Apparatus and methods for engaging tissue

#The present invention relates generally to medical devices, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for engaging tissue.

#Catheterization and interventional procedures, such as angioplasty or stenting, generally are performed by inserting a hollow needle through a patient's skin and tissue into the vascular system. A guidewire may be advanced through the needle and into the patient's blood vessel accessed by the needle. The needle is then removed, enabling an introducer sheath to be advanced over the guidewire into the vessel, e.g., in conjunction with or subsequent to a dilator.

#A catheter or other device may then be advanced through a lumen of the introducer sheath and over the guidewire into a position for performing a medical procedure. Thus, the introducer sheath may facilitate introducing various devices into the vessel, while minimizing trauma to the vessel wall and/or minimizing blood loss during a procedure.

#In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

#FIG. 1A is a perspective partial cutaway view of an embodiment of a system for engaging tissue with an engaging element in an open configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

#FIG. 1B is a perspective partial cutaway view of the embodiment of a system for engaging tissue of FIG. 1A with an engaging element in a closed configuration, according to the present invention.

#It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are generally represented by like-reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. It also should be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of embodiments of the present invention.

#Embodiments described herein extend to methods, systems, and apparatus for engaging tissue. Some embodiments may be used to close and/or seal openings in a blood vessel or other body lumen formed during a diagnostic, therapeutic, and/or other procedure. The engaging elements of the present invention may be configured to be delivered through tissue and into an opening formed in and/or adjacent to a wall of a blood vessel or other body lumen. The engaging elements provided herein may reliably engage.

#Moreover, the engaging elements may be made of any suitable material, including a bioabsorbable material, such as collagen. Other biodegradable materials may include polycaprolactone (PCL), poly-D,L-lactic acid, Poly-L-lactic acid, poly (lactide-co-glycolide), poly(hydroxybutyrate), polyanhydrides, poly(glycolic acid, and/or other biodegradable materials.