초록 ▼

A method for closing and sealing a puncture at a puncture site in an artery located beneath the skin after a catheter is removed from the puncture. The method includes the steps of applying pressure directly to the artery at the puncture site, and applying laser energy directly to the artery at the

A method for closing and sealing a puncture at a puncture site in an artery located beneath the skin after a catheter is removed from the puncture. The method includes the steps of applying pressure directly to the artery at the puncture site, and applying laser energy directly to the artery at the puncture site while pressure is applied. The laser energy is sufficient to thermally weld the artery at the puncture site. Preferably, the step of applying pressure directly to the artery includes the steps of advancing a tube having an inflatable balloon at its distal end through the overlying tissue to the punction site, and inflating the balloon. Laser energy is carried thorugh an optical fiber to the balloon and is directed through the wall of the balloon to the puncture site.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for closing and sealing a puncture at a puncture site in an artery located beneath the skin, after a medical device is removed from the puncture, comprising the steps of: applying pressure directly to the artery at the puncture site, said pressure being sufficient to substantially close the

A method for closing and sealing a puncture at a puncture site in an artery located beneath the skin, after a medical device is removed from the puncture, comprising the steps of: applying pressure directly to the artery at the puncture site, said pressure being sufficient to substantially close the puncture, the step of applying pressure including the steps of advancing a tube having an inflatable balloon at its distal end through overlying tissue to the puncture site, and inflating the balloon so that the balloon and the tube apply pressure to the puncture site; and applying laser energy directly to the artery at the puncture site while pressure is applied, said laser energy being sufficient to thermally weld the artery at the puncture site.