Apparatus is provided for sealing a puncture in a blood vessel using at least one device that applies an internal compressive force upon a distal surface of the vessel. The devices preferably are deployable distal of the distal surface of the vessel, then retracted proximally to provide the internal compressive force, e.g., to promote coagulation and facilitate sealing of the puncture. Additionally, the devices of the present invention optionally may be used in combination with known techniques that provide an external compressive force upon an exterior surface of a patient's skin to expedite sealing of the puncture.