Apparatus and method for closing an opening in a blood vessel using memory metal and collagen

An apparatus for closing an opening in a blood vessel, comprising:

• an anchoring device having a distal end, the distal end having a linear insertion configuration and non-linear deployed configuration;
• wherein the distal end is adapted to be inserted through a tissue tract adjacent the opening in the linear insertion configuration and adapted to assume the non-linear deployed configuration after passing through the opening;
• and
• a biodegradable plug adapted to be inserted through the tissue tract against the anchoring device when the anchoring device is in the deployed configuration such that the distal end is disposed distally of the biodegradable plug in the non-linear configuration as the biodegradable plug is inserted;
• wherein the anchoring device is removable after the biodegradable plug is deployed such that the biodegradable plug remains within the tissue tract,
• wherein the biodegradable plug is substantially cylindrical in shape, with a relatively rigid upper portion and a relatively malleable lower portion.