Patent ID: 11039880

Abstract:
A method of perforating a tissue of a heart of a patient when an inferior approach to the heart is contraindicated. The method utilizes an electrosurgical apparatus and a delivery system comprising at least two dilators wherein a first dilator is configured for facilitating positioning of the electrosurgical apparatus adjacent the tissue and wherein a second dilator is configured for advancement through a perforation in the tissue. An outer diameter of the second dilator is substantially equal to or less than an outer diameter of the first dilator. The method comprises the steps of: (a) advancing the first dilator into the heart of the patient, from a superior approach, until a distal end of the first dilator is adjacent the tissue; (b) using the electrosurgical apparatus, which is positioned through the first dilator, to create a perforation in the tissue by delivering electrical energy to the tissue; (c) advancing the distal end of the electrosurgical apparatus through the perforation; (d) withdrawing the first dilator; and (e) advancing the second dilator over the electrosurgical apparatus.