Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 85
Claim 1
Independent Claim
229 words
A device arranged for introduction through a percutaneous puncture into the body of a living being formed during a minimally invasive surgical procedure to prevent the egress of tissue into the puncture, the puncture comprising an opening in internal tissue in the body of the being and a tract extending from the skin of the being to the opening in the tissue, said device comprising anchoring means, filament means, and suturing means, said anchoring means being an elongated substantially rigid member arranged to be extended through the tract and the opening and being orientable for engaging the interior of the tissue adjacent the opening to render said anchoring means resistant to passage back through the opening, said filament means including a first portion and a second portion, said first portion extending between said anchoring means and said second portion and being coupled to said anchoring means for location within the tract, said second portion of said filament means extending out of the tract, said suturing means being coupled to said second portion of said filament means and being operative to cause said second portion of said filament means to penetrate tissue contiguous with the tract for holding said anchoring means permanently in place with respect to the puncture, with said anchoring means blocking at least a portion of the opening to prevent tissue from gaining egress into the puncture.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
229 words
A device arranged for introduction through a percutaneous puncture into the body of a living being formed during a minimally invasive surgical procedure to prevent the egress of tissue into the puncture, the puncture comprising an opening in internal tissue in the body of the being and a tract extending from the skin of the being to the opening in the tissue, said device comprising anchoring means, filament means, and suturing means, said anchoring means being an elongated substantially rigid member arranged to be extended through the tract and the opening and being orientable for engaging the interior of the tissue adjacent the opening to render said anchoring means resistant to passage back through the opening, said filament means including a first portion and a second portion, said first portion extending between said anchoring means and said second portion and being coupled to said anchoring means for location within the tract, said second portion of said filament means extending out of the tract, said suturing means being coupled to said second portion of said filament means and being operative to cause said second portion of said filament means to penetrate tissue contiguous with the tract for holding said anchoring means permanently in place with respect to the puncture, with said anchoring means blocking at least a portion of the opening to prevent tissue from gaining egress into the puncture.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said suturing means is releasably secured to said second portion of said filament means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said anchoring means additionally comprises a projecting portion for disposition within the opening when the device is in place.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said anchoring means is formed of a resorbable material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said anchoring means includes reinforcing means formed of a reinforcing material, whereupon scar tissue forming at the opening is reinforced by said reinforcing material to prevent the herniation of said tissue.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 1 additionally comprising an elongated member arranged for location and securement within the puncture tract.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said device includes at least a portion which is radio-opaque.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said device includes a biologically active material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said anchoring means includes means enabling tissue ingrowth into at least a portion of said anchoring means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 9 wherein said last mentioned means comprises plural perforations in said anchoring means.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
232 words
A system for introduction through a percutaneous puncture into the body of a living being formed during a minimally invasive surgical procedure, the puncture comprising an opening in internal tissue in the body of the being and a tract extending from the skin of the being through the fascia to the opening, said system comprising a deployment instrument and an implantable device, said device comprising anchoring means, filament means, and suturing means, said anchoring means comprising an elongated substantially rigid member arranged to be extended by said instrument through the tract and the opening and being orientable for engaging the interior of the peritoneum adjacent the opening to render said anchoring means resistant to passage back through the opening, said filament means including a first portion and a second portion, said first portion extending between said anchoring means and said second portion and being coupled to said anchoring means for location with the tract, said second portion of said filament means extending out of the tract, said suturing means being coupled to said second portion of said filament means and being operative to cause said second portion of said filament means to penetrate tissue contiguous with the tract for holding said anchoring means permanently in place with respect to the puncture, with said anchoring means blocking at least a portion of the opening to prevent tissue from gaining egress through the puncture.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
232 words
A system for introduction through a percutaneous puncture into the body of a living being formed during a minimally invasive surgical procedure, the puncture comprising an opening in internal tissue in the body of the being and a tract extending from the skin of the being through the fascia to the opening, said system comprising a deployment instrument and an implantable device, said device comprising anchoring means, filament means, and suturing means, said anchoring means comprising an elongated substantially rigid member arranged to be extended by said instrument through the tract and the opening and being orientable for engaging the interior of the peritoneum adjacent the opening to render said anchoring means resistant to passage back through the opening, said filament means including a first portion and a second portion, said first portion extending between said anchoring means and said second portion and being coupled to said anchoring means for location with the tract, said second portion of said filament means extending out of the tract, said suturing means being coupled to said second portion of said filament means and being operative to cause said second portion of said filament means to penetrate tissue contiguous with the tract for holding said anchoring means permanently in place with respect to the puncture, with said anchoring means blocking at least a portion of the opening to prevent tissue from gaining egress through the puncture.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 11 wherein said suturing means is releasably secured to said first portion of said filament means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 11 wherein said anchoring means additionally comprises a projecting portion for disposition within the opening when the device is in place.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 11 wherein said anchoring means is formed of a resorbable material.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system of claim 11 wherein said anchoring means includes reinforcing means formed of a reinforcing material, whereupon scar tissue forming at the opening is reinforced by said reinforcing material to prevent the herniation of said tissue.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 11 wherein said device additionally comprises an elongated member arranged for location and securement within the puncture tract.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 11 wherein said device includes at least a portion which is radio-opaque.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 11 wherein said device includes a biologically active material.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 11 wherein said anchoring means includes means enabling tissue ingrowth into at least a portion of said anchoring means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 11 wherein said last mentioned means comprises plural perforations in said anchoring means.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
222 words
A device arranged for introduction through a percutaneous puncture into the body of a living being formed during a minimally invasive surgical procedure to prevent the ingress or egress of fluid through the puncture, the puncture comprising an opening in internal tissue in the body of the being and a tract extending from the skin of the being to the opening, said device comprising anchoring means, filament means, and suturing means, said anchoring means being an elongated substantially rigid member arranged to be extended through the tract and the opening and being orientable for engaging the interior of the tissue adjacent the opening to render said anchoring means resistant to passage back through the opening, said filament means including a first portion and a second portion, said first portion extending between said anchoring means and said second portion and being coupled to said anchoring means for location within the tract, said second portion of said filament means extending out of the tract, said suturing means being coupled to said second portion of said filament means and being operative to cause said second portion of said filament means to penetrate tissue contiguous with the tract for holding said anchoring means permanently in place with respect to the puncture, with said anchoring means blocking the opening to prevent fluid from flowing through the opening.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
222 words
A device arranged for introduction through a percutaneous puncture into the body of a living being formed during a minimally invasive surgical procedure to prevent the ingress or egress of fluid through the puncture, the puncture comprising an opening in internal tissue in the body of the being and a tract extending from the skin of the being to the opening, said device comprising anchoring means, filament means, and suturing means, said anchoring means being an elongated substantially rigid member arranged to be extended through the tract and the opening and being orientable for engaging the interior of the tissue adjacent the opening to render said anchoring means resistant to passage back through the opening, said filament means including a first portion and a second portion, said first portion extending between said anchoring means and said second portion and being coupled to said anchoring means for location within the tract, said second portion of said filament means extending out of the tract, said suturing means being coupled to said second portion of said filament means and being operative to cause said second portion of said filament means to penetrate tissue contiguous with the tract for holding said anchoring means permanently in place with respect to the puncture, with said anchoring means blocking the opening to prevent fluid from flowing through the opening.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 21 wherein said suturing means is releasably secured to said first portion of said filament means.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 21 wherein said anchoring means additionally comprises a projecting portion for disposition within the opening when the device is in place.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 21 wherein said anchoring means is formed of a resorbable material.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 21 wherein said anchoring means includes reinforcing means formed of a reinforcing material.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 21 additionally comprising an elongated member arranged for location and securement within the puncture tract.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 21 wherein said device includes at least a portion which is radio-opaque.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 21 wherein said device includes a biologically active material.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 21 wherein said anchoring means includes means enabling tissue ingrowth into at least a portion of said anchoring means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 21 wherein said last mentioned means comprises plural perforations in said anchoring means.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
226 words
A system for introduction through a percutaneous puncture into the body of a living being formed during a minimally invasive surgical procedure, the puncture comprising an opening in internal tissue in the body of the being and a tract extending from the skin of the being to the opening, said system comprising a deployment instrument and an implantable device, said device comprising anchoring means, filament means, and suturing means, said anchoring means comprising an elongated substantially rigid member arranged to be extended by said instrument through the tract and the opening and being orientable for engaging the interior of the tissue adjacent the opening to render said anchoring means resistant to passage back through the opening, said filament means including a first portion and a second portion, said first portion extending between said anchoring means and said second portion and being coupled to said anchoring means for location within the tract, said second portion of said filament means extending out of the tract, said suturing means being coupled to said second portion of said filament means and being operative to cause said second portion of said filament means to penetrate tissue contiguous with the tract for holding said anchoring means permanently in place with respect to the puncture, with said anchoring means blocking at least a portion of the opening to the flow of fluid therethrough.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
226 words
A system for introduction through a percutaneous puncture into the body of a living being formed during a minimally invasive surgical procedure, the puncture comprising an opening in internal tissue in the body of the being and a tract extending from the skin of the being to the opening, said system comprising a deployment instrument and an implantable device, said device comprising anchoring means, filament means, and suturing means, said anchoring means comprising an elongated substantially rigid member arranged to be extended by said instrument through the tract and the opening and being orientable for engaging the interior of the tissue adjacent the opening to render said anchoring means resistant to passage back through the opening, said filament means including a first portion and a second portion, said first portion extending between said anchoring means and said second portion and being coupled to said anchoring means for location within the tract, said second portion of said filament means extending out of the tract, said suturing means being coupled to said second portion of said filament means and being operative to cause said second portion of said filament means to penetrate tissue contiguous with the tract for holding said anchoring means permanently in place with respect to the puncture, with said anchoring means blocking at least a portion of the opening to the flow of fluid therethrough.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 31 wherein said suturing means is releasably secured to said first portion of said filament means.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 31 wherein said anchoring means additionally comprises a projecting portion for disposition within the opening when the device is in place.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 31 wherein said anchoring means is formed of a resorbable material.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 31 wherein said anchoring means includes reinforcing means formed of a reinforcing material.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 31 wherein said additionally comprises an elongated member arranged for location and securement within the puncture tract.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 31 wherein said device includes at least a portion which is radio-opaque.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 31 wherein said device includes a biologically active material.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 31 wherein said anchoring means includes means enabling tissue ingrowth into at least a portion of said anchoring means.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 39 wherein said last mentioned means comprises plural perforations in said anchoring means.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
192 words
A method of preventing the egress of tissue into a percutaneous puncture formed during a minimally invasive surgical procedure on the body of a living being, said puncture having an opening in internal tissue in the body of the being and a tract extending from the skin of the being to the opening, said method comprising: (a) providing a sealing device comprising anchoring means and filament means, said filament means being coupled to said anchoring means and including at least a first portion, (b) introducing said device through the puncture from the outside of the being's body and orienting said anchoring means so that said anchoring means engages the interior of the tissue adjacent the opening to render said anchoring means resistant to passage back through the opening, and (c) causing said first portion of said filament means to extend through the tract and securing said first portion of said filament means in place with respect to the tract for holding said anchoring means in place within the puncture, whereupon said anchoring means serves to block at least a portion of the opening to prevent the egress of tissue into the puncture.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
192 words
A method of preventing the egress of tissue into a percutaneous puncture formed during a minimally invasive surgical procedure on the body of a living being, said puncture having an opening in internal tissue in the body of the being and a tract extending from the skin of the being to the opening, said method comprising: (a) providing a sealing device comprising anchoring means and filament means, said filament means being coupled to said anchoring means and including at least a first portion, (b) introducing said device through the puncture from the outside of the being's body and orienting said anchoring means so that said anchoring means engages the interior of the tissue adjacent the opening to render said anchoring means resistant to passage back through the opening, and (c) causing said first portion of said filament means to extend through the tract and securing said first portion of said filament means in place with respect to the tract for holding said anchoring means in place within the puncture, whereupon said anchoring means serves to block at least a portion of the opening to prevent the egress of tissue into the puncture.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 41 wherein said internal tissue comprises the peritoneum.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 42 wherein said method reduces the risk of the formation of a hernia at said opening.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 43 wherein said anchoring means when in position serves to improve the long-term strength of scar tissue forming at the opening.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 44 wherein said improvement of long-term strength of said scar tissue is accomplished by providing reinforcing means with said anchor, said reinforcing means being formed of a reinforcing material.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 41 wherein said anchoring means when in position serves to improve the long-term strength of scar tissue forming at the opening.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 46 wherein said improvement of long-term strength of said scar tissue is accomplished by providing reinforcing means with said anchor, said reinforcing means being formed of a reinforcing material.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 41 additionally comprising securing said filament means to the skin of the being adjacent the tract to hold said device in place.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 48 wherein said securement of said filament means to the skin is accomplished by suturing.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 41 additionally comprising securing said filament means to tissue within the puncture tract to hold said device in place.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 50 wherein said securement of said filament means to tissue within the puncture tract is accomplished by a fixing member located within the tract.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 41 additionally comprising providing means to render said sealing device radio-opaque.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 41 additionally comprising providing a biologically active agent carried by said sealing device.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 41 additionally comprising promoting tissue ingrowth into said sealing device.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
197 words
A method of sealing a percutaneous puncture extending into the body of a living being to prevent the flow of a fluid through the puncture, the percutaneous puncture having an opening in internal tissue within the body of the being and a tract extending from the skin of the being to the opening and being formed during a minimally invasive surgical procedure on the being, said method comprising: (a) providing a sealing device comprising anchoring means and filament means, said filament means being coupled to said anchoring means and including at least a first portion, (b) introducing said device through the puncture from the outside of being's body and orienting said anchoring means so that said anchoring means engages the interior of the tissue adjacent the opening to render said anchoring means resistant to passage back through the opening, and (c) causing said first portion of said filament means to extend through the tract securing said first portion of said filament means in place with respect to the tract for holding said anchoring means in place within the puncture, whereupon said anchoring means serves to block the opening to prevent the flow of fluid through the opening.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
197 words
A method of sealing a percutaneous puncture extending into the body of a living being to prevent the flow of a fluid through the puncture, the percutaneous puncture having an opening in internal tissue within the body of the being and a tract extending from the skin of the being to the opening and being formed during a minimally invasive surgical procedure on the being, said method comprising: (a) providing a sealing device comprising anchoring means and filament means, said filament means being coupled to said anchoring means and including at least a first portion, (b) introducing said device through the puncture from the outside of being's body and orienting said anchoring means so that said anchoring means engages the interior of the tissue adjacent the opening to render said anchoring means resistant to passage back through the opening, and (c) causing said first portion of said filament means to extend through the tract securing said first portion of said filament means in place with respect to the tract for holding said anchoring means in place within the puncture, whereupon said anchoring means serves to block the opening to prevent the flow of fluid through the opening.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 55 wherein said internal tissue comprises the wall of the thoracic cavity.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 56 wherein said anchoring means when in position serves to improve the long-term strength of scar tissue forming at the opening.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 57 wherein said improvement of long-term strength of said scar tissue is accomplished by providing reinforcing means with said anchor, said reinforcing means being formed of a reinforcing material.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 55 wherein said anchoring means when in position serves to improve the long-term strength of scar tissue forming at the opening.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 59 wherein said improvement of long-term strength of said scar tissue is accomplished by providing reinforcing means with said anchor, said reinforcing means being formed of a reinforcing material.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 55 additionally comprising securing said filament means to the skin of the being adjacent the tract to hold said device in place.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 61 wherein said securement of said filament means to the skin is accomplished by suturing.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 55 additionally comprising securing said filament means to tissue within the puncture tract to hold said device in place.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 63 wherein said securement of said filament means to tissue within the puncture tract is accomplished by a fixing member located within the tract.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 55 additionally comprising providing means to render said sealing device radio-opaque.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 55 additionally comprising providing a biologically active agent carried by said sealing device.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 55 additionally comprising promoting tissue ingrowth into said sealing device.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
164 words
A device arranged for introduction through a percutaneous puncture into the body of a living being formed during a minimally invasive surgical procedure to prevent egress of tissue into the puncture, the puncture comprising an opening in internal tissue in the body of the being and a tract extending from the skin of the being to the opening in the tissue, said device comprising anchoring means, filament means, suturing means, and retainer means, said anchoring means being an elongated substantially rigid member arranged to be extended through the tract and the opening and being orientable for engaging the interior of the tissue adjacent the opening to render said anchoring means resistant to passage back through the opening, said filament means including a first filament portion which is coupled to the anchoring means and the retainer means, and a second filament portion which passes at least partially along the remaining puncture tract to the skin, said suturing means being coupled to said second filament portion.
Claim 75
Independent Claim
164 words
A device arranged for introduction through a percutaneous puncture into the body of a living being formed during a minimally invasive surgical procedure to prevent egress of tissue into the puncture, the puncture comprising an opening in internal tissue in the body of the being and a tract extending from the skin of the being to the opening in the tissue, said device comprising anchoring means, filament means, suturing means, and retainer means, said anchoring means being an elongated substantially rigid member arranged to be extended through the tract and the opening and being orientable for engaging the interior of the tissue adjacent the opening to render said anchoring means resistant to passage back through the opening, said filament means including a first filament portion which is coupled to the anchoring means and the retainer means, and a second filament portion which passes at least partially along the remaining puncture tract to the skin, said suturing means being coupled to said second filament portion.
Claim 76
Independent Claim
196 words
A device arranged for introduction through a percutaneous puncture into the body of a living being formed during a minimally invasive surgical procedure to prevent egress of tissue into the puncture, the puncture comprising an opening in internal tissue in the body of the being and a tract extending from the skin of the being to the opening in the tissue, said device comprising anchoring means, filament means, carrier means, and retainer means, said anchoring means being an elongated substantially rigid member arranged to be extended through the tract and the opening and being orientable for engaging the interior of the tissue adjacent the opening to render said anchoring means resistant to passage back through the opening, said filament means including a first filament portion which is coupled to the anchoring means and the retainer means, and a second filament portion which passes at least partially along the remaining puncture tract to the skin, said carrier means being a thin, relatively stiff member coupled to said second filament portion and arranged to be grasped for carrying said second filament portion to a position whereupon said second filament portion is permanently fixed with respect to the tract.
Claim 77
Independent Claim
196 words
A device arranged for introduction through a percutaneous puncture into the body of a living being formed during a minimally invasive surgical procedure to prevent egress of tissue into the puncture, the puncture comprising an opening in internal tissue in the body of the being and a tract extending from the skin of the being to the opening in the tissue, said device comprising anchoring means, filament means, carrier means, and retainer means, said anchoring means being an elongated substantially rigid member arranged to be extended through the tract and the opening and being orientable for engaging the interior of the tissue adjacent the opening to render said anchoring means resistant to passage back through the opening, said filament means including a first filament portion which is coupled to the anchoring means and the retainer means, and a second filament portion which passes at least partially along the remaining puncture tract to the skin, said carrier means being a thin, relatively stiff member coupled to said second filament portion and arranged to be grasped for carrying said second filament portion to a position whereupon said second filament portion is permanently fixed with respect to the tract.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 69 wherein said carrier means comprising a needle for penetrating tissue of the being adjacent the tract.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 70 wherein said needle is releasably secured to said second filament portion.
Claim 80
Independent Claim
167 words
A device arranged for introduction through a percutaneous puncture into the body of a living being formed during a minimally invasive surgical procedure for preventing the ingress or egress of fluid through the puncture, the puncture comprising an opening in internal tissue in the body of the being and a tract extending from the skin of the being to the opening in the tissue, said device comprising anchoring means, filament means, suturing means, and retainer means, said anchoring means being an elongated substantially rigid member arranged to be extended through the tract and the opening and being orientable for engaging the interior of the tissue adjacent the opening to render said anchoring means resistant to passage back through the opening, said filament means including a first filament portion which is coupled to the anchoring means and the retainer means, and a second filament portion which passes at least partially along the remaining puncture tract to the skin, said suturing means being coupled to said second filament portion.
Claim 81
Independent Claim
167 words
A device arranged for introduction through a percutaneous puncture into the body of a living being formed during a minimally invasive surgical procedure for preventing the ingress or egress of fluid through the puncture, the puncture comprising an opening in internal tissue in the body of the being and a tract extending from the skin of the being to the opening in the tissue, said device comprising anchoring means, filament means, suturing means, and retainer means, said anchoring means being an elongated substantially rigid member arranged to be extended through the tract and the opening and being orientable for engaging the interior of the tissue adjacent the opening to render said anchoring means resistant to passage back through the opening, said filament means including a first filament portion which is coupled to the anchoring means and the retainer means, and a second filament portion which passes at least partially along the remaining puncture tract to the skin, said suturing means being coupled to said second filament portion.
Claim 82
Independent Claim
199 words
A device arranged for introduction through a percutaneous puncture into the body of a living being formed during a minimally invasive surgical procedure for preventing the ingress or egress of fluid through the puncture, the puncture comprising an opening in internal tissue in the body of the being and a tract extending from the skin of the being to the opening in the tissue, said device comprising anchoring means, filament means, carrier means, and retainer means, said anchoring means being an elongated substantially rigid member arranged to be extended through the tract and the opening and being orientable for engaging the interior of the tissue adjacent the opening to render said anchoring means resistant to passage back through the opening, said filament means including a first filament portion which is coupled to the anchoring means and the retainer means, and a second filament portion which passes at least partially along the remaining puncture tract to the skin, said carrier means being a thin, relatively stiff member coupled to said second filament portion and arranged to be grasped for carrying said second filament portion to a position whereupon said second filament portion is permanently fixed with respect to the tract.
Claim 83
Independent Claim
199 words
A device arranged for introduction through a percutaneous puncture into the body of a living being formed during a minimally invasive surgical procedure for preventing the ingress or egress of fluid through the puncture, the puncture comprising an opening in internal tissue in the body of the being and a tract extending from the skin of the being to the opening in the tissue, said device comprising anchoring means, filament means, carrier means, and retainer means, said anchoring means being an elongated substantially rigid member arranged to be extended through the tract and the opening and being orientable for engaging the interior of the tissue adjacent the opening to render said anchoring means resistant to passage back through the opening, said filament means including a first filament portion which is coupled to the anchoring means and the retainer means, and a second filament portion which passes at least partially along the remaining puncture tract to the skin, said carrier means being a thin, relatively stiff member coupled to said second filament portion and arranged to be grasped for carrying said second filament portion to a position whereupon said second filament portion is permanently fixed with respect to the tract.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 73 wherein said carrier means comprising a needle for penetrating tissue of the being adjacent the tract.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 74 wherein said needle is releasably secured to said second filament portion.