Patent ID: 6156009
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A pericardial access apparatus comprising:a shaft including a first end and a second end and having a longitudinal axis with a longitudinal bore passing therethrough;a first and second jaw at said first end of said shaft, said first and second jaws having a hinge therebetween providing for at least one of said first and second jaws to be moveable relative to the other jaw, said hinge including a pivot pin;each of said first and second jaws having a first and second grasping surface, respectively, said longitudinal axis of said shaft passing through said hinge between said first and second grasping surfaces of said jaws;a handle at said second end of said shaft, at least a portion of said handle in communication with at least one of said jaws such that movement of said handle causes movement of at least one of said jaws;a jaw activation rod in communication with said handle and at least one of said jaws for moving at least one of said jaws, anda hollow needle moveably mounted within said bore of said shaft.