Patent ID: 7226440
Filing Date: 2007-06-05
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A method for accessing a pericardial space of a heart of a mammalian patient comprising: Guiding a catheter through a coronary sinus of the heart and to a cardiac vein which is distal to the coronary sinus; Advancing said catheter to a distal segment of the cardiac vein and further comprising sacrificing the distal segment of vein due to an occlusion resulting from the catheter; Intentionally puncturing the vein with the catheter to access the pericardial space; Performing a therapy or a diagnostic procedure in the pericardial space using the catheter and the puncture in the vein, wherein the therapy or diagnostic procedure includes at least one of delivery drugs to the pericardial space, delivery of a genetic agent to the pericardial space placement of electrodes into the pericardial space, removal of fluid from the pericardial space and infusion of fluid into the pericardial space, and Durably sealing the distal segment with the catheter.