Suture-based closure with hemostatic tract plug

Abstract

Devices for closing a passage through tissue communicating with a body lumen. The device may include an elongate body, a sheath disposed at the distal end of the device for disposition within a body lumen, a hollow needle disposed within a needle lumen of the body, the needle being selectively advanceable through the needle lumen, a suture-anchor ejection mandrel disposed within the hollow needle that is also selectively advanceable through the hollow needle, a suture-anchor and suture disposed within the hollow needle, a distal end of the suture attached to the suture anchor for ejection out the hollow needle by the mandrel. A needle guide disposed between the sheath and proximal end of the body may include a needle port through which the needle can exit. A hemostatic plug is disposed over the needle port so as to be penetrated by the needle upon exiting the port.

Claims

1. A method of closing an opening in tissue, the method comprising: advancing a suture-anchor through the tissue; positioning a plug adjacent the opening, the suture-anchor being advanced through the plug prior to being advanced through the tissue; and securing the plug to the tissue, wherein, positioning the plug adjacent the opening comprises disposing the plug within an access passage, the plug extending generally parallel to the access passage, and then transitioning the plug to extend generally transversely to a direction of elongation of the access passage.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising advancing the suture-anchor through another tissue through which an access passage is formed.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein securing the plug comprises advancing a knot along a suture extending proximally from the suture-anchor.

4. The method of claim 1, advancing a hollow needle through the tissue, the suture-anchor being advanced from the hollow needle.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein positioning the plug adjacent the opening comprises deploying the plug from a recess of a needle guide.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprises advancing a hollow needle from a needle port of the needle guide.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the plug is bioabsorbable.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the suture-anchor is bioabsorbable.

9. A method of closing an opening in tissue, the method comprising: deploying a plurality of one-piece suture-anchors into the tissue near the opening, each suture-anchor comprising an elongate body with a plurality of stabilizing members, the plurality of stabilizing members extending proximally in a deployed state; positioning a plurality of plugs adjacent the opening, each one-piece suture-anchor being advanced through one plug of the plurality of plugs prior to being advanced through the tissue, positioning the plurality of plugs adjacent the opening comprises disposing each plug within an access passage, each plug extending generally parallel to the access passage; and distally advancing a knot in suture associated with the plurality of one-piece suture-anchors to pull the tissue into apposition, closing the opening, distally advancing the knot transitioning each plug to extend generally transversely to a direction of elongation of the access passage.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising moving the plurality of one-piece suture-anchors towards the opening as the knot is distally advanced.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising proximally moving a mandrel associated with each one-piece suture-anchor to advance each one-piece suture-anchor into the tissue.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein deploying the plurality of one-piece suture-anchors comprises actuating a lever to distally advance a plurality of mandrels associated with the plurality of one-piece suture-anchors.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein a one-piece suture-anchors of the plurality of one-piece suture-anchors is rotatable relative to the suture.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the plurality of stabilizing members are a plurality of barbs.

15. The method of claim 9, further comprising advancing a delivery device towards the tissue, the delivery device comprising a plurality of lumens each accommodating one of the plurality of one-piece suture-anchors.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein deploying the plurality of one-piece suture-anchors further comprises actuating a lever to advance the plurality of one-piece suture-anchors through the plurality of lumens.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein deploying the plurality of one-piece suture-anchors comprises penetrating the tissue with a plurality of hollow needles before deploying the plurality of one-piece suture-anchors toward the tissue.

18. The method of claim 9, wherein deploying the plurality of one-piece suture-anchors comprises deploying the plurality of one-piece suture-anchors at an angle into the tissue.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. Embodiments of the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary closure device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

(3) FIG. 2 is a close-up view showing the distal sheath and needle guide of the device of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3A is an isometric view of the device of FIG. 1, showing activation of the needle advancement assembly and associated deployment of the hollow needles through the needle ports;

(5) FIG. 3B is an isometric view of the device of FIG. 3A, showing activation of the suture-anchor ejection assembly and associated deployment of the suture-anchor out the distal end of the hollow needles;

(6) FIG. 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view through the needle guide portion of the device of FIG. 1;

(7) FIG. 5A is a close-up isometric view showing the portion of the needle guide surrounding a needle port and hemostatic plug;

(8) FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view through the portion of the needle guide shown in 5A;

(9) FIG. 5C is a close-up isometric view similar to that of FIG. 5A, showing a portion of the needle guide surrounding a needle port, but in which the hemostatic plug has been removed so as to more clearly show the needle port and surrounding receiving recess into which the hemostatic plug is received;

(10) FIGS. 6A-6E illustrate a method for use of the closure device in placing sutures and hemostatic plugs in preparation for closing the access tract;

(11) FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate progressive removal of the device from an access tract in preparation for closure of the access tract with the sutures and hemostatic plugs once the sutures have been set;

(12) FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate how the sutures may include barbs to resist movement of the hemostatic plug once the barbed suture engages the plug; and

(13) FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate tying and sliding of a surgical sliding knot formed with the suture legs to close the access tract, the hemostatic plugs engaged by the suture legs providing a secondary sealing mechanism for ensuring effective closure of the access tract.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(14) I. Introduction

(15) In one aspect, the present disclosure describes devices for closing an access tract or passage through tissue communicating with a body lumen. The device may include an elongate body extending from a proximal end to a distal end, a sheath disposed at the distal end of the device for disposition within a body lumen during use, at least one hollow needle disposed within a corresponding needle lumen of the body, at least one suture-anchor ejection mandrel disposed within the hollow needle, a suture-anchor and suture disposed within the hollow needle, a needle guide including a needle port disposed between the sheath and proximal end of the elongate body, a hemostatic plug disposed over the needle port, within a receiving recess disposed about the needle port, and advancement and ejection assemblies on or within the elongate body for deploying the hollow needle(s) and ejecting the suture-anchor ejection mandrel, respectively.

(16) Each suture-anchor ejection mandrel is disposed within a corresponding hollow needle so that both the needle(s) and mandrel(s) are selectively advanceable upon activation of the associated advancement and ejection assemblies, respectively. The hollow needle can advance through the needle lumen in the elongate body, so as to exit through the needle port of the needle guide, while the mandrel is selectively advanceable within the hollow needle, so as to allow the suture-anchor stored therein to be ejected out, when desired. The hemostatic plugs are disposed over the needle port(s) so that when exiting the needle port, a respective hollow needle penetrates the hemostatic plug disposed thereover. The suture-anchor may be pushed out distal end of the hollow needle, while the suture attached to the suture-anchor trails behind, inside the hollow needle. Upon retraction of the hollow needle and mandrel (while the suture-anchor and suture remain in place), the suture and plug become engaged together.

(17) An exemplary device may include two hollow needles, and two associated mandrels, needle ports, hemostatic plugs, suture-anchors, and sutures. The device allows a practitioner to position the device within the passage to be closed, the hollow needles are advanced, penetrating the hemostatic plug and into tissue surrounding the access tract, penetrating into the artery or other body lumen. The mandrels are then advanced, ejecting the suture-anchors through the hollow needles into the artery or other body lumen. The suture anchors may be positioned adjacent the wall of the body lumen by tensioning the proximal end of each suture, so as to “set” the suture-anchors in a desired position (e.g., one suture-anchor on either side of the opening). The proximal “back end” portion of the device, including the hollow needles and mandrels may then be withdrawn, providing engagement between the sutures and the hemostatic plugs (e.g., within the access passage) as the plugs close about the suture as the needle is withdrawn and the suture remains in place. The distal “front end” portion of the device may be partially withdrawn to the point that the sheath continues to provide hemostasis of the opening, and the sutures may then be tied down. Because the suture legs include the hemostatic plugs engaged therewith, as the suture legs are tied down over the access opening, the hemostatic plugs provide additional sealing of the opening beyond that provided by suturing alone.

(18) Where two or more suture-anchors are deployed (e.g., one on each side of the opening) through a corresponding number of hollow needles, closure of the opening is more effective than methods that deliver only a single fastener, plug, or suture (e.g., centered over the opening). When delivering such fasteners, plugs, etc. over the opening, it can be difficult to ensure that the fastener or plug is properly placed. Locating the plug or fastener too far from the interface of overlying tissue and the adventitial surface of the blood vessel or other body lumen can result in failure to provide hemostasis and other problems. It is also possible that the fastener or plug may undesirably intrude into the body lumen, resulting in intravascular clots and other problems.

(19) In addition, as compared to existing closure techniques that deliver a suture so as to cross the opening (e.g., using dual needles), the present techniques are simpler, as it is not necessary to retrieve the distal end of the suture once it is delivered through the wall of the body lumen. This results in a significantly simpler closure technique that can be practiced without the high level of practitioner skill needed to maintain proper suture deployment angles for delivery and subsequent retrieval. The use of suture-anchors attached to the distal end of the sutures allows them to be delivered to opposing sides of the opening (no retrieval needed), after which the proximal ends of the sutures may be tied together, forming a closing seal over the opening. Because the suture legs include hemostatic plugs engaged or anchored thereto, the plugs aid in ensuring that an effective seal is formed, which may effectively reduce or eliminate tract ooze from the access site.

(20) While the suture-anchors may remain within the body lumen following closure, they may be formed of a rapidly-eroding material that dissolves within the body lumen within a matter of hours.

(21) II. Exemplary Devices and Methods

(22) Referring to FIG. 1, an isometric view of an example of a device 100 for closing an access passage through tissue that embodies features of the invention is illustrated. Device 100 may include an elongate body 102 extending from a proximal end 104 to a distal end 106. A sheath 108 may be disposed at distal end 106 of device 100 for disposition into a body lumen (e.g., an artery) during use. Device 100 may further include a needle guide 110 disposed between sheath 108 and the proximal end 104 of body 102. Needle guide 110 may be considered part of elongate body 102.

(23) Disposed on or within device 100 are various structures that aid in delivering a suture to close the access passage. Some such structures discussed below may perhaps be best seen in FIG. 4, showing a transverse cross-section through needle guide 110. At least one hollow needle (e.g., anterior and posterior needles 112a and 112b) may be disposed within a corresponding needle lumen (e.g., lumens 114a, 114b) of needle guide 110. Such needle lumens may extend proximally from needle guide 110 into the proximal portions of body 102. At least one suture-anchor ejection mandrel (e.g., anterior and posterior mandrels 116a and 116b) may be disposed within the hollow needle(s). The one or more hollow needles (e.g., 112a, 112b) are selectively advanceable through the needle lumens 114a, 114b. The one or more mandrels (e.g., 116a, 116b) are selectively advanceable through the corresponding hollow needles (e.g., 112a, 112b) within which they are disposed. A suture-anchor and corresponding suture (e.g., sutures 118a, 118b) may also be disposed within the at least one hollow needle. A distal end of the suture may be attached to the suture-anchor so that when the suture-anchor is ejected out the distal end of a given hollow needle by the corresponding suture-anchor ejection mandrel, the attached suture may trail behind. In the illustrated embodiment, sutures 118a and 118b are shown received within a channel formed in mandrels 116a, 116b, although other configurations may of course be employed. For example, in another embodiment, the suture may be disposed within a groove formed in the exterior surface of mandrel 116a, 116b, a groove formed into an interior surface of hollow needle 112a, 112b, or simply disposed within a clearance space provided between mandrel 116a, 116b and corresponding hollow needle 112a, 112b. Other configurations may also be suitable for use. As shown in FIG. 1, the proximal end of the suture legs may reside and be stored within body 102 and/or suture lumens 111.

(24) In an embodiment, sutures 118a, 118b may have a diameter from about 0.005 inch to about 0.015 inch (e.g., about 0.009 inch). Needle guide 110 may have a diameter from about 0.08 inch to about 0.15 inch (e.g., about 0.114 inch).

(25) Needle guide 110 includes at least one needle port through which the hollow needles exit during use. For example, in the illustrated configuration, two needle ports 120a and 120b may be provided, through which anterior hollow needle 112a and posterior needle 112b, respectively, may exit or protrude when needles 112a, 112b are deployed. FIG. 3A shows activation of a needle advancement assembly (e.g., a plunger, mandrel, or other mechanism operatively coupling needle advancement lever 122 with needles 112a, 112b), causing hollow needles 112a and 112b to be advanced distally, deploying through needle ports 120a and 120b. Because of placement of hemostatic plugs 124a and 124b over ports 120a and 120b, needles 112a, 112b penetrate plugs 124a, 124b upon such advancement.

(26) As seen in FIG. 3B, upon activation of a suture-anchor ejection assembly (e.g., a coupling mechanism operatively coupling suture-anchor ejection lever 123 with mandrels 116a, 116b), mandrels 116a, 116b are advanced within hollow needles 112a, 112b, pushing the suture-anchor ahead of the respective mandrel, eventually pushing suture-anchors 125a, 125b out of hollow needles 112a, 112b, clear of plugs 124a, 124b.

(27) Device 100 further includes at least one hemostatic plug disposed over the one or more needle ports (e.g., positioned within a receiving recess disposed about the needle port(s). Illustrated device 100 includes two hemostatic plugs 124a and 124b, disposed over needle ports 120a and 120b, within recesses 126a and 126b. FIGS. 5A-5C show close-up views of needle guide 110 in the region surrounding hemostatic plugs 124a, 124b, ports 120a, 120b, and receiving recesses 126a, 126b.

(28) As shown in FIG. 5A, hemostatic plug 124a may be initially retained within receiving recess 126a through any suitable mechanism. In an embodiment, one or more mechanical retention mechanisms such as détentes 123 or other overhanging structure may aid in initially retaining plug 124 within recess 126a. For example, one or more protrusions and corresponding mating recesses may be provided within the retaining recess and hemostatic plug received therein for inhibiting premature dislodgement of the hemostatic plug. In an embodiment, the bottom of receiving recess 126a might include protrusions (e.g., including a bulbous head with an undercut) or recesses (e.g., oppositely configured with an undercut) in which portions of the plug 124a may reside, resulting in increased retention of the plug. Where the plug is a highly flexible putty-like material (e.g., collagen), it may easily adapt into and around such undercuts or other features configured to increase retention force. In another embodiment, a weak adhesive may be applied between the recess 126a and plug 124a to help hold it in place. In any case, the retention force exhibited by the arrangement may be such that the plug is dislodged from recess 126a upon penetration of plug 124a by needle 112a so that upon subsequent withdrawal of needle 112a, plug 124a is dislodged from recess 126a, becoming engaged with suture 118a. While described in the context of hemostatic plug 124a, it will be understood that hemostatic plug 124b may be similarly configured.

(29) As seen in FIG. 5B, ports 120a and 120b may be longitudinally offset relative to one another such that one port (e.g., port 120a) may be disposed anteriorly or distally relative to the other port (e.g., port 120b). Associated structures (e.g., hemostatic plugs 124a, 124b, and receiving recesses 126a, 126b may similarly be longitudinally offset as shown in the figures.

(30) Needle lumen 114a guides hollow needle 112a to exit port 120a at an angle. For example, the distal portion of needle lumen 114a adjacent port 120a may be ramped, as perhaps best seen in FIG. 5B to bias needle 112a to a desired angle relative to the longitudinal axis of needle guide 110, forcing hollow needle 112a to penetrate the tissue adjacent the access passageway during use. Such angle may typically be from about 5° to about 60°, from about 10° to about 45°, or from about 15° to about 35°. Needle lumen 114b may be similarly configured to provide an opposite guiding angle, forcing one hollow needle to penetrate to one side of the access passage, while the other needle penetrates to the other side of the access passage, as shown in FIG. 6C.

(31) Additional details of various needle guide and needle configurations are disclosed in U.S. Publication 2009/0088779 which describes suture delivery and retrieval systems including needle deployment to either side of an access opening. The above application describes configurations that employ an articulating foot into which the needles are received during use. The presently described embodiments rather do not require the use of an articulating foot or any associated control lumen. Rather, the needle guide and sheath portions disposed distal to the receiving recesses 126a, 126b and ports 120a, 120b may be substantially smooth, without the need for any such articulating foot. U.S. Publication 2009/0088779 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

(32) FIGS. 6A-9B illustrate an example of a method for closing an access passageway using device 100. As seen in FIG. 6A, catheter sheath 108 is backloaded over guide wire 128. Sheath 108 and device 100 may be advanced through access tract 130 until guide wire 128 emerges at monorail port 132 (monorail port 132 may be seen in FIG. 1), with sheath 108 positioned within body lumen 134. Monorail port 132 may allow withdrawal of guide wire 128 from body lumen 134 (e.g., an artery) in preparation for closure of access tract or passageway 130. Device 100, including sheath 108 may be advanced within access passageway 130 until marker port 136 is positioned within body lumen 134. Indication that marker port 136 is properly positioned may be indicated by a strong pulsatile flow of blood out marker lumen 138, as seen in FIG. 6B. It is at this position that device 100 may be stabilized in preparation for closing access passageway 130.

(33) As shown in FIGS. 3A and 6C, needle advancement assembly may be activated (e.g., by pressing lever 122). This action deploys hollow needles 112a and 112b through ports 120a and 120b, as well as through hemostatic plugs 124a and 124b disposed thereover. The hollow needles 112a, 112b are deflected, deploying through the tissue 140 adjacent passageway 130 and through the wall 142 of body lumen 134. Hollow needles 112a and 112b provide access into body lumen 134 through which a suture and associated suture-anchor may be introduced for closing access passageway 130.

(34) As shown in FIGS. 3B and 6D, the suture-anchor ejection assembly may be activated (e.g., by pressing lever 123), causing advancement of suture-anchor ejection mandrels 116a and 116b within hollow needles 112a and 112b. As shown in FIG. 6D, during this ejection procedure, hollow needles 112a and 112b may remain deployed (e.g., lever 122 remains depressed or otherwise activated). Mandrels 116a and 116b push before them suture-anchors 125a and 125b, so as to push suture-anchors 125a and 125b out hollow needles 112a and 112b into body lumen 134.

(35) Suture-anchors 125a and 125b may be configured to be deployed into body lumen 134 and abut internal wall 142 of lumen 134. For example, suture-anchors 125a and 125b may be elongated with a cross-section sufficiently small to pass through hollow needles 112a, 112b (e.g., pushed by mandrels 116a, 116b), but with a dimension sufficient to bridge the lumen of hollow needles 112a, 112b once rotated after deployment. FIG. 6E shows suture-anchors 125a, 125b in a deployed configuration, so that their longitudinal dimension (which is longer than their transverse width) is transverse to hollow needles 112a, 112b and mandrels 116a, 116b. Suture-anchors 125a and 125b may be deployed in this configuration by simply applying slight tension to sutures 118a and 118b, the distal ends of which are attached to corresponding suture-anchors 125a and 125b. For example, in an embodiment the sutures 118a, 118b may be attached to a side of the corresponding suture-anchor so that as the suture anchor is pushed through the corresponding hollow needle, it maintains its longitudinal orientation.

(36) Because of the attachment point of suture 118a, 118b with the corresponding suture-anchor, once the suture-anchor exits the hollow needle and tension is applied to the suture, the suture anchor may rotate or “gimbal” to assume a rotated (e.g., 90°) orientation. In the rotated configuration, the major surface area surface of the suture-anchor can be pulled up, adjacent the wall 142 of the body lumen 134. For example, the proximal ends of sutures 118a, 118b may be accessible to the practitioner through the proximal end 104 of device 100. By tensioning sutures 118a, 118b and slightly retracting device 100 while maintaining activation of the suture-anchor ejection assembly, the suture-anchors 125a and 125b can be engaged against wall 142 of body lumen 134.

(37) Additional detail of exemplary suture-anchors and their attachment to sutures may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/684,400, 12/684,542, 12/684,569, 12/684,562, 12/684,470, 13/112,618, and 13/112,631. Each of the above patent applications claim priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/143,751. Each of the above applications is incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety.

(38) Hemostatic plugs 124a, 124b may comprise any suitable material. In an embodiment, such plugs comprise collagen. In another embodiment, such plugs may comprise one or more polymers, such as PEG. Bioabsorbable polymers may be suitable for use (e.g., polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, copolymers thereof, etc.). Hemostatic plugs 124a, 124b may be swellable, so as to swell as they absorb blood, water, or body fluids present.

(39) Suture-anchors 125a, 125b may comprise any suitable material. In an embodiment, such suture-anchors may be bioabsorbable. As suture-anchors remain behind within body lumen 134, the suture-anchor may comprise a rapidly-eroding material, so as to erode or dissolve within the body lumen 134 within a matter of hours. In an embodiment, the rapidly-eroding material may be a surface eroding material. In particular, the rapidly-eroding material may dissolve from the outer layer inward, thereby preserving the strength of the core of the rapidly-eroding material during the initial stages of dissolution. In one embodiment, this may be similar to the dissolution of a hard candy, wherein dissolution occurs at the outer surface, one layer at a time, rather than dissolving from within.

(40) The rapidly-eroding material may include, in one example embodiment, one or more sugars, such as glucose or sucrose. In a further embodiment, additional materials may be added to the rapidly-eroding material to provide additional properties to the rapidly-eroding material. For example, a poly-vinyl pyrrolidone or similar material may be added to enhance toughness, a hyaluronic acid, dextran, and/or similar materials may be added to increase hemocompatibility and thromboresistance, and/or beneficial agents, such as anti-inflammatories, can be added to reduce local scar formation. Heparin may also be added to the rapidly-eroding material when compatible processing temperatures are employed. In a further embodiment, the rapidly-eroding material may include a hydrogel-like material. In a yet further embodiment, the rapidly-eroding material may be coated with a heparin surface treatment, such as benzalkonium heparin.

(41) In one embodiment, the rapidly-eroding material can be configured to be at least partially porous and/or micro-porous. Accordingly, one or more beneficial agents can be incorporated into at least one of the pores of the rapidly-eroding material. For example, the beneficial agents may include anti-clotting agents, such as heparin, anti-inflammatory agents, and/or other beneficial agents. One method for producing a porous rapidly-eroding material may include freeze drying the rapidly-eroding material. In particular, in one example embodiment, acetic acid may be used as a solvent for freeze drying the rapidly-eroding material. Polymers, such as PLGA, which are soluble in acetic acid, may be used as part of the freeze-drying process.

(42) In a further embodiment, a micro-porous silicon may be used. In particular, the micro-porous silicon may be prepared with various degradation rates, including rapidly degrading forms. The micro-porous silicon may be sufficiently strong to be used in a suture-anchor, and/or may also have sufficient porosity to allow incorporation of beneficial agents. For example, in one embodiment, it may be desirable to incorporate a hydrophobic heparin derivative, such as benzalkonium heparin, into the porosity of the suture-anchor because of its low solubility.

(43) In a yet further embodiment, the suture-anchor may comprise a nano material (e.g., peptides). Once a suture-anchor is deployed within a lumen, the nano-material may dissolve into the fluid flow within the lumen. In particular, the suture-anchor may be configured to dissolve and/or disappear once the suture-anchor is no longer needed.

(44) As seen in FIG. 7A, once suture-anchors 125a, 125b are engaged against wall 142, the proximal portion 107 of device 100, including levers 122 and 123, as well as associated hollow needles 112a, 112b, and suture-anchor ejection mandrels 116a, 116b activated thereby can be retracted from the remaining distal portion 109 of housing 102 of device 100. For example, body 102 may include proximal and distal housing portions 107 and 109 which are detachable from one another. For example, the proximal housing portion 107 may slide over the distal housing portion 109, as shown. Any desired retention mechanisms (e.g., détentes, couplings, etc.) may be included to initially couple the two portions together and prevent inadvertent premature separation of the proximal housing portion from the distal housing portion. In an embodiment, any coupling of the two portions may be such that upon separation, the separation is irreversible (e.g., breaking or fracture of a coupling mechanism). In another embodiment, the coupling mechanism may allow recoupling of the separated portions (i.e., separation may be reversible).

(45) As the proximal portion 107 of the device 100 is removed, sutures 118a and 118b remain behind, with distal portion 109 of device 100. As seen in FIG. 7B, the distal portion 109 of device 100, including attached needle guide 110 and sheath 108, may then be partially retracted from access passage 130 so that sheath 108 maintains hemostasis of access passage 130, while the proximal legs of sutures 118a and 118b are harvested from needle ports 120a and 120b (e.g., by pulling sutures 118a and 118b laterally outward as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 7B).

(46) As described above, the adherence strength of hemostatic plugs 124a and 124b within recesses 126a and 126b may be such that penetration of hemostatic plugs 124a, 124b by needles 112a, 112b is sufficient to dislodge plugs 124a, 124b from recesses 126a, 126b. As a result, when distal portion 109 is partially retracted as seen in FIG. 7B, hemostatic plugs are retained at the location within access passage 130 where they were penetrated by needles 112a and 112b. Although needles 112a and 112b have been retracted as seen in FIG. 7B, sutures 118a and 118b maintain in their prior position, passing through plugs 124a and 124b, and helping to retain plugs 124a and 124b in place as needles 112a and 112b are retracted.

(47) In an embodiment, sutures 118a and 118b may include at least a portion thereof that is specially configured to aid in retaining hemostatic plugs 124a and 124b in place. For example, FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a suture 118 including one or more barbs 144 configured to resist proximal movement of plugs 124a, 124b once suture 118 is engaged therewith. Adjacent portions of suture 118, away from plugs 124a, 124b, may be smoother than the barbed section. Illustrated barbs 144 include a wider distal dimension or ledge, which tapers to a smaller proximal dimension. The illustrated barb configuration is merely exemplary, and other configurations may also be suitable for use. In another embodiment, suture 118 may be etched or otherwise chemically or mechanically treated (e.g., by abrasion) to provide a roughened surface to at least a portion of suture 118, providing a similar retention characteristic. As employed herein, the term “barbed” as relating to the suture is to be broadly construed to encompass such treatments or manufacturing techniques resulting in a roughened surface.

(48) In an embodiment, barbs may similarly be provided on hollow needles 112a, 112b in order to aid in dislodging and pushing hemostatic plugs 124a, 124b from receiving recesses 126a, 126b. Such barbs may also be provided on suture-anchors 125a, 125b. FIG. 8C illustrates an embodiment where suture-anchors 125a and 125b each include one or more barbs 127a, 127b, respectively, to aid in stabilization. For example, the surface of each suture-anchor that becomes oriented in apposition to body lumen (e.g., artery) wall 142 may include one or more barbs for engagement with wall 142, stabilizing the suture-anchor in the desired orientation and position.

(49) The suture-anchors may be of a one-piece type construction, or may comprise two or more pieces joined (e.g., mechanically) together. The suture-anchors may vary in length, mass, or other characteristics to facilitate ejection and gimballing.

(50) As seen in FIG. 9A, a surgical knot (e.g., such as the surgical sliding knot shown) may be tied, and device 100 may be fully retracted from access passage 130 as the knot is advanced (FIG. 9B), pulling tissue 142 in apposition, closing passage 130. Because of the presence of hemostatic plugs 124a and 124b engaged on suture legs 118a and 118b, a secondary sealing mechanism is provided through the hemostatic plug material, providing a more effective closure of opening 130 as compared to suture or a hemostatic plug alone.

(51) The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.