed in a substantially symmetrical arrangement to facilitate expansion of the closure device 1400 in a generally uniform manner.

[0120] In a further example of a closure device 1500 with device-capture features 1555 shown in FIG. 15, the closure device 1500 may include primary tissue-engaging portions 1515a having a first length l₁, and secondary tissue-engaging portions 1515a having a second length l₂ that may be substantially shorter than the first length l₁. In the present example, the closure device 1500 may be deployed such that the primary tissue-engaging portions 1515a penetrate into and/or engage tissue, i.e., the wall of a blood vessel, body lumen, and/or other tissue, while the secondary tissue-engaging portions 1515b may engage extra-vascular tissue, i.e., tissue between the vessel wall and the patient's skin. Thus, the closure device 1500 may simultaneously close both the opening in the vessel wall and the passage through the intervening tissue.

[0121] Turning to FIG. 16, another example of a closure device 1600 for managing access through tissue is shown, in accordance with the present invention. The closure device 1600 may include a peripheral body 1605 and a plurality of tissue-engaging portions 1615 (not labeled). Each tissue-engaging portion 1615 may include a pair of legs 1617 terminating in a tip portion 1620 configured for penetrating and/or otherwise engaging tissue. The tissue-engaging portions 1615, in the present example, may be disposed substantially symmetrically about a central axis 1610. The body 1605 may include a plurality of expandable elements 1620 that are connected by hinged regions 1622 that also connect adjacent tissue-engaging portions 1615. The expandable elements 1620 may behave similar to examples described above.

[0122] The closure device 1600 that includes device-capture features 1655. In the present example, the tissue-engaging portions 1615 may be disposed radially outward in a substantially planar configuration in the deployed configuration. The tissue-engaging portions 1615 may be deflected such that they extend from the body 1605 in a pre-deployed configuration. In the present example, the tissue-engaging portions 1615 may be deflected such that they extend from the body 1605 substantially transversely with respect to the plane defined by the sheet (similar to FIG. 8C), in a pre-deployed configuration (not shown).

[0123] The tissue-engaging portions 1615 may be biased from the pre-deployed configuration away from one another, i.e., towards the deployed configuration. Thus, with the tissue-engaging portions 1615 in the pre-deployed configuration, the tip portions 1620 may penetrate into and/or be engaged with tissue. When the closure device 1600 for managing access through tissue is released, e.g., from within a delivery device (not shown), the tissue-engaging portions 1615 may be biased to return to the deployed configuration, thereby securing the tissue with respect to the closure device.

[0124] In addition, the closure device 1600 for managing access through tissue may include expandable elements 1620 that may be expandable from a compressed state to an expanded state (similar to FIG. 8C), similar to some of the previous examples. The expandable elements 1620 may be biased to the expanded state, but may be compressed to the compressed state, e.g., by constraining the closure device 1600. Alternatively, any of the devices described herein may be biased to the compressed state but may be expanded to the expanded state, e.g., by constraining the closure device through tissue over a sheath or other elongated member.

[0125] The devices for managing access through tissue of the present invention may be delivered using various apparatus and methods. An exemplary apparatus 1700 suitable for delivering a device 300 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 17. Other suitable apparatus that may be used to deliver a device 300 of the present invention are disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/427,297, entitled “Clip Applier and Methods of Use”, filed Jun. 28, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and which is assigned to the assignee of the present application. The disclosures of this application and any references cited therein are expressly incorporated by reference.

[0126] The apparatus 1700 may include an introducer sheath 1752 and/or a housing or carrier assembly 1754 slidably disposed on the sheath 1752. The sheath 1752 may include a substantially flexible or semi-rigid tubular body 1758 including a lumen 1760 extending between its proximal and distal ends 1762, 1764. In some embodiments, the distal end 1764 may have a size and/or shape configured to facilitate insertion into a blood vessel, e.g., having a tapered tip for facilitating substantially atraumatic introduction through the passage and at least partially into the vessel. In other embodiments, the distal end 1764 may have other sizes and/or shapes. The lumen 1760 may have a size and/or shape for inserting one or more devices therethrough. In the present embodiment, the lumen 1760 may be configured to receive one or more medical devices, such as a catheter, guide wire, and/or other medical devices (not shown). The sheath 1752 may include one or more seals (not shown), such as a hemostatic valve, within the lumen 1760 at or near the proximal end 1762 that may provide a fluid-tight seal, while yet accommodating the insertion of one or more devices into the lumen 1760 without fluid passing proximally from the sheath 1752.

[0127] Optionally, the sheath 1752 may include a side port 1766 that may communicate with the lumen 1760, for example, to deliver fluids into the lumen 1760. Alternatively, or in addition, the side port 1766 may be used to provide a “bleed back” indicator.

[0128] The apparatus 1700 may also include a mechanical locator or obturator 1800. This mechanical locator or obturator may be part of an actuator assembly (not shown) that may be attachable to the proximal end of the sheath 1752. Alternatively, the mechanical locator or obturator 1800 may be a separate device that is insertable into the lumen 1760, e.g., through the actuator assembly. Generally, the obturator 1800 may be an elongate member including a plunger handle 1810, a plunger 1812, a distal tip 1814 and a distal portion 1816. The distal tip 1814 may be substantially soft and/or flexible such that the distal tip 1814 may substantially atraumatically enter tissue. The distal portion 1816 generally includes one or more wings or other expandable elements 1818 for providing tactile feedback, as described further below.

[0129] The carrier assembly 1754 may be slidably disposed on an exterior of the sheath 1752. The carrier assembly 1754 may be configured for releasably carrying a device 300 for managing access through tissue (shown in phantom), which may incorporate elements of the various embodiments of the devices described herein. The carrier assembly 1754 may be substantially permanently attached to the sheath 1752 and/or may be actuated from the proximal end 1762 of the sheath 1752, for example, by the actuator assembly (not shown), to advance the device 300 distally during deployment. Alternatively, the device 300 may be carried by an actuator assembly.

[0130] Turning to FIGS. 18A-18F, the apparatus 1700 may be used to deliver the device 300 for managing access through tissue. In the present example, the device 300 may be used to substantially close and/or seal an incision, puncture, or other passage 1792 that extends from a patient's skin 1794, through intervening tissue 1796, and into a wall 1798 of a vessel 1790 or other body lumen. Alternatively, the apparatus 1700 may be used to deliver the device 300 to engage tissue in other procedures, e.g., to connect tissue segments together or otherwise to secure tissue structures with respect to one another. For example, the apparatus 1700 and device 300 may be used to attach an anastomosis during a bypass procedure. In another example, the apparatus 1700 and device 300 may be used to close an aperture (i.e. a puncture, cut, tear, and/or other aperture) on the surface of the patient's skin 1794. Although the device 300 and/or apparatus 1700 may be useful in a variety of procedures, the following example illustrates the usefulness of the device 300 and/or apparatus 1700 to substantially close and/or seal an incision, puncture, or other passage 1792 that extends from a patient's skin 1794, through intervening tissue 1796, and into a wall 1798 of a vessel 1790 or other body lumen.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 18A, the sheath 1752 may be inserted or otherwise positioned within the vessel 1790, i.e., through the passage 1792. The sheath 1752 may be advanced over a guide wire or other rail (not shown) previously positioned through the passage 1792 into the vessel 1790 or advanced in conjunction with a pointed stylet directly through tissue using conventional procedures. The vessel 1790, in the present example, may be a peripheral vessel, such as a femoral, radial, or carotid artery, although other body lumens may be accessed using the sheath 1752.

[0132] The passage 1792, and consequently the sheath 1752, may be oriented at an angle “alpha” with respect to the vessel 1790, thereby facilitating introducing devices through the lumen 1760 of the sheath 1752 into the vessel 1790 with minimal risk of damage to the vessel 1790. One or more devices, such as a guide wire, a catheter, and the like (not shown), may be inserted through the sheath 1752 and advanced to a desired location within the patient's body. In the present example, the devices may be used to perform a first therapeutic or diagnostic procedure, such as angioplasty, atherectomy, stent implantation, and/or other procedure, within the patient's vasculature. In other examples, other procedures may be performed.

[0133] After the first procedure is complete, any devices used during the procedure may be removed from the sheath 1752, and the obturator 1800 may be inserted into the lumen 1760. For example, the obturator 1800 may be part of an actuator assembly (not shown), and may be advanced through the lumen when the actuator assembly is attached to the proximal end of the sheath 1752. Alternatively, the actuator assembly and obturator 1800 may be coupled separately to the sheath 1752.

[0134] When the obturator 1800 is fully inserted within the sheath 1752, the distal portion 1816 of the obturator 1800 may extend beyond the distal end 1764 of the sheath 1752. In an alternative embodiment, the obturator 1800 may be attached to an exterior surface (not shown) of the sheath 1752, for example, along a track, e.g., including cooperating slots, grooves, and the like (not shown) in the sheath 1752 and obturator 1800.

[0135] Turning to FIG. 18B, the expandable elements 1818 on the distal portion of the obturator 1800 may then be directed to their expanded configuration, for example, by activating a switch on the proximal end (not shown) of the obturator 1800. In some embodiments, the sheath 1752 and obturator 1800 may be coupled to one another, such that the sheath 1752 and obturator 1800 may be moved in conjunction with one another.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 18C, the sheath 1752 may be partially withdrawn from the vessel 1790, until the expandable elements 1818 contact the wall 1798 of the vessel 1790. Thus, the expandable elements 1818 may provide a tactile indication of the position of the sheath 1752 with respect to the wall 1798 of the vessel 1790. In addition, the expandable elements 1818 may assist in “presenting” the wall 1798 of the vessel 1790, e.g., for receiving the device 300.

[0137] Generally, the device 300 may be carried by the carrier assembly 1754 before the first procedure. The device 300 may be constrained in its pre-deployed configuration on the carrier assembly 1754, and the carrier assembly 1754 may be provided on and/or adjacent to the proximal end of the sheath 1752. Because the tissue engaging portions, which may include primary and secondary tissue engaging portions 315a, 315b may be biased towards one another, the tissue engaging portions 315a, 315b may slidably contact an inner surface (not shown) of the carrier assembly 1754 or an outer surface of the sheath 1752, thereby constraining the device 300 in its pre-deployed configuration.

[0138] Turning to FIG. 18D, with the sheath 1752 properly positioned, the carrier assembly 1754 may then be actuated, for example, to advance the carrier assembly 1754 distally over the sheath 1752 to deliver the device 300. The carrier assembly 1754 may only be advanced a predetermined fixed distance relative to the distal end of the sheath 1752, and consequently, the expandable elements 1818 of the obturator 1800, such that the device 300 may substantially engage the wall 1798 of the blood vessel 1790. This predetermined distance may facilitate properly deploying the device 300 with respect to the wall 1798 of the vessel 1790, e.g., to prevent advancing the device 300 too far, i.e., into the vessel 1790.

[0139] As the device 300 is deployed from the carrier assembly 1754, the device 300 may be expanded to an enlarged diameter, as described, for example, in connection with FIGS. 1A-1D. In the present embodiment, a distal end of the carrier assembly 1754 may include a ramped region (not shown) that may deflect the tissue engaging portions 315a, 315b, and/or the body of the device 300 radially outwardly. As the device 300 is advanced over the ramped region, the tissue engaging portions 315a, 315b may be deflected radially outwardly, as they are being driven into the surrounding tissue, thereby engaging a larger region of tissue than if the tissue engaging portions 315a, 315b had been maintained substantially axially.

[0140] Alternatively, the device 300 may include expandable looped elements and/or spring elements (not shown), such as those described above, that may facilitate expanding the device 300 as it is deployed from the carrier assembly 1754 and/or the sheath 1752. For example, the looped elements of the device 300 may be compressed when the device 300 is loaded into the carrier assembly 1754, e.g., thereby allowing a relatively smaller profile carrier assembly 1754 to be used. The device 300 may automatically expand upon deployment from the carrier assembly 1754 to engage a larger region of tissue surrounding the opening, such as an arteriotomy 1791 in the wall 1798 of the vessel 1790 (see FIG. 19A).

[0141] Once the device 300 is deployed entirely or otherwise released from the sheath 1752, the device 300 may resiliently move towards its deployed configuration, such as the substantially planar configuration shown in FIG. 19B. Although the length l₁ in FIG. 19B is illustrated as extending from a curved region (not shown), beyond the central axis, it may be possible for the length l₁ to be less than this distance. For instance, the length can be a length defined from a curved region to the central axis or a length defined from a curved region toward, but not passing the central axis, as discussed previously.

[0142] During delivery of the device 300, radiopaque markers (not shown) on the device 300, the carrier assembly 1754, and/or the expandable members 1818 may be monitored, e.g., using fluoroscopy, to facilitate observing and/or positioning the apparatus 1700. Thus, a relative position of the device 300 with respect to the expandable elements 1818, and consequently to the wall 1798 of the vessel 1790, may be ascertained before the device 300 is deployed from the carrier assembly 1754. Markings may also assist in locating a deployed device 300.

[0143] Turning to FIGS. 18A and 18B, in some embodiments, the expandable elements 1818 of the obturator 1800 may be rotationally offset from the one or more tissue engaging portions 315a on the device 300. For example, if the device 300 includes primary tissue engaging portions (such as those shown in FIGS. 3A-3D), the obturator 1800 and device 300 may have a predetermined relative angular orientation about the central axis 24. In the present example, the device 300 may be loaded onto the carrier assembly 1754 in a predetermined angular orientation and the obturator 1800 may be receivable in the sheath 1752 only in a predetermined angular orientation that is offset such that the tissue engaging portions 315a, 315b are out of axial alignment with the expandable elements 1818, as shown in FIG. 19A.

[0144] This predetermined rotational orientation may substantially minimize the possibility of the primary tissue engaging portions 315a contacting and/or damaging the expandable elements 1818. For example, with particular reference to FIG. 19A, a relative angular orientation of the device 300 and obturator 1800 is shown relative to an arteriotomy 1791 in the wall 1798 of the vessel 1790. Here, the expandable elements 1818 may be oriented to crisscross diagonally the arteriotomy 1791 within the interior of the vessel 1790. Because of the natural structure of the tissue in the wall of a vessel, an arteriotomy generally tends to adopt an elongate shape that extends transversely to the direction of flow (i.e., across the circumference of the vessel wall).

[0145] The primary tissue engaging portions 315a may be oriented such that the primary tissue engaging portions 315a pierce and/or engage the wall 1798 of the vessel 1790 on either side of the arteriotomy 1791, as shown. With the expandable elements 1818 crisscrossing diagonally, risk of contact with the primary tissue engaging portions 315a may be substantially reduced. Thus, in some embodiments, the primary tissue engaging portions 315a may be sufficiently long to extend entirely through the wall 1798 of the vessel 1790 while avoiding the expandable elements 1818.

[0146] The expandable elements 1818 may then be collapsed and/or withdrawn into the distal end 1764 of the sheath 1752. As the device 300 is released entirely from the sheath 1752, the primary tissue engaging portions 315a may partially overlap, as shown in FIG. 4A, thereby pulling the arteriotomy 1791 closed, similar to a single-thread suture. For example, the expandable elements 1818 may be automatically collapsed immediately before or after the device 300 is deployed from the carrier assembly 1754 or when the carrier assembly 1754 reaches its extreme distal position. In the present embodiment, the distal portion 1816 of the obturator 1800 may be collapsed and retracted into the sheath 1754 after the primary and/or secondary tissue engaging portions 315a, 315b have pierced and/or engaged the wall 1798 of the vessel 1790, but before the device 300 is entirely released from the sheath 1752.

[0147] In addition, if the device 300 includes secondary tissue engaging portions 315b (such as those shown in FIG. 19B), the secondary tissue engaging portions 315b may penetrate (partially in the present example) and/or engage the wall 1798 of the vessel 1790 during deployment of the device 300. In the present example, the lengths of the secondary tissue engaging portions 315b may be relatively short or stop members (not shown) may be provided that may prevent the primary and/or secondary tissue engaging portions 315a, 315b from piercing entirely through the wall 1798. When the device 300 is released, the primary and/or secondary tissue engaging portions 315a, 315b may pull the tissue inwardly, behaving somewhat similarly to a purse-string suture, to enhance closing the arteriotomy 1791.

[0148] Once the device 300 is successfully deployed into the wall 1798 of the vessel 1790, e.g., on either side of an arteriotomy 1791, the apparatus 1700 may be withdrawn from the passage 1792. The entire apparatus 1700 may be removed in one step, or alternatively, the obturator 1800 may first be withdrawn from the sheath 1752 before withdrawing the sheath 1752, thereby leaving the device 300 in place to close the arteriotomy 1791 and/or seal the passage 1792.

[0149] In the deployed configuration, the device 300 for managing access through tissue may substantially close and/or seal the incision, puncture, or other passage 1792 that extends from a patient's skin 1794, through intervening tissue 1796, and into a wall 1798 of a vessel 1790 or other body lumen. Alternatively, the device can be used to engage tissue in other procedures, e.g., to connect tissue segments together or otherwise to secure tissue structures with respect to one another (i.e. attach an anastomosis during a bypass procedure) and/or close an aperture (i.e. a puncture, cut, tear, and/or other aperture) on the surface of the patient's skin 1794. Following device deployment, it may be desirable to perform a second procedure and/or to remove the closure. The location of the second procedure may be through the device 300. For example, it may be desirable to provide access through the tissue and through the device 300 for performing a second therapeutic or diagnostic procedure.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 19C-19H, various expander/removal devices are illustrated. The expander/removal device 1900 may be advanced into proximity with the closure device 300. In at least one example, the expander/removal device 1900 includes a housing 1902 that houses a deployable expansion member 1904. The expansion member 1904 includes a plurality of engagement features 1906 extending from a body of the expansion member 1904. The expansion member 1904 may include any number of engagement features 1906. Further, the expansion member 1904 may include a lumen 1908 through at least a portion of the body to allow other devices or instruments to pass therethrough to access an opening in tissue, such as the arteriotomy 1791. The engagement features 1906 are configured to engage the device-capture features described herein. For ease of reference, a single type of engagement feature is discussed. It will be appreciated that any configuration of engagement features can be used to engage any combination of device-capture features.

[0151] The expander/removal device 1900 is configured to move the engagement features between at least the pre-expanded state and an expanded state. In at least one example, the engagement features 1906 are formed of a resilient material having an expanded state as a default or relaxed state in which engagement features are separated. Before deployment, at least a portion of the engagement features 1906 are located within the housing 1902.

[0152] Within the housing 1902, the location of the engagement features 1906 within the housing 1902 decreases the separation between the engagement features 1906 to a distance d₄ that is less than a distance d₅ when the engagement features 1906 engage and/or expand the device-capture features 355. In at least one example, as the engagement features 1906 are pushed distally from the housing 1902, the distance between the engagement features 1906 increases from distance d₄ toward a distance of d₅. Consequently, the distance between the engagement features 1906 may be varied by varying the location of the engagement features 1906 on the expansion member 1904.

[0153] The distance d₅ can be less than or approximately equal to a distance between device-capture features. The engagement features 1906 may be advanced distally of the housing 1902 to move the distance between the engagement features 1906 to approximately the same distance between device-capture features. The engagement features 1906 may then be moved into engagement with the device-capture features to thereby initiate capture with the closure device 300.

[0154] Once the engagement features 1906 have engaged the device-capture features, the distance between engagement features 1906 may be increased to expand the closure device 300. The expansion member 1904 and/or engagement features 1906 may be biased or include a “memory” to expand to the desired distance d₅ upon being deployed from the housing 1902. In one configuration, the expansion member 1904 and/or the engagement features 1906 can be formed of a shape memory material, such as Nitinol, to achieve this configuration. In another configuration, a separate actuator member can be disposed through the lumen 1908, engage the expansion member 1904 and/or the engagement features 1906, and move the expansion member 1904 and/or the engagement features 1906 outwardly to engage the device-capture features. This actuator member can include a shaped balloon to induce the movement, mechanically actuated expandable legs or arms, fluid actuated expandable legs or arms, combinations thereof or other structures usable to move the expansion member 1904 and/or the engagement features 1906 outwardly.

[0155] In at least one example, the device-capture features 355 may be expanded to allow access to a puncture through the closure device 300, such as to perform additional procedures. In other examples, the engagement features 355 may be expanded to disengage the closure device 300 from the wall 1798. In such examples, it may be desirable to provide axial engagement features 1908. The axis engagement features 1908 may be configured to reduce the likelihood of the engagement features 1908 from disengaging with the device-capture features as the removal/expander device 1900 draws the closure device 300 proximally.

[0156] In particular, the axial engagement features 1908 may engage the exterior portions of the device-capture features while a radial force is applied to device capture features to expand the closure device 300. In at least one example, the application of an axial force to the closure device 300 causes the closure device to twist as described above, which may maintain the contact between the exterior of the device-capture features and the engagement features 1908 to allow the closure device 300 to be fully withdrawn from the tissue. In other examples, axial engagement features 1908 and/or other configurations may be used.

[0157] Accordingly, the closure device 300 may be expanded to provide access through the tissue or the closure device 300 may be removed from the tissue. Alternatively, or more generally, the closure device 300 may be removed, moved, repositioned, or generally manipulated. The expansion of the device 300 for managing access through tissue may depend on the size of the device inserted through the device 300 for managing access through tissue, the characteristics of the device 300 (i.e. the stiffness in different directions), and/or other factors.

[0158] Embodiments of the closure device and the can expander/removal device, including the expansion members, can include a material made from any of a variety of known suitable materials, such as a shaped memory material (SMM). For example, the SMM can be shaped in a manner that allows for restriction to induce a substantially tubular, linear orientation while within a delivery shaft, but can automatically retain the memory shape of the closure device once extended from the delivery shaft. SMMs have a shape memory effect in which they can be made to remember a particular shape. Once a shape has been remembered, the SMM may be bent out of shape or deformed and then returned to its original shape by unloading from strain or heating. Typically, SMMs can be shape memory alloys (SMA) comprised of metal alloys, or shape memory plastics (SMP) comprised of polymers. The materials can also be referred to as being superelastic.

[0159] Usually, an SMA can have any non-characteristic initial shape that can then be configured into a memory shape by heating the SMA and conforming the SMA into the desired memory shape. After the SMA is cooled, the desired memory shape can be retained. This allows for the SMA to be bent, straightened, compacted, and placed into various contortions by the application of requisite forces; however, after the forces are released, the SMA can be capable of returning to the memory shape. The main types of SMAs are as follows: copper-zinc-aluminum; copper-aluminum-nickel; nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloys known as nitinol; nickel-titanium platinum; nickel-titanium palladium; and cobalt-chromium-nickel alloys or cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloys known as elgiloy alloys. The temperatures at which the SMA changes its crystallographic structure are characteristic of the alloy, and can be tuned by varying the elemental ratios or by the conditions of manufacture.

[0160] For example, the primary material of a closure device or the expansion members can be of a NiTi alloy that forms superelastic nitinol. In the present case, nitinol materials can be trained to remember a certain shape, straightened in a shaft, catheter, or other tube, and then released from the catheter or tube to return to its trained shape. Also, additional materials can be added to the nitinol depending on the desired characteristic. The alloy may be utilized having linear elastic properties or non-linear elastic properties.

[0161] An SMP is a shape-shifting plastic that can be fashioned into a closure device or expander/removal device, including the expansion members, in accordance with the present invention. Also, it can be beneficial to include at least one layer of an SMA and at least one layer of an SMP to form a multilayered body; however, any appropriate combination of materials can be used to form a multilayered endoprosthesis. When an SMP encounters a temperature above the lowest melting point of the individual polymers, the blend makes a transition to a rubbery state. The elastic modulus can change more than two orders of magnitude across the transition temperature (Ttr). As such, an SMP can formed into a desired shape of a closure device or expander/removal device, including the expansion members, by heating it above the Ttr, fixing the SMP into the new shape, and cooling the material below Ttr. The SMP can then be arranged into a temporary shape by force, and then resume the memory shape once the force has been applied. Examples of SMPs include, but are not limited to, biodegradable polymers, such as oligo(ε-caprolactone)diol, oligo(ρ-dioxanone)diol, and non-biodegradable polymers such as, polynorborene, polyisoprene, styrene butadiene, polyurethane-based materials, vinyl acetate-polyester-based compounds, and others yet to be determined. As such, any SMP can be used in accordance with the present invention.

[0162] A device or member having at least one layer made of an SMM or suitable superelastic material and other suitable layers can be compressed or restrained in its delivery configuration within a delivery device using a sheath or similar restraint, and then deployed to its desired configuration at a deployment site by removal of the restraint. A device or member made of a thermally-sensitive material can be deployed by exposure of the closure device to a sufficient temperature to facilitate expansion.

[0163] Also, the device or member can be comprised of a variety of known suitable deformable materials, including stainless steel, silver, platinum, tantalum, palladium, nickel, titanium, nitinol, nitinol having tertiary materials, niobium-tantalum alloy optionally doped with a tertiary material cobalt-chromium alloys, or other known biocompatible materials. Such biocompatible materials can include a suitable biocompatible polymer in addition to or in place of a suitable metal. A device or member can include biodegradable or bioabsorbable materials, which can be either plastically deformable or capable of being set in the deployed configuration. If plastically deformable, the material can be selected to allow the device or member to be expanded in a similar manner using an expandable member so as to have sufficient radial strength and also to reduce recoil once expanded. If the polymer is to be set in the deployed configuration, the expandable member can be provided with a heat source or infusion ports to provide the required catalyst to set or cure the polymer.

[0164] In one embodiment, the closure device or other medical device, including the expander/removal device and/or the expansion members, is made from a superelastic alloy such as nickel-titanium or nitinol, and includes a ternary element selected from the group of chemical elements consisting of iridium, platinum, gold, rhenium, tungsten, palladium, rhodium, tantalum, silver, ruthenium, or hafnium. The added ternary element improves the radiopacity of the nitinol closure device or other medical device, including the expander/removal device and/or the expansion members, comparable to that of a stainless steel device or member of the same size and shape coated with a thin layer of gold. The nitinol device or member may have improved radiopacity yet may retain its superelastic and shape memory behavior and further maintains a thin strut/wall thickness for high flexibility. For example, an embodiment of a device or member may have 42.8 atomic percent nickel, 49.7 atomic percent titanium, and 7.5 atomic percent platinum.

[0165] In one embodiment, the closure device or other medical device, including the expander/removal device and/or the expansion members, can be made at least in part of a high strength, low modulus metal alloy comprising Niobium, Tantalum, and at least one element selected from the group consisting of Zirconium, Tungsten, and Molybdenum. The medical devices or members according to the present invention may provide superior characteristics with regard to bio-compatibility, radio-opacity and MRI compatibility.

[0166] Furthermore, the closure device body or other medical device, including the expander/removal device and/or the expansion members, can be formed from a ceramic material. In one aspect, the ceramic can be a biocompatible ceramic that optionally can be porous. Examples of suitable ceramic materials include hydroxylapatite, mullite, crystalline oxides, non-crystalline oxides, carbides, nitrides, suicides, borides, phosphides, sulfides, tellurides, selenides, aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, alumina-zirconia, silicon carbide, titanium carbide, titanium boride, aluminum nitride, silicon nitride, ferrites, iron sulfide, and the like. Optionally, the ceramic can be provided as sinterable particles that are sintered into the shape of a closure device or layer thereof.

[0167] Moreover, the closure device body or other medical device, including the expander/removal device and/or the expansion members, can include a radiopaque material to increase visibility during placement. Optionally, the radiopaque material can be a layer or coating any portion of the device or member. The radiopaque materials can be platinum, tungsten, silver, stainless steel, gold, tantalum, bismuth, barium sulfate, or a similar material.

[0168] It is further contemplated that the external surface and/or internal surface of the devices or members (e.g., exterior and luminal surfaces) as well as the entire body can be coated with another material having a composition different from the primary material. The use of a different material to coat the surfaces can be beneficial for imparting additional properties to the device or member, such as providing radiopaque characteristics, drug-reservoirs, and improved biocompatibility.

[0169] In one embodiment, at least one biocompatible polymeric layer can be a coating that is applied over the entire device or member, or to select portions. Examples of such biocompatible polymeric materials can include a suitable hydrogel, hydrophilic polymer, hydrophobic polymer biodegradable polymers, bioabsorbable polymers, and monomers thereof. Examples of such polymers can include nylons, poly(alpha-hydroxy esters), polylactic acids, polylactides, poly-L-lactide, poly-DL-lactide, poly-L-lactide-co-DL-lactide, polyglycolic acids, polyglycolide, polylactic-co-glycolic acids, polyglycolide-co-lactide, polyglycolide-co-DL-lactide, polyglycolide-co-L-lactide, polyanhydrides, polyanhydride-co-imides, polyesters, polyorthoesters, polycaprolactones, polyesters, polyanydrides, polyphosphazenes, polyester amides, polyester urethanes, polycarbonates, polytrimethylene carbonates, polyglycolide-co-trimethylene carbonates, poly(PBA-carbonates), polyfumarates, polypropylene fumarate, poly(p-dioxanone), polyhydroxyalkanoates, polyamino acids, poly-L-tyrosines, poly(beta-hydroxybutyrate), polyhydroxybutyrate-hydroxyvaleric acids, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyaliphatics, polyvinylalcohols, polyvinylacetates, hydrophobic/hydrophilic copolymers, alkylvinylalcohol copolymers, ethylenevinylalcohol copolymers (EVAL), propylenevinylalcohol copolymers, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), combinations thereof, polymers having monomers thereof, or the like. Additionally, the coating can include hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic compounds, polypeptides, proteins, amino acids, polyethylene glycols, parylene, heparin, phosphorylcholine, or the like.

[0170] The coatings can also be provided on the device or member to facilitate the loading or delivery of beneficial agents or drugs, such as therapeutic agents, pharmaceuticals and radiation therapies. As such, the material and/or holes can be filled and/or coated with a biodegradable material.

[0171] Accordingly, the polymeric coating material can contain a drug or beneficial agent to improve the use of the endoprosthesis or other medical device, including the expander/removal device and/or the expansion members. Such drugs or beneficial agents can include antithrombotics, anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, thrombolytics, antiproliferatives, anti-inflammatories, agents that inhibit hyperplasia, inhibitors of smooth muscle proliferation, antibiotics, growth factor inhibitors, or cell adhesion inhibitors, as well as antineoplastics, antimitotics, antifibrins, antioxidants, agents that promote endothelial cell recovery, antiallergic substances, radiopaque agents, viral vectors having beneficial genes, genes, siRNA, antisense compounds, oligionucleotides, cell permeation enhancers, and combinations thereof.

[0172] In addition to various medical devices or members, the coatings on these devices or members may be used to deliver therapeutic and pharmaceutic agents including: anti-proliferative/antimitotic agents including natural products such as vinca alkaloids (i.e. vinblastine, vincristine, and vinorelbine), paclitaxel, epidipodophyllotoxins (i.e. etoposide, teniposide), antibiotics (dactinomycin (actinomycin D) daunorubicin, doxorubicin and idarubicin), anthracyclines, mitoxantrone, bleomycins, plicamycin (mithramycin) and mitomycin, enzymes (L-asparaginase which systemically metabolizes L-asparagine and deprives cells which do not have the capacity to synthesize their own asparagine); antiplatelet agents such as G(GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors and vitronectin receptor antagonists; anti-proliferative/antimitotic alkylating agents such as nitrogen mustards (mechlorethamine, cyclophosphamide and analogs, melphalan, chlorambucil), ethylenimines and methylmelamines (hexamethylmelamine and thiotepa), alkyl sulfonates-busulfan, nirtosoureas (carmustine (BCNU) and analogs, streptozocin), trazenes-dacarbazinine (DTIC); anti-proliferative/antimitotic antimetabolites such as folic acid analogs (methotrexate), pyrimidine analogs (fluorouracil, floxuridine, and cytarabine), purine analogs and related inhibitors (mercaptopurine, thioguanine, pentostatin and 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine {cladribine}); platinum coordination complexes (cisplatin, carboplatin), procarbazine, hydroxyurea, mitotane, aminoglutethimide; hormones (i.e. estrogen); anti-coagulants (heparin, synthetic heparin salts and other inhibitors of thrombin); fibrinolytic agents (such as tissue plasminogen activator, streptokinase and urokinase), aspirin, dipyridamole, ticlopidine, clopidogrel, abciximab; antimigratory; antisecretory (breveldin); anti-inflammatory: such as adrenocortical steroids (cortisol, cortisone, fludrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, 6α-methylprednisolone, triamcinolone, betamethasone, and dexamethasone), non-steroidal agents (salicylic acid derivatives i.e. aspirin; para-aminophenol derivatives i.e. acetaminophen; indole and indene acetic acids (indomethacin, sulindac, and etodalac), heteroaryl acetic acids (tolmetin, diclofenac, and ketorolac), arylpropionic acids (ibuprofen and derivatives), anthranilic acids (mefenamic acid, and meclofenamic acid), enolic acids (piroxicam, tenoxicam, phenylbutazone, and oxyphenthatrazone), nabumetone, gold compounds (auranofin, aurothioglucose, gold sodium thiomalate); immunosuppressives: (cyclosporine, tacrolimus (FK-506), sirolimus (rapamycin), everolimus, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil); angiogenic agents: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF); angiotensin receptor blockers; nitric oxide donors; antisense oligionucleotides and combinations thereof; cell cycle inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, and growth factor receptor signal transduction kinase inhibitors; retenoids; cyclin/CDK inhibitors; HMG co-enzyme reductase inhibitors (statins); and protease inhibitors. Also, it should be recognized that many active agents have multiple pharmaceutical uses other than those specifically recited.

[0173] In one configuration, at least a portion of the external surfaces of the devices or members, such as the closure device, can include a coating comprised of polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), expanded PTFE (ePTFE), Dacron, woven materials, cut filaments, porous membranes, harvested vessels and/or arteries, or others such materials to form a stent graft prosthesis. Similarly, a medical device, such as a valve, a flow regulator or monitor device, can be used with the closure device, such that the closure device functions as an anchor for the medical device within the body lumen.

[0174] In one configuration, different external surfaces of a device or member, such as a low stress zone less susceptible to flexing, can be coated with functional layers of an imaging compound or radiopaque material. The radiopaque material can be applied as a layer at low stress zones of the device or member. Also, the radiopaque material can be encapsulated within a biocompatible or biodegradable polymer and used as a coating. For example, the suitable radiopaque material can be palladium platinum, tungsten, silver, stainless steel, gold, tantalum, bismuth, barium sulfate, or a similar material. The radiopaque material can be applied as layers on selected surfaces of the device or member using any of a variety of well-known techniques, including cladding, bonding, adhesion, fusion, deposition or the like.

[0175] The invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative means, and specific examples thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not to be limited to the particular devices or methods disclosed, but to the contrary; the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claims.