Clip and deployment apparatus for tissue closure

[0001] Not Applicable.

[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to tissue closure apparatuses and methods.

[0004] 2. The Relevant Technology

[0005] During intravascular and other related medical procedures, catheters are typically inserted through an incision or puncture in the skin and underlying tissues to access an artery or vein, typically in the groin, neck, or subclavian areas of a patient. The catheter can be inserted through a puncture in the blood vessel and guided to the desired site to perform interventional procedures such as angiography, angioplasty, stent delivery, plaque removal, and infusion of a therapeutic substance.

[0006] After the procedure is completed and the catheter is removed from the patient, however, the access hole must be closed to prevent hemorrhage. This is typically achieved by applying pressure over the blood vessel manually and then by applying a pressure bandage or a compressive weight. With conventional methods, the risk of post-puncture hemorrhage is high, which can cause considerable complications. The risk of complications is exacerbated by the concomitant use of anticoagulant medications such as heparin or warfarin and by anti-platelet drugs, which are commonly used following a procedure in order to prevent clot formation and thrombus and/or to treat vascular disease.

[0007] It is generally recognized that many currently employed vascular sealing methods and devices and other tissue closure methods and devices incompletely seal holes or wounds in vascular or other tissue. Achieving complete wound closure is particularly important in sealing arterial punctures, which are relatively high pressure systems. For example, under normal blood pressure, the arterial system has a pressure of about 120/80 mmHg or more. Failure to completely close arterial holes can result in hematoma, exsanguination, and in extreme cases, may result in catastrophic consequences, such as limb amputation and death. Moreover, many currently employed vascular devices employ methods and materials that remain on the intravascular endothelial surface or otherwise in the sealed vessel. Materials that remain intravascularly can be a nidus for thrombus or intravascular mural hyperplasia with later spontaneous and catastrophic closure of the vessel.

[0008] To overcome these shortcomings, some currently employed vascular devices seal the vessel from the outside of the vessel. However, these vascular devices are typically made of stainless steel, titanium, nickel-titanium (Nitinol) or other non-bioabsorbable material. As such, these vascular devices will permanently remain within the body unless physically removed later by a physician. With a prevalence of reaccessing patients for multiple procedures, this can lead to various problems. For example, when a physician tries to reenter the blood vessel in the same location, the prior placed vascular device will prevent the physician from doing so, and could possibly cause damage to the insertion instrument being used. Furthermore, after each procedure, an additional vascular device will be attached to the blood vessel to be left permanently in the body.

[0009] The present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses that are suitable for closure of vascular punctures or other openings in bodily tissues. The devices and methods described herein are configured for wound closure on the external surface of the wound, which allows wound healing with little endothelial disruption thereby reducing the chances of intravascular thrombosis or embolism or intimal hyperplasia. In some embodiments, the devices are bioabsorbable.

[0010] In one aspect of the invention there is provided a device for engaging tissue that includes a generally annular-shaped body disposed about a central axis. The body has a plurality of inwardly protruding members separated by corresponding intermember spaces. The body is movable between a first position where the body is substantially convex before engagement with the tissue and a second position where the body is substantially concave when the body is engaged with the tissue.

[0011] In another aspect of the invention there is provided a tissue closure device for closing an opening in a tissue having an interior surface and opposing exterior surface. The tissue closure device includes a deployment apparatus and a tissue engaging device. The deployment apparatus includes an sheath having a central longitudinal axis extending between a proximal end and a spaced apart distal end. A lumen extends between the proximal and distal ends of the sheath and is bounded by a lumen surface. The deployment apparatus also includes a tissue eversion apparatus configured to form an everted tissue region. The tissue eversion apparatus is positioned within the lumen of the sheath and deployable therefrom for engaging the interior surface of the vessel wall and everting edges of the tissue to be closed. The tissue engaging device is operatively coupled to the deployment apparatus and deliverable therefrom. The tissue engaging device includes a generally annular-shaped body disposed about a central axis. The body has an aperture extending therethrough for receiving the everted edges of the tissue and closing the opening in the tissue. The body is movable between a first position where the body is substantially convex before engagement with the tissue and a second position where the body is substantially concave when the body is engaged with the tissue.

[0012] In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of closing an opening in a body tissue. The method includes the steps of positioning a tissue engaging device over the opening in the body tissue, the tissue engaging device being substantially convex with respect to the body tissue; forming an everted tissue region around the opening in the body tissue; and passing the everted tissue region through an aperture in the tissue engaging device, thereby causing the tissue engaging device to become substantially concave with respect to the body tissue to secure the everted tissue region within the aperture and close the opening.

[0013] In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of closing an opening extending between an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface of a body tissue. The method includes the steps of positioning a deployment apparatus adjacent the exterior surface and over the opening in the body tissue, a tissue eversion apparatus being disposed within the deployment apparatus and a tissue engaging device being associated with the deployment apparatus and positioned over the opening of the body tissue, the tissue engaging device being substantially convex with respect to the body tissue; deploying the tissue eversion apparatus from the deployment apparatus through the opening of the body tissue so that the tissue eversion apparatus engages the interior surface of the body tissue; retracting the tissue eversion apparatus back into the deployment apparatus, the engagement of the tissue eversion apparatus with the interior surface of the body tissue causing an everted tissue region to be formed around the opening as the tissue eversion apparatus is refracted, the everted tissue region being passed through an aperture in the tissue engaging device as the tissue eversion apparatus is refracted, thereby causing the tissue engaging device to become substantially concave with respect to the body tissue to secure the everted tissue region within the aperture and close the opening; and disengaging the tissue eversion apparatus from the everted tissue region, the everted tissue region remaining secured within the tissue engaging device to close the opening and the tissue engaging device remaining substantially concave with respect to the body tissue.

[0014] These and other embodiments and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention may provide several advantages over conventional designs. For example, embodiments of a closure device according to the present invention may provide an improved, more complete closure of a vessel opening than prior designs. Furthermore, embodiments of a closure device according to the present invention may be made of a bioabsorbable material so as to become absorbed into the body after a certain amount of time. This may prevent problems of reaccessing patients for multiple procedures. Other advantages may also be provided by the present invention.

[0031] As used in the specification and appended claims, directional terms, such as “top,” “bottom,” “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “proximal,” “distal,” and the like are used herein solely to indicate relative directions in viewing the drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way.

[0032] The present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses that are suitable for closure of vascular punctures or other openings in bodily tissues. The devices and methods described herein are configured for wound closure on the external surface of the wound, which allows wound healing with little endothelial disruption thereby reducing the chances of intravascular thrombosis or embolism or intimal hyperplasia. In some embodiments, the closure elements are bioabsorbable.

[0033] Generally, the apparatuses and methods described herein can be used with any type of body tissue that has sufficient strength to be held together by the tissue engaging devices described hereinafter. By way of example only, embodiments of the present invention can be used to close openings in tissues that have a wall or membrane function, e.g., pulmonary, intestinal, vascular, urethral, gastric, renal or other wall structures, or in membranes, e.g., amniotic or pericardial membranes. Openings in other types of tissues can also be closed using embodiments of the present invention. Although many types of body tissue can be closed by the methods and apparatuses disclosed herein, the description included herein refers to “vessels” for convenience.

[0034] Furthermore, the apparatuses and methods described herein can be used with large and small hole punctures or other openings in the body tissue. By way of example, the tissue engaging devices of the present invention can be sized to close holes from 5 French to 30 French or larger. It may also be possible to close holes of other sizes.

[0035] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a tissue engaging device or clip 100 for closing an incision, puncture, or other passage through tissue, such as, e.g., communicating with a blood vessel or other body lumen. Clip 100 includes a body 102, which may be generally annular in shape, bounding an aperture 104 and surrounding a central axis 106. As used herein, an “annular-shaped body” includes any hollow body, e.g., including one or more structures surrounding an aperture, whether the body is substantially flat or curved 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.

[0036] Body 102 includes an outer region 108 that encircles aperture 104 and has an outer circumferential edge 110. Body 102 may include a plurality of tissue engaging members 112 that extend from outer region 108 into aperture 104 and generally towards central axis 106. Tissue engaging members 112 can comprise any structure that is designed to engage the tissue once the tissue has been positioned within aperture 104. This can include structures designed to puncture or otherwise penetrate the tissue or to structures designed to press against the tissue without penetration therein. For example, in the depicted embodiment, tissue engaging members 112 comprise tines 114 and tabs 116 extending into aperture 104. With a substantially pointed tip 118, tines 114 may penetrate the tissue or press against the tissue without penetration. Tabs 116 are designed to generally press against the tissue without penetrating the tissue, although in some embodiments, tabs may also penetrate the tissue. Other types of tissue engaging members 112 may also be used.

[0037] Each tine 114 may extend from outer region 108 to spaced apart tip 118 and may be biased to extend generally inwardly, e.g., towards one another and/or generally towards central axis 106. Tines 114 may be provided in pairs opposite from one another or may be provided otherwise symmetrically or asymmetrically with respect to central axis 106.

[0038] Tines 114 may include a variety of pointed tips, such as, e.g., a bayonet tip, and/or may include barbs for penetrating or otherwise engaging tissue. For example, to increase the penetration ability of clip 100 and/or to lower the insertion force required to penetrate tissue, each tine 114 may include a tapered edge extending towards tip 118 along one side of tine. Alternatively, each tine 114 may be provided with a tapered edge on each side of the tine extending towards tip 118.

[0039] Each 116 tab may extend from outer region 108 to a spaced apart inner circumferential edge 120 and may be biased to extend generally inwardly, e.g., towards one another and/or generally towards central axis 106. Tabs 116 may be provided in pairs opposite from one another or may be provided otherwise symmetrically or asymmetrically with respect to central axis 106.

[0040] Tissue engaging members 112 are separated by intermember spaces 122, which are portions of aperture 104 which are positioned between adjacent tissue engaging members 112. For example, tine 114A and tab 116A are separated by intermember space 122A.

[0041] Tines and tabs 114, 116 can be combined in any order. For example, tines 114 and tabs 116 can alternate with each other, as in the depicted embodiment. Other combinations can also be used. In addition, clip 100 can employ the same number of tines and tabs 114, 116 or the number of one can be more than the other. In some embodiments, more tines 114 are present than tabs 116, while in other embodiments, more tabs 116 are present.

[0042] Clip 100 can be comprised of a biocompatible material. Examples of such materials include stainless steel, titanium, and nickel titanium alloys. In addition, clip 100 can be comprised of a bioabsorbable material. Examples of such materials include PGA and magnesium alloys. Other materials are also possible. By being comprised of a bioabsorbable material, clip 100 may dissolve and become absorbed into the body after the opening in the tissue has been closed. Because clip 100 may be absorbed into the body, the surgeon in future procedures will not be prevented from reaccessing a similar area of the tissue as is the case with many conventional clips.

[0043] FIGS. 2A and 2B show alternative embodiments of clips 100′ and 100″ based on clip 100 of FIG. 1. While clip 100 incorporates a mixture of tines and tabs 114, 116, clip 100′ of FIG. 2A includes only tines 114′ with no tabs. Furthermore, while all of tines 114 of clip 100 are substantially the same length, tines 114′ of clip 100′ are of varying lengths. Conversely, clip 100″ of FIG. 2B includes only tabs 116″ with no tines, and the tabs can be of varying sizes, if so desired. Other combinations of sizes and numbers of tines and tabs can alternatively be used. Clips 100′ and 100″ as well as any derivatives thereof, can be comprised of the same types of materials as clip 100, discussed above.

[0044] Any of the clips disclosed herein can be substantially planar or have a curvature associated therewith. For example, FIG. 3A shows clip 100 having a top surface 300 and an opposing bottom surface 302 in a substantially planar configuration. Alternatively, FIGS. 3B and 3C show clip 100 in a cup-shaped configuration, with clip 100 being in a convex state in FIG. 3B with respect to the bottom surface 302 that faces the tissue and a concave state in FIG. 3C. Clip 100 can be movable between the two states shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, as discussed below. For example, in one embodiment, clip 100 is designed to bias towards the convex state shown in FIG. 3B and be moved to and remain in the concave state shown in FIG. 3C when the everted tissue is pulled up and through clip 100.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the tines and tabs can be configured to extend inward so as to align with the specific convex and/or concave shape of clip 100. Alternatively, one or more of the tines or tabs can be configured to extend in a different direction so as to not align with the specific convex or concave shape. For example, FIG. 3D shows an alternative embodiment of clip 100 in which an opposing pair of tines 114 extend outward and down from the rest of the clip and are thus not aligned with the convex shape of the clip. This can be advantageous in it can allow the capture of more tissue during the eversion process because the extended tine can contact the tissue earlier and further away from the body of the clip.

[0046] The clips of the present invention may be delivered using various apparatuses and methods. Referring now to FIG. 4A, a tissue closure device 400 for closing an opening in a tissue according to one embodiment is depicted. Tissue closure device 400 includes a deployment apparatus 402 with clip 100 being releasably mounted thereon. Deployment apparatus 402 is used to deliver clip 100 to the tissue opening and manipulate the tissue so as to secure the tissue with the clip and thereby close the opening.

[0047] Generally, deployment apparatus 402 can include a sheath 404 having a longitudinal axis 406 and a tissue eversion assembly 408 slidably mounted therein. Sheath 404 can include a substantially rigid, semi-rigid, or substantially flexible tubular body 410 having a sidewall 412 extending longitudinally between a proximal end 414 and an opposing distal end 416. Sidewall 412 can bound a lumen 418 that extends along longitudinal axis 406 between the two ends 414, 416. Lumen 418 can have a size for inserting one or more devices therethrough, such as a catheter, guide wire, and the like (not shown). Sheath 404 may also include one or more seals (not shown), such as a hemostatic valve, within lumen 418 at or near proximal end 414 that provides a fluid-tight seal, yet accommodates inserting one or more devices into the lumen 418 without fluid passing proximally from sheath 404.

[0048] As particularly shown in FIG. 4B, at distal end 416 of sheath 404, lumen 418 is sized to receive clip 100 and to releasably retain clip 100 until the clip has been positioned over the opening and everted tissue has been received within the clip, as discussed below. When clip 100 is positioned within lumen 418, aperture 104 in the middle of clip 100 aligns with longitudinal axis 406 of lumen 418 so that everted tissue can be pulled up and into aperture 104, as discussed in more detail below.

[0049] As shown in the depicted embodiment, sidewall 412 narrows at distal end 416 so as to form an annular taper 438 thereat. As a result, an annular channel 440 is formed at distal end 416 of sheath 404 that has a larger diameter than the portion of lumen 418 proximal of taper 438. As a result, clip 100 can be positioned within channel 440, with taper 438 preventing clip 100 from moving proximally further into lumen 418.

[0050] An annular ridge 420 or similar retaining member can extend from sidewall 412 into lumen 418 to releasably retain clip 100 within the lumen. The retaining member 420 can be designed to retain clip 100 within lumen 418 until a distal force of a predetermined strength overcomes the retaining force and dislodges clip 100 from lumen 418. For example, as discussed below, a force caused by everted tissue that has been positioned within clip 100 by a tissue eversion apparatus can provide enough force to dislodge the clip. Other dislodging forces are also possible.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment, instead of having sheath 404 tapered at distal end 416 to form channel 440, an inner sheath can be used in conjunction with sheath 404 to prevent clip 100 from moving proximally into lumen 418. For example, FIG. 4C shows an alternative embodiment of a sheath 450 having an inner sheath 452 positioned within lumen 418. Sheath 450 is similar to sheath 404 except that sidewall 412 does not taper at distal end 416. Instead, inner sheath 452 is positioned at distal end 416 adjacent to the proximal side of clip 100. Inner sheath 452 prevents clip 100 from moving proximally further into lumen 418.

[0052] In some embodiments, inner sheath 452 can be slidable within lumen 418 so as to be removable therefrom. In these embodiments, unlike sheath 404, sheath 450 can allow clip 100 to be initially inserted into lumen 418 at the proximal end of sheath 450 and slid to its initial position at distal end 416. Inner sheath 452 can thereafter be slid into lumen 418 at the proximal end of sheath 450. A slidable inner sheath 452 can also be used to force clip 100 out of distal end 416 of lumen 418. After tissue has been everted into clip 100, inner sheath 452 can be pushed distally within lumen 418 against the proximal side of clip 100 with enough force to cause clip 100 to overcome the retaining force of retaining member 420 and dislodge clip 100 from lumen 418, thereby ejecting clip 100 from sheath 404.

[0053] Returning to FIG. 4A, sheath 404 may optionally include a side port 422 that communicates with lumen 418, for example, to deliver fluids into lumen 418. Alternatively, or in addition, side port 422 may be used to provide a “bleed back” indicator. An exemplary “bleed back” indicator and related methods of use are disclosed in application Ser. No. 09/680,837, filed Oct. 6, 2000 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,918), entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Positioning a Vascular Sheath,” which is assigned to the assignee of the present application. The disclosure of the '837 application and any other references cited therein are fully incorporated by reference herein.

[0054] Tissue eversion assembly 408 can include a rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible tubular body 424 (such as an elongate rail) with a longitudinal axis 426. Tubular body 424 can have a proximal end region 428 and a distal end region 430 and can include a predetermined length and a predetermined outer cross-section, both of which can be of any suitable dimension that will slidably fit within lumen 418 of sheath 404. When tissue eversion assembly 408 is positioned within lumen 418, longitudinal axis 426 of tissue tubular body 424 may align with longitudinal axis 406 of sheath 404.

[0055] Proximal end region 428 of tissue eversion assembly 408 can include a handle 432 or other actuation device to extend or retract distal end region 430 into or out of distal end 416 of sheath 404. Handle 432 can also include manipulator devices to manipulate a tissue eversion apparatus, as discussed below. Distal end region 430 of tissue eversion assembly 408 can include a substantially rounded, soft, and/or flexible distal end or tip 434 to facilitate advancement and/or retraction of distal end region 430 into a blood vessel or other opening in tissue. As desired, a pigtail or J-tip (not shown) may be provided on tip 434 to further aid atraumatic advancement of distal end region 430.

[0056] Tissue eversion assembly 408 can also include a tissue eversion apparatus to facilitate the formation of an everted tissue region by engaging the interior surface of the tissue. For example, in the depicted embodiment, a tissue eversion apparatus 436 is positioned at distal end region 430 of tissue eversion assembly 408.

[0057] Turning to FIGS. 5A and 5B, tissue eversion apparatus 436 can comprise a plurality of substantially flexible members 500 selectably controllable between an unexpanded state, as shown in FIG. 5A, and an expanded state, as shown in FIG. 5B. Although four substantially flexible members 500 are depicted, it is appreciated that more or less substantially flexible members can be used.

[0058] Each substantially flexible member 500 has an inner surface 502 and an opposing outer surface 504 extending from a proximal end 506 to a spaced apart distal end 508. As shown in FIG. 5A, when tissue eversion apparatus 436 is in the unexpanded state, substantially flexible members 500 are substantially axially aligned with tubular body 424, with outer surfaces 504 facing outward from body 424. This helps to facilitate insertion of tissue eversion apparatus 436 through an opening through tissue, as discussed below.

[0059] Conversely, when tissue eversion apparatus 436 is in the expanded state, substantially flexible members 500 are flexed outward, as shown in FIG. 5B. In this expanded state, a portion of each substantially flexible member 500 forms a loop 510 with a portion 512 of the outer surface 504 of loop 510 facing proximally. In the expanded state, tissue eversion apparatus 436 is capable of engaging tissue positioned about an opening after tissue eversion apparatus 436 has been positioned through the opening, as discussed in detail below. Substantially flexible members 500 can be made of a material that allows substantially flexible members 500 to move easily between the unexpanded and expanded states. For example, substantially flexible members 500 can be made of stainless steel, nickel, titanium or the like. Other materials can also be used.

[0060] A control member (not shown), such as a rod, wire, or other elongate member, may be moveably disposed within a lumen (not shown) formed by tubular body 424 and extending substantially between proximal end region 428 and distal end region 430. The control member may extend from handle 432 (See FIG. 4A) to a distal end region of the control member coupled with distal end region 430 of body 424 and/or the movable end regions of substantially flexible members 500. By moving tubular body 424 axially relative to the control member, distal end region 430 and/or substantially flexible members 500, can be selectively transitioned between the unexpanded and expanded states. An exemplary control member and related methods of use are disclosed in copending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/135,858 filed on Jun. 9, 2008 and entitled “Antimicrobial Closure Element and Closure Element Applier,” which is assigned to the assignee of the present application. The disclosures of the '858 application and any references cited therein are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0061] One or more tissue engaging members can be integrally formed with or otherwise attached to each substantially flexible member 500 so as to engage the tissue when tissue eversion apparatus 436 comes into contact with the tissue while in the expanded state, as discussed below. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the tissue engaging members comprise one or more barbs 520 extending from the outer surface 504 of each substantially flexible member 500. Barbs 520 can be positioned on the portion 512 of outer surface 504 that faces proximally in the expanded state, as shown in FIG. 5B. Barbs 520 can be made of metal, plastic, or other suitable rigid or semi-rigid material. Alternatively, barbs 520 can be integrally formed with flexible member 500 and thus made of the same material. Any desired number of barbs 520 can be included on each substantially flexible member 500. Other types of tissue engaging members can also be used, such as needles, hooks, anchors, temporary adhesives or the like.

[0062] FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment 600 of a tissue eversion apparatus. Tissue eversion apparatus 600 is similar to tissue eversion apparatus 436 except that instead of tissue engaging members 520 being positioned on outer surface 504 of loop 510 of each substantially flexible member 500, the tissue engaging members 520 of tissue eversion apparatus 600 extend from the inner surface 502 of loop 510. To facilitate tissue engaging members 500 engaging the tissue, a window 602 is formed in the substantially flexible member for the tissue engaging members to extend through.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 6, tissue engaging members 520 are formed with or otherwise attached to the proximal facing portion of inner surface 502 of each loop 510 formed on substantially flexible members 500 when the tissue eversion apparatus 600 is in the expanded state. Window 602 is formed on the portion of loop 510 opposing tissue engaging members 520 so that tissue engaging members 520 can project through window 602 when tissue eversion apparatus 600 is in the expanded state. To facilitate this, tissue engaging members 520 are typically longer than the width of substantially flexible member 500 so that tissue engaging members 520 can extend beyond window 602 and engage tissue.

[0064] Because tissue engaging members 500 are disposed on inner surface 502 of substantially flexible members 500, tissue engaging members 520 face inward (i.e., toward longitudinal axis 426) when substantially flexible member 500 is in the unexpanded state. This can help to prevent tissue engaging members 520 from inadvertently snagging or otherwise contacting the tissue while tissue eversion apparatus 600 is passed through an opening in the tissue while in the unexpanded state.

[0065] Turning to FIGS. 7A-7H, a method of sealing and/or closing a passage through tissue, such as an opening 700 communicating with a blood vessel or other body lumen 702 through a wall 704 thereof, using tissue closure device 400 will now be discussed. Applicant notes that all of the disclosed methods herein are exemplary only and that other methods of sealing and/or closing a passage through tissue using tissue closure device 400 can also be performed.

[0066] Initially, tissue closure device 400 is assembled. To do this, clip 100 is removably secured within lumen 418 at distal end 416 of sheath 404, as discussed above, so as to be positioned as shown in FIG. 7A. In the depicted embodiment, a cup-shaped clip is used, although a substantially planar clip, such as that shown in FIG. 3A, can alternatively be used. Clip 100 is positioned within lumen 418 to be convex with respect to the tissue in the biased position of the clip. In this position, ridge 420 (see FIG. 4B) secures clip 100 within lumen 418, as discussed above.

[0067] To complete the assembly of tissue closure device 400, distal end region 430 of tissue eversion assembly 408 is slidably received within lumen 418 of sheath 404 at proximal end 414 (see FIG. 4A). Tissue eversion assembly 408 is then slid toward distal end 416 of sheath 404 so as to be positioned within lumen 418 as shown in FIG. 7A. Substantially flexible members 500 are in the unexpanded state as tissue closure device is assembled. Tissue eversion assembly 408 can be positioned within lumen 418 before or after clip 100 has been positioned within lumen 418. When both tissue eversion assembly 408 and clip 100 have been positioned within lumen 418, distal end region 430 of tissue eversion assembly 408 (including tip 434, if used) is disposed adjacent clip 100 at distal end 416 of sheath 404, as shown in FIG. 7A.

[0068] Tissue closure device 400 is inserted into the body so that distal end 416 of sheath 404 abuts the outer surface 706 of vessel wall 704 and is positioned directly over opening 700 as shown in FIG. 7A. This can be done either before or after tissue eversion assembly 408 has been inserted into lumen 418. A guide wire can be used to aid in positioning tissue closure device, as is known in the art, either by receiving the guide wire within lumen 418 or a lumen formed in tissue eversion assembly 408. A bleed back lumen or other indicating method or apparatus known in the art can also be used to indicate when tissue closure device 400 is in position.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 7B, once tissue closure device 400 is in position above opening 700, an external deploying force, denoted by arrow 708, is then applied to tissue eversion assembly 408 by pushing distally on handle 432 (See FIG. 4A) or other actuating device. The deploying force 708 causes distal end region 430 of tissue eversion assembly 408 to extend through opening 700 and into vessel lumen 702.

[0070] Once distal end region 430 of tissue eversion assembly 408 has been extended into body lumen 702, the control member and/or tubular body 424 are axially moved relative to each other so as to cause substantially flexible members 500 to transition to the expanded state, as shown in FIG. 7C. Tissue engaging members 520 in the form of barbs are positioned on outer surface 504 of each substantially flexible member 500 so as to face proximally (i.e., toward vessel wall 704 adjacent to opening 700) when substantially flexible members 500 are in the expanded state.

[0071] An external retracting force, denoted by arrow 710 in FIG. 7D, is then applied to tissue eversion assembly 408 by pulling proximally on handle 432 (See FIG. 4A) or other actuating device. This causes the expanded substantially flexible members 500 to move proximally toward opening 700 in vessel wall 704. Substantially flexible members 500 continue moving proximally until outer surfaces 504 thereof contact the inner surface 712 of vessel wall 704 surrounding opening 700, as shown in FIG. 7D. As substantially flexible members 500 move toward vessel wall 704, barbs 520 engage inner surface 712 of vessel wall 704 and extend into the wall.

[0072] As external retracting force 710 is maintained on tissue eversion assembly 408, substantially flexible members 500 continue moving proximally. As they do so, vessel wall 704 surrounding opening 700 begin to evert and form an everted tissue region 714 as a result of the engagement with barbs 520, as shown in FIG. 7E. As a result, the engaged tissue may begin to exert a resistive force on substantially flexible members 500, causing substantially flexible members 500 to begin to bend distally. As a result, loops 510 begin to move inward, thereby causing the everted tissue region 714 to also be pulled inward, as shown in FIG. 7E.

[0073] As external retracting force 710 continues, everted tissue region 714 is pulled proximally and inward into lumen 418 and through clip 100 by substantially flexible members 500, as shown in FIG. 7F. As everted tissue region 714 is pulled proximally through clip 100, the everted tissue begins to contact and exert a proximal force on tines 114 and/or tabs 116 (see FIG. 1) of clip 100. This proximal force causes clip 100 to transition or invert from the convex shape to a concave shape with respect to vessel wall 704, as shown in FIG. 7F. The tines and/or tabs also cause the edges of the everted tissue region 714 to constrict inward so as to begin to press tightly together.

[0074] At some point, because of the retaining force of the clip the force exerted by clip 100 on the tissue eversion region 714 causes the tissue in the tissue eversion region 714 to pull away and disengage from barbs 520, as shown in FIG. 7G. Once this occurs, substantially flexible members 500 are pulled proximally away from everted tissue region 714. With substantially flexible members 500 no longer engaged to the inner surface of everted tissue region 714, the everted tissue presses tightly together due to the tines and/or tabs of clip 100, thereby completely closing opening 700. Everted tissue region 714 is now secured within clip 100, thereby keeping opening 700 closed. Furthermore, the constricted everted tissue region 714 disposed between the tines and/or tabs prevents clip 100 from reverting back to the original convex shape.

[0075] Once barbs 520 have disengaged from the everted tissue, tissue eversion assembly 408 and sheath 404 can be removed from the body. As sheath 404 is removed, a retaining force is exerted on clip 100 by its engagement with tissue eversion region 714. This force is larger than the retaining force caused by the ridge 420 (see FIG. 4B) within lumen. As such, as sheath 404 is removed from the body, clip 100 remains within the body, secured to vessel wall 704 as shown in FIG. 7H. Because clip 100 is biased toward the convex shape, the tines and/or tabs of clip 100 will continue to exert a distal force when clip 100 is in the concave shape to attempt to cause clip 100 to return to the convex shape. However, as noted above, as a result of the constricted everted tissue 714 disposed through clip 100, clip 100 will remain in the concave shape. Because of this, an added closing force is continuously exerted on everted tissue region 714 by the tines and/or tabs of clip 100 as the tines and/or tabs attempt to return clip 100 to the convex shape. This added force helps to maintain the secure nature of the closure of opening 700.

[0076] If clip 100 is made of a bioabsorbable material, clip 100 will dissolve and be absorbed into the body after the tissue has grown together over opening 700. This can aid the surgeon in future procedures by allowing the surgeon to reaccess a similar area of the tissue without having to remove or avoid the clip.

[0077] As noted above, a planar tissue engaging device can be used instead of an inverting curved tissue engaging device. If a planar tissue engaging device is used, such as clip 100 shown in FIG. 3A, the same method of sealing and/or closing a passage through tissue can be used as discussed above with reference to FIGS. 7A-7H. However, unlike the inverting clip, as the everted tissue region is pulled through the planar clip by the barbs, the clip will not invert from a convex shape to a concave shape. Instead, the planar clip may remain planar during the sealing/closing method. As a result, when the sheath has been removed, the tines and/or tabs of the planar clip may not impose an added closing force. Alternatively, the everted tissue region may cause the tines and/or tabs of the planar clip to rise above the plane of the clip due to the force of the everted tissue.

[0078] FIGS. 8A and 8B show an alternative embodiment 800 of a tissue eversion apparatus. Tissue eversion apparatus 800 comprises a plurality of resilient arms 802 that are movable between an unexpanded state, shown in FIG. 8A, and an expanded state, shown in FIG. 8B. Although four resilient arms 802 are depicted, it is appreciated that more or less resilient arms 802 can be used.

[0079] Each resilient arm 802 extends from a proximal end 804 that is attached to or otherwise formed at distal end region 430 of tubular body 424 to a distal end 806. One or more barbs 520 or other tissue engaging members similar to those discussed previously can be integrally formed with or otherwise attached to distal end 806 of each resilient arm 802 so as to engage tissue when tissue eversion apparatus 800 comes into contact with the tissue while in the expanded state. When tissue eversion apparatus 800 is in the unexpanded state, resilient arms 802 extend substantially longitudinally from tubular body 424 so as to abut each other in a retracted position as shown in FIG. 8A. Conversely, when tissue eversion apparatus 800 is in the expanded state, resilient arms 802 extend laterally from tubular body 424 so as to be spread apart from each other in a deployed position, as shown in FIG. 8B.

[0080] Resilient arms 802 can be designed to be biased toward the deployed position. That is, when resilient arms 802 are not in the deployed position, a resilient force can act on resilient arms 802 to force distal ends 806 of resilient arms 802 to spread apart and thereby move to the deployed position. This can be accomplished by using a shape-memory type of material for the resilient arms, such as a nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., Nitinol), or other known shape-memory type of material.

[0081] A control sheath 808 having a bore 810 can be used with tissue eversion apparatus 800 to control when resilient arms 802 move between the retracted and deployed positions. When proximal ends 804 of resilient arms 802 are positioned within bore 810, control sheath 808 keeps resilient arms 802 together in the retracted position as shown in FIG. 8A and prevents resilient arms 802 from moving to the deployed position. Conversely, when proximal ends 804 of resilient arms 802 extend out of distal end 812 of bore 810, the resilient force causes resilient arms 802 to remain in the deployed position, as shown in FIG. 8B. Accordingly, control sheath 808 can be used to cause resilient arms 802 to move between the two positions.

[0082] For example, when tissue eversion apparatus 800 is in the unexpanded state of FIG. 8A, resilient arms 802 are in the retracted position abutting each other. An external force can be used to move resilient arms 802 distally with respect to control sheath 808. This can be accomplished, e.g., by applying a distal force to tubular body 424 or a proximal force to control sheath 808. Resilient arms 802 can continue to move distally with respect to control sheath 808 until the proximal ends 804 of resilient arms 802 move out of distal end 812 of control sheath bore 810. Once outside of bore 810, resilient arms 802 can spring out to the deployed position by virtue of the resilient force, thereby causing tissue eversion apparatus 800 to be in the expanded state shown in FIG. 8B.

[0083] In a similar but opposite manner, when tissue eversion apparatus 800 is in the expanded state of FIG. 8B, resilient arms 802 can be moved proximally with respect to control sheath 808. This causes resilient arms 802 to retract back into the control sheath bore 810. As proximal ends 804 of resilient arms 802 move into bore 810, the bore wall at distal end 812 exerts an inward force on resilient arms 802, overcoming the resilient force and causing distal ends 806 of resilient arms 802 to move inward. As resilient arms 802 retreat further into bore 810, resilient arms 802 move inward until the arms abut each other in the retracted position, thereby causing tissue eversion apparatus 800 to be in the unexpanded state shown in FIG. 8A.

[0084] Turning to FIGS. 9A-9F, a method of sealing and/or closing a passage through tissue using tissue eversion apparatus 800 will now be discussed. The method of sealing and/or closing using tissue eversion apparatus 800 is similar to the method discussed above using tissue eversion apparatus 436 with some variations. For example, similar to the previously described method, tissue eversion apparatus 800 is positioned within lumen 418 of sheath 404. However, as shown in FIG. 9A, control sheath 808 is also received within lumen 418 and tissue eversion apparatus 800 is positioned within control sheath 808 so as to be in the unexpanded state, as discussed above. Tissue eversion apparatus 800 can be positioned within control sheath 808 either before or after control sheath 808 has been received within lumen 418. Furthermore, control sheath 808 can be positioned within lumen 418 before or after clip 100 has been positioned within lumen 418. When control sheath 808 and clip 100 have been positioned within lumen 418, distal end 806 of tissue eversion apparatus 800 is disposed adjacent clip 100 at distal end 416 of sheath 404, as shown in FIG. 9A.

[0085] Similar to the previously discussed method, once clip 100 has been positioned above opening 700, external deploying force 708 is applied to tubular body 424 which causes the distal end 806 of tissue eversion apparatus 800 to extend through opening 700 and into vessel lumen 702. The same or similar deploying force 900 is simultaneously applied to control sheath 808 so that control sheath 808 moves distally with tissue eversion apparatus 800 to also extend through opening 700 and into vessel lumen 702, as shown in FIG. 9B. Because resilient arms 802 remain within control sheath 808, tissue eversion apparatus 800 remains in the unexpanded state.

[0086] The external deploying force 708 continues to be applied to tubular body 424 while the deploying force 900 applied to the control sheath 808 is removed. As a result, tissue eversion apparatus 800 further extends into vessel lumen 702 while control sheath 808 does not. Consequently, resilient arms 802 move out of bore 810 at distal end 812 of control sheath 808. Once outside of bore 810, resilient arms 802 spring out to the deployed position as shown in FIG. 9C and as discussed above. The positioning of distal end 812 of control sheath 808 prevents resilient arms 802 from springing out to the deployed position too soon; without control sheath 808, resilient arms 802 could spring out too soon, causing barbs 520 to snag on the tissue surrounding vessel wall opening 700 instead of the inner surface 712 of the tissue wall 704.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 9D, once tissue eversion apparatus 800 is in the expanded state, external retracting force 710 is applied to tubular body 410 to cause tissue eversion apparatus 800 to move proximally and contact inner surface 712 of vessel wall 704, similar to the previously discussed method. The same or similar refracting force 902 is simultaneously applied to control sheath 808 so that control sheath 808 will also move proximally with resilient arms 802. As a result, resilient arms 802 remain in the deployed position and barbs 520 engage inner surface 712 of vessel wall 704.

[0088] Similar to the previously discussed method, retracting force 710 is maintained on tubular body 424 to pull everted tissue region 714 upward through clip 100, as shown in FIG. 9E. Retracting force 902 is also maintained so that control sheath 808 moves proximally with resilient arms 802. At a predefined point, retracting force 902 is removed from control sheath 808, so that retracting force 710 on tubular body 424 causes resilient arms 802 to retract into control sheath 808. As resilient arms 802 retract into control sheath 808, resilient arms 802 move inward to the retracted position as discussed above and shown in FIG. 9E. As a result, the everted tissue 714 comes together through clip 100.

[0089] Similar to the previously discussed method, once a desired amount of everted tissue has been pulled proximally through clip 100, barbs 520 disengage from the everted tissue as shown in FIG. 9F. Tissue eversion apparatus 800, control sheath 808, and sheath 404 can then be removed from the body and clip 100 will remain secured to the vessel wall 704 in a similar manner as discussed previously.

[0090] FIGS. 10A and 10B show another alternative embodiment 1000 of a tissue eversion apparatus. Tissue eversion apparatus 1000 comprises a balloon 1002 that is inflatable between an unexpanded state, shown in FIG. 10A, and an expanded state, shown in FIG. 10B.

[0091] Balloon 1002 extends distally from distal end region 430 of tubular body 424. Balloon 1002 comprises a thin wall 1004 having an inner surface 1006 and an opposing outer surface 1008. Inner surface 1006 bounds an inflatable chamber 1010. Balloon 1002 is made of an expandable material that is capable of being expanded with air or other type of gas or liquid. For example, balloon 1002 can be made of polyvinyl chloride, nylon, or pebax. Other materials can also be used.

[0092] A lumen 1012 can extend through body 424 so as to fluidly communicate with chamber 1010 of balloon 1002. When tissue eversion apparatus 1000 is in the unexpanded state, balloon 1002 is deflated such that the balloon extends longitudinally away from tubular body 424, as shown in FIG. 10A, Conversely, when tissue eversion apparatus 1000 is in the expanded state, balloon 1002 is inflated so as to extend laterally from tubular body 424, as shown in FIG. 10B.

[0093] One or more barbs 520 or other tissue engaging members similar to those discussed previously can be integrally formed with or otherwise attached to outer surface 1008 of balloon 1002 so as to engage the tissue when balloon 1002 comes into contact with the tissue while in the expanded state.

[0094] During use, the deflated balloon 1002 is inserted through the opening in the tissue similar to the other tissue eversion apparatuses previously discussed. Once inserted, balloon 1002 can be inflated by passing air or other inflating component through lumen 1012 within body 424 and into chamber 1010 of balloon 1003. Balloon 1002 is then retracted back through the opening, similar to previously discussed methods, such that barbs 520 contact and evert tissue around the opening. As balloon 1002 retracts back through clip 100, balloon 1002 can be controllably deflated by selectively releasing air from chamber 1010 and through lumen 1012 of body 424. Similar to previously discussed methods, this causes the everted tissue to come together through clip 100.

[0095] Similar to previously discussed methods, once a desired amount of everted tissue has been pulled proximally through clip 100, the barbs 520 disengage from the everted tissue and tissue eversion apparatus 1000 and sheath 404 can be removed from the body and clip 100 will remain secured to the vessel wall.

[0096] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments, it is contemplated that one skilled in the art may make modifications to the device herein without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should not be considered limited to the embodiments described herein