Patent ID: 8939937
Filing Date: 2015-01-27
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for advancing a needle into a tissue structure, comprising: a. advancing a distal end of a needle insertion assembly, the assembly comprising an insertion member coupled to a tissue interface indentor member and movably coupled to an elongate needle member, against a targeted tissue structure such that a distally protruding shape feature of the tissue interface indentor member engages one or more portions of the targeted tissue structure adjacent a distal tip of the elongate needle member at a position at which the elongate needle member distal tip is configured to be advanced through the insertion member and into the tissue structure, and locally changes an available angle of penetration between such portions and the distal tip of the elongate needle member; wherein the distally protruding shape feature and distal tip of the elongate needle member are operatively coupled such that the distal tip is movably coupled through a portion of the distally protruding shape feature; and b. inserting the elongate needle member relative to the insertion member and tissue interface indentor member.