| abstract |
Apparatus and methods are provided for sealing a puncture extending through tissue to a blood vessel. A delivery sheath is introduced-into the puncture, and a sealing compound, e.g., precursor polymers that mix to create a hydrogel, is introduced through the delivery sheath into the puncture. The delivery sheath is then removed, an introducer sheath is advanced through the puncture into the vessel, and instruments are introduced through the introducer sheath into the vessel to perform a medical procedure. After completing the procedure, the introducer sheath is withdrawn. The sealing compound may expand into the puncture and/or tissue recoil of the surrounding tissue may cause the sealing compound to at least partially occlude the puncture to facilitate sealing and/or hemostasis. |