Pledget-handling system and method for delivering hemostasis promoting material to a blood vessel puncture site by fluid pressure

A method of promoting hemostasis of a blood vessel puncture using a pledget handling system which includes a valve, the method comprising:

• locating a pledget inside a hydration means;
• connecting said hydration means to said pledget handling system;
• setting the valve to a first position and hydrating the pledget in said hydration means;
• thereafter setting the valve to a second position and staging the pledget in said pledget handling system;
• and,
• thereafter setting the valve to a third position and delivering the pledget to promote hemostasis of the blood vessel puncture.

A system for delivering a pledget of hemostasis promoting material to a blood vessel puncture to facilitate hemostasis, the system comprising:

• an introducer sheath;
• a control tip coupled to said introducer sheath;
• and,
• seal means disposed around a portion of said control tip to prevent blood from passing through said introducer sheath.