Plunger apparatus and methods for delivering a closure device

A method for delivering a closure element to seal an opening through tissue, the method comprising:

• inserting a distal end of the elongate member into an opening through tissue along a guidewire, the elongate member having a distal end, a proximal end, a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end, and a skin overlying at least a portion of the outer surface of the elongate member between the distal end and proximal end and at least partially overlying a carrier assembly;
• deploying one or more medical devices through the lumen of the elongate member;
• following removal of the one or more medical devices from within the lumen, selectively connecting a separate actuator assembly to the elongate member and locating a portion of the separate actuator assembly in fluid communication with the lumen of the elongate member and inserting a distal end of an obturator through the lumen of the elongate member and through a portion of the actuator assembly and through the opening through tissue;
• advancing the carrier assembly distally along the elongate member from the proximal end towards the distal end of the elongate member with the actuator assembly, thereby advancing the closure element towards the distal end of the elongate member and causing the skin to separate from the outer surface of the elongate member;
• engaging tissue adjacent the distal end of the elongate member with a plurality of tissue engaging elements on the closure element;
• and
• withdrawing the elongate member from the opening, thereby leaving the closure element to close the opening.

A method for delivering a closure element to seal an opening through tissue, the method comprising:

• following positioning a guidewire through the opening through tissue, inserting a distal end of an elongate member into an opening through tissue along the guidewire, the opening communicating with a blood vessel, the elongate member having a distal end, a proximal end, a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends, and a skin overlying at least a portion of the outer surface of the elongate member between the distal end and proximal end and at least partially overlying a carrier assembly;
• inserting one or more instruments through the lumen into the blood vessel to perform a therapeutic or diagnostic procedure;
• following removal of the one or more instruments, including the guidewire, selectively connecting a separate actuator assembly to the elongate member and locating a portion of the separate actuator assembly in fluid communication with the lumen of the elongate member and advancing the carrier assembly distally along the elongate member from the proximal end towards the distal end of the elongate member with the actuator assembly, thereby advancing the closure element towards the distal end of the elongate member and causing the skin to separate from the outer surface of the elongate member;
• engaging tissue adjacent the distal end of the elongate member with a plurality of tissue engaging elements on the closure element;
• and
• withdrawing the elongate member from the opening, thereby leaving the closure element to close the opening and to substantially seal the opening from blood flow therethrough with the closure element.