Patent ID: 7318829
Filing Date: 2008-01-15
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for minimally invasive access to the epicardial surface of the human heart, the apparatus comprising: an elongated body including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the elongated body having a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion, a width dimension measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a thickness dimension measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the width dimension, and wherein over at least the majority of the length of the elongated body the width dimension is greater than the thickness dimension; first and second lumens formed in the elongated body each extending between a proximal inlet and a distal outlet, the distal outlets of the first and second lumens are spaced from the distal end portion of the elongated body, and the distance between the distal outlet of the first lumen and the distal end portion is greater than the distance between the distal outlet of the second lumen and the distal end portion; the elongated body being of sufficient length for insertion of at least the distal end portion through a transcutaneous access to the pericardial space; an inflatable balloon expander extending through the first lumen and configured to extend from the distal outlet of the first lumen; and at least one closing element carried by the elongated body and being insertable through said second lumen, said closing element being adapted to engage the epicardial surface; and wherein the elongated body has a crescent-shaped cross-section.