System and method for transapical access and closure

Abstract

Embodiments are described for creating and closing tissue access ports, such as transapical access ports, which involve placement of an introducer across the subject tissue structure, and deployment of a controllable port closure device assembly configured to remain in place with a ratcheting mechanism, and to hold the tissue surrounding the previous access port location closed against a sealing disc with proximal and distal strut assemblies, after the introducer has been removed.

1 . A system for providing surgical access across a wall of a tissue structure, comprising:
 a. a delivery member having proximal and distal ends;   b. a first helical member having proximal and distal ends and a helical shape, the proximal end coupled to the delivery member distal end, the distal end extending distally from the delivery member distal end;   c. an anchor member removably coupled to the helical member distal end;   d. a suture member coupled distally to a portion of the anchor member and extending proximally to a position wherein at least a portion of it may be freely manipulated by an operator; and   e. an elongate instrument at least partially inserted through the first helical member;   wherein upon rotation of the delivery member in a first direction, the first helical member and coupled anchor member are advanced across at least a portion of the wall of the tissue structure, pulling along the distal portion of the suture member in a deployed suture pattern which remains coupled to the anchor member, the deployed suture pattern being characterized in that it represents a number of helical loops encapsulated by the wall of the tissue structure that is greater than about one and one-half helical loops, and is deployed in a substantially helical configuration selected to movably accommodate the elongate instrument therethrough.