Devices and methods for pericardial access
First Claim
1. A method for accessing the pericardial space of the heart, the method comprising:
- from a remote location, inserting a portion of an access device through the pericardium such that the portion automatically is inserted to a predetermined depth beyond the pericardium; and
after inserting the portion through the pericardium, separating the pericardium from the epicardium via the inserted portion of the access device.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Devices and methods for establishing pericardial access to facilitate therapeutic and/or diagnostic applications. Pericardial access is facilitated, in part, by a tissue grasping device that reliably holds pericardial tissue, even in the presence of fatty deposits. The tissue grasping portion may include a tissue penetrating tip, a tissue dilating distal section, a tissue retention neck, and a tissue stop. When advanced into the pericardium, the tip may serve to create an opening (e.g., pierce, cut, etc.) in the pericardium, the distal section may serve to dilate the opening, the neck may serve to hold the tissue upon recoil of the dilated opening, and the stop may serve to limit further penetration once tissue is retained in the neck.
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Citations
46 Claims
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1. A method for accessing the pericardial space of the heart, the method comprising:
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from a remote location, inserting a portion of an access device through the pericardium such that the portion automatically is inserted to a predetermined depth beyond the pericardium; and
after inserting the portion through the pericardium, separating the pericardium from the epicardium via the inserted portion of the access device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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36. A method for separating a first tissue layer from a second tissue layer that is less fibrous than the first tissue layer, so as to provide access to the space between the tissue layers, the method comprising:
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inserting a portion of an access device through the first tissue layer such that the portion automatically is inserted to a predetermined depth beyond the first tissue layer;
engaging the first tissue layer with the inserted portion of the device; and
separating the first tissue layer from the second tissue layer by moving the inserted portion in a proximal direction substantially opposite to the direction of insertion. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45)
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46-135. -135. (canceled)
Specification