Patent ID: 9545265
Date: 2017-01-17
CPC Classifications: A61B,A61M

Claim:
1. A method for puncturing a fossa ovalis of a heart, the method comprising: inserting a catheter into a right atrium of the heart; advancing a distal portion of the catheter toward an interatrial septum of the heart; deploying a balloon from the distal portion of the catheter; identifying a puncture site for puncturing the fossa ovalis, in response to a manner in which the balloon contacts the septum; and using a puncturing element, puncturing the fossa ovalis at the puncture site, wherein deploying the balloon further comprises deploying a non-compliant balloon, and wherein deploying the balloon further comprises expanding the balloon by: distally sliding at least one slider disposed along an outer surface of the catheter, the slider being coupled to a plurality of ribs coupled to a surface of the balloon, and filling the balloon with fluid.