Vascular closure device

Abstract

A vascular closure device includes a frame to which there is fitted a plurality of anchor elements, spaced radially around the frame. The closure device includes a radial compression feature, which may be a memorised shape of the frame or non-sprung condition of the frame, having a small radius. The closure device is deployed in a vessel such that the anchor elements are embedded into the vessel wall. The radial compression feature causes the frame to compress radially, as a result of which the anchor elements will pull the vessel wall inwardly, thereby closing the vessel.

1 . A vascular closure device including:
 a frame of tubular form and comprising a plurality of frame elements, which frame is radially compressible to a small radius and radially expandable;   a plurality of tissue grasping elements coupled to and extending radially outwardly from at least some of the frame elements;   a radial compression mechanism, integral with the frame;   the device being of a type detachable from an introducer assembly;   the closure device being implantable in a patient, whereby the radial compression mechanism is effective to compress radially the frame within the vessel with vessel tissue grasped by and pulled by the grasping elements.   
     
     
         2 . A vascular closure device according to  claim 1 , wherein the frame is made of one of: shape memory and spring material. 
     
     
         3 . A vascular closure device according to  claim 1 , wherein the tissue grasping elements are in the form of barbs. 
     
     
         4 . A vascular closure device according to  claim 1 , wherein each tissue grasping element includes at least one rearwardly extending hook. 
     
     
         5 . A vascular closure device according to  claim 1 , wherein the tissue grasping elements are disposed circumferentially around said frame. 
     
     
         6 . A vascular closure device according to  claim 1 , wherein the tissue grasping elements are disposed at a distal end of said frame. 
     
     
         7 . A vascular closure device according to  claim 1 , wherein the frame has a longitudinal length and the tissue grasping elements are disposed along the length of the frame. 
     
     
         8 . A vascular closure device according to  claim 6 , wherein the tissue grasping elements are disposed longitudinally along the length and circumferentially around the frame. 
     
     
         9 . A vascular closure device according to  claim 1 , wherein the radial compression mechanism is an non-stretched or a memorized shape of the frame at said small radius. 
     
     
         10 . A vascular closure device according to  claim 9 , wherein the frame elements are arranged in an elongate tubular form and the tissue grasping elements extend radially outwardly from the tubular form. 
     
     
         11 . A vascular closure device according to  claim 10 , wherein the tubular form has an operating rest condition at said small radius. 
     
     
         12 . A vascular closure device according to  claim 9 , wherein when the frame is at said small radius, the frame provides a small or substantially closed lumen therethrough. 
     
     
         13 . A vascular closure device according to  claim 1 , including thrombogenic fibers disposed on the frame. 
     
     
         14 . A vascular closure device according to  claim 13 , wherein the thrombogenic fibers are disposed to extend radially inwardly of the frame.