A vascular closure apparatus is described having an elongate shaft, an atraumatic distal tip and a bioabsorbable sealant for sealing an arteriotomy, and methods of use thereof. The distal tip can comprise a plurality of deflectable panels through which the sealant can be ejected. The apparatus is positioned within the vessel puncture tract without the aid of a guidewire and advanced until the smooth applicator tip is in close proximity or in contact with the arteriotomy lips. An inner tamping member may be manipulated relative to an outer sheath member to release the sealant at the arteriotomy site. An exemplary embodiment includes releasing the sealant onto a mechanically closed arteriotomy having one or more spaces or gaps therein, such that the sealant performs as an adjunctive closure. In situ, the sealant can transform to a flowable or gel state and cover the cracks and spaces along the mechanically closed arteriotomy.
