Patent ID: 6666844
Filing Date: 2003-12-23
Classification: A61B,A61M,A61N

Abstract:
A method of accessing the pericardial space within a patient's body, the method comprising:selecting an accessing instrument comprising: (i) a proximal end; (ii) a distal end; (iii) a tube comprising a wall surrounding a lumen; (iv) an opening in the wall near the distal end of the instrument, the opening being in fluid communication with the lumen; and (v) a piercing element in the lumen, the piercing element being axially mobile within the lumen; positioning the distal end of the instrument on the surface of an outer wall of the space; drawing a planar portion of the outer wall of the space into the instrument opening using suction; and advancing the piercing element from a first position to a second position to pierce once, the portion of the outer wall of the space drawn into the instrument opening to position the piercing element within the space inside the outer wall and not through the wall.