A vascular closure device used in closing openings in vessel walls while permitting post-operative flow through the vessel includes a housing, at least two tissue engaging members, and at least two jaw members. The tissue engaging members engage tissue portions on opposite sides of the vessel opening and move tissue to a desired, predetermined position. The jaw members are adapted, in an open position, for positioning about the tissue portions in the predetermined position, and in a closed position, to at least partially draw the tissue together to an at least partially approximated condition. An attachment member is associated with at least one of the jaw members and arranged to contact the tissue. In one embodiment, the attachment member is adapted for connection to an energy source whereby energy is transmitted through the attachment member to thermally fuse the tissue engaged by the jaw members to substantially close the opening.
