Patent Description:
The following summary is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the detailed description, but not to define or delimit any invention.

According to some aspects, a medical dilator includes an elongate member having a proximal end portion, an opposed distal end portion, and a lumen extending through the elongate member from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. A dilating tip is at the distal end portion. The dilating tip has a first end of enlarged cross-sectional area and tapers going in the distal direction to a second end of reduced cross-sectional area. At least a first electrode is associated with the dilating tip. An electrical conductor is electrically connected to the first electrode and extends proximally from the first electrode towards the proximal end portion for electrical connection with an electroanatomical mapping system.

In some examples, the first electrode is positioned between the first end of the dilating tip and the second end of the dilating tip. In some examples, the first electrode is positioned proximal of the first end of the dilating tip.

In some examples, the dilating tip has a tip circumferential outer surface having a circumferential groove defined therein, and the electrode is annular and is seated in the groove.

In some examples, the dilating tip has a tip circumferential outer surface, a tip circumferential inner surface, and a tip sidewall extending between the tip circumferential inner surface and the tip circumferential outer surface, and the electrical conductor extends from the electrode through the tip sidewall and into the lumen.

In some examples, the elongate member has a circumferential outer surface, a circumferential inner surface, and a sidewall extending along the length of the elongate member between the circumferential inner surface and the circumferential outer surface, and the electrical conductor is embedded in the sidewall and extends from the electrode to the proximal end portion. The circumferential outer surface can have a longitudinal groove defined therein and extending from the first electrode to the proximal end portion, and the electrical conductor can be seated in the longitudinal groove. Alternatively, the elongate member can include an outer tube defining the circumferential outer surface, and an inner liner within the outer tube and defining the circumferential inner surface, and the electrical conductor can be positioned between the outer tube and the inner liner. The electrical conductor can be a tubular braid.

In some examples, the first electrode is removable from the elongate member.

In some examples, the medical dilator further includes a second electrode mounted to the elongate member and spaced from the first electrode.

In some examples, the dilating tip includes a proximal piece having a distal-facing shoulder surface and a neck extending distally from the shoulder surface, the electrode is annular and is received on the neck and abuts the shoulder surface, and the dilating tip further includes a distal piece received on the neck distally of and abutting the electrode.

In some examples, the electrode is radiopaque. In some examples, the electrode includes platinum-iridium.

In some examples, the electrode has an echogenic profile. In some examples the electrode includes a coil.

According to some aspects, a kit of parts for medical perforation system includes a medical dilator, a sheath, and a perforation device. The medical dilator has an elongate member having a proximal end portion, an opposed distal end portion, and a lumen extending through the elongate member from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The medical dilator further has a dilating tip at the distal end portion, and the dilating tip has first end of enlarged cross-sectional area and tapers going in the distal direction to a second end of reduced cross-sectional area. The medical dilator further has at least a first electrode associated with the dilating tip, and an electrical conductor electrically connected to the first electrode and extending proximally from the first electrode to the proximal end portion for electrical connection with an electroanatomical mapping system. The sheath is for receiving the medical dilator. The perforation device is receivable in the lumen.

In some examples, the kit of parts further includes at least a second electrode. The second electrode can be secured to the sheath, or secured to the elongate member, or secured to the perforation device.

According to some aspects, a medical dilation system includes a medical dilator and an electroanatomical mapping system. The medical dilator includes an elongate member having a proximal end portion, an opposed distal end portion, and a lumen extending through the elongate member from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. A dilating tip is at the distal end portion. The dilating tip has a first end of enlarged cross-sectional area, and tapers going in the distal direction to a second end of reduced cross-sectional area. At least a first electrode is associated with the dilating tip, and an electrical conductor is electrically connected to the first electrode and extends proximally from the first electrode to the proximal end portion. The electroanatomical mapping system is electrically connectable to the electrical conductor and is configured to receive an electroanatomical mapping signal from the electrode and determine a location of the dilating tip based on the electroanatomical mapping signal.

According to some aspects, a method for medical dilation includes a. advancing a dilating tip of a medical dilator towards a first target anatomical location; b. receiving a first electroanatomical mapping signal from an electrode associated with the dilating tip; and c. based on the first electroanatomical mapping signal, determining a first location of the dilating tip with respect to the first target anatomical location.

In some examples, after step c. , the method further includes: d. advancing a perforation device out of the medical dilator, and creating a perforation in the first target anatomical location using the perforation device.

In some examples, the method further includes determining a location of the perforation device with respect to the dilating tip.

In some examples, after step d. , the method further includes: e. advancing the electrode and the dilating tip through the perforation, to dilate the perforation.

In some examples, after or during step e. , the method further includes: f. receiving a second electroanatomical mapping signal from the electrode, and g. based on the second electroanatomical mapping signal, determining a second location of the dilating tip with respect to the first target anatomical location. In some examples, the first target anatomical location is an atrial septum.

In some examples, the method further includes determining a location of the dilating tip with respect to a left atrial wall.

In some examples, step a. includes positioning the dilator within a sheath and advancing the dilator and the sheath towards the first target anatomical location, and the method further includes determining a location of the dilating tip with respect to a tip of the sheath.

The accompanying drawings are for illustrating examples of articles, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure and are not intended to be limiting. In the drawings:.

Various apparatuses or processes or compositions will be described below to provide an example of an embodiment of the claimed subject matter. No example described below limits any claim and any claim may cover processes or apparatuses or compositions that differ from those described below. The claims are not limited to apparatuses or processes or compositions having all of the features of any one apparatus or process or composition described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses or processes or compositions described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process or composition described below is not an embodiment of any exclusive right granted by issuance of this patent application. Any subject matter described below and for which an exclusive right is not granted by issuance of this patent application may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such subject matter by its disclosure in this document.

Generally disclosed herein are medical dilators (also referred to herein simply as "dilators") that can be used for dilation of anatomical apertures, such as surgical perforations. For example, the dilators can be used in transseptal perforation procedures, in which a perforation is created in the atrial septum of the heart, optionally using a radio-frequency perforation device, and then dilated using a dilator. Such procedures can be carried out, for example, to gain access to the left atrium for a medical treatment.

In general, the dilators disclosed herein are configured to allow for non-fluoroscopic visualization and determination of the location of the tip of the dilator (also referred to herein as the "dilating tip") within the body, or of the location of the tip of the dilator with respect to other surgical tools (e.g. with respect to the perforation device or with respect to a sheath in which the dilator is housed). More specifically, the dilators disclosed herein can include at least one electrode associated with the tip thereof. The electrode can be an electroanatomical mapping (EAM) electrode. The EAM electrode can be connected to an EAM system, which can communicate EAM signals to and from the EAM electrode (either directly or via a pad), and based on the EAM signals received from the EAM electrode, can determine a location of the EAM electrode, and thus the tip of the dilator, within the body or with respect to other surgical tools. This can, for example, visualize the dilator tip to allow a user to determine whether the tip is positioned properly with respect to a target tissue, allow a user to confirm that the perforation device is shrouded within the dilator prior to perforation, and/or allow for a user to confirm that the dilating tip is sufficiently spaced from non-target tissues.

Referring now to <FIG>, an example surgical perforation system <NUM> is shown. The surgical perforation system <NUM> includes a dilator <NUM>, an EAM system <NUM> including an EAM signal generator <NUM> and a set (e.g. <NUM> or more) of EAM pads <NUM> (only two of which are shown in <FIG>), a sheath <NUM>, a radiofrequency (RF) perforation device <NUM> having a perforation electrode <NUM> at its distal tip, and an RF generator <NUM> and grounding pad <NUM>. The sheath <NUM>, RF perforation device <NUM>, RF generator <NUM>, and grounding pad <NUM> will not be described in detail herein, and can optionally be those sold by Baylis Medical Company, Inc. (Montreal, Canada), for example under the brand names NRG® Transseptal Platform, or SupraCross® Transseptal Platform. Furthermore, in alternative examples, another type of perforation device, such as a mechanical perforation device, can be used instead of an RF perforation device. Optionally, some or all of the parts of the surgical perforation system <NUM> can be sold or provided together in a kit, either in an assembled state or in an unassembled state.

Referring now to <FIG>, the dilator <NUM> is shown in greater detail. In the example shown, the dilator <NUM> includes an elongate member <NUM> having a proximal end portion <NUM>, which in use is generally directed towards a user such as a surgeon, and an opposed distal end portion <NUM>, which in use is generally directed towards a target location in a patient. The elongate member <NUM> includes a sidewall <NUM>, which extends longitudinally between the proximal end portion <NUM> and the distal end portion <NUM>, and radially between a circumferential outer surface <NUM> and a circumferential inner surface <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The circumferential inner surface <NUM> defines a lumen <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), which extends through the elongate member <NUM> from the proximal end portion <NUM> to the distal end portion <NUM>. In use, the lumen <NUM> can receive the RF perforation device <NUM>.

The elongate member can be made from various materials, including but not limited to plastics such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

Referring still to <FIG>, in the example shown, a handle <NUM> is mounted to the proximal end portion <NUM>. The handle <NUM> can include various hubs and/or ports and/or connection points (not shown) for connection to various external devices.

Referring still to <FIG>, the dilator <NUM> includes a dilating tip <NUM> at the distal end portion <NUM>. The dilating tip <NUM> is shown in greater detail in <FIG>. In the example shown, the dilating tip <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> that is spaced distally from the first end <NUM>. The dilating tip <NUM> tapers in cross-sectional area going from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>, so that the first end <NUM> has an enlarged cross-sectional area with respect to the second end <NUM>, and the second end <NUM> has a reduced cross-sectional area with respect to the first end <NUM>. As the dilating tip <NUM> is passed through an aperture, the enlargement in cross-sectional area dilates the aperture.

In the example shown, the second end <NUM> of the dilating tip <NUM> forms a distal end <NUM> of the dilator <NUM>. In alternative examples (not shown), the dilating tip can be spaced proximally from the distal end of the dilator.

Referring still to <FIG>, in the example shown, the dilating tip <NUM> has a sidewall <NUM> (also referred to herein as a "tip sidewall"), which extends longitudinally between the first end <NUM> of the dilating tip <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the dilating tip <NUM>, and radially between an circumferential outer surface <NUM> of the dilating tip <NUM> (also referred to herein as a 'tip circumferential outer surface") and an circumferential inner surface <NUM> of the dilating tip <NUM> (also referred to herein as a 'tip circumferential inner surface'). The tip sidewall <NUM>, tip circumferential outer surface <NUM>, and tip circumferential inner surface <NUM> form a part of the sidewall <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM>, the circumferential outer surface <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM>, and circumferential inner surface <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM>, respectively.

Referring still to <FIG>, the dilator further includes an EAM electrode <NUM>, which is associated with the dilating tip <NUM>. As described above, the EAM electrode <NUM> can allow for the location of the dilating tip <NUM> to be determined, for example the location of the dilating tip <NUM> within the body, or the location of the dilating tip <NUM> with respect to other parts of the surgical perforation system <NUM>. The EAM electrode <NUM> can be, for example, annular, and can be made of or can include stainless steel or platinum-iridium. In some examples, the EAM electrode can additionally be radiopaque, which can allow for visualization of the electrode using fluoroscopy, if desired. In further examples, the EAM electrode can have an echogenic profile, which can allow for visualization of the electrode using ultrasound, if desired. For example, the EAM electrode can include a coil. In some examples, the EAM electrode <NUM> can be made of a conductive paint.

As mentioned above, the EAM electrode <NUM> is associated with the dilating tip <NUM>. The term "associated with" indicates that the EAM electrode <NUM> is positioned to allow for the determination of the location of the dilating tip <NUM>, whether directly (e.g. in cases where the EAM electrode <NUM> is mounted directly to the dilating tip <NUM>), or indirectly (e.g. in cases where the EAM electrode <NUM> is spaced from the dilating tip <NUM> and where an extrapolation is carried out to determine the location of the dilating tip <NUM> based on the location of the EAM electrode <NUM>).

In the example shown, the EAM electrode <NUM> is annular and extends circumferentially around the dilating tip <NUM>, and is positioned between the first end <NUM> of the dilating tip <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the dilating tip <NUM>. In alternative examples (e.g. as shown in <FIG>), the EAM electrode can be positioned proximal of the dilating tip, or distal of the dilating tip. In such examples, as mentioned above, an extrapolation can be carried out to determine the location of the dilating tip based on the location of the EAM electrode.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example shown, the circumferential outer surface <NUM> of the dilating tip <NUM> has a circumferential groove <NUM> defined therein, and the EAM electrode <NUM> is seated in the groove <NUM>. The EAM electrode <NUM> can be secured in the groove <NUM> in a variety of ways, such as by gluing, welding, soldering, and/or by friction. Furthermore, in the example shown, the EAM electrode <NUM> is profiled to match the taper of the dilating tip <NUM>, so that the outer surface of the EAM electrode <NUM> is flush with the circumferential outer surface <NUM> of the dilating tip <NUM>. This can be achieved, for example, by swaging. This can allow for a smooth transition as the dilating tip <NUM> is passed through an aperture.

In the example shown, the dilating tip <NUM> is of a one-piece construction. In alternative examples, as will be described below with reference to <FIG>, the dilating tip can be of a multi-piece construction.

Referring still to <FIG>, an electrical conductor <NUM> is connected to the EAM electrode <NUM>, and extends proximally from the EAM electrode <NUM> towards the proximal end portion <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>) of the elongate member <NUM>, for connection to the EAM signal generator <NUM> of the EAM system <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>). The electrical conductor <NUM> is electrically insulated between the EAM electrode <NUM> and its connection to the EAM signal generator <NUM>, so that electrical signals can be communicated between the EAM electrode <NUM> and the EAM system <NUM>. For example, the electrical conductor <NUM> can include a layer of polyimide insulation.

The end of the electrical conductor <NUM> that is connected to the EAM electrode <NUM> may be referred to herein as the 'electrode end portion <NUM>' of the electrical conductor <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), and the end of the electrical conductor <NUM> that is connectable to the EAM system <NUM> may be referred to herein as the 'system end portion <NUM>' of the electrical conductor <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). The system end portion <NUM> of the electrical conductor <NUM> may be connected or connectable to the EAM signal generator <NUM> in various ways. In the example shown, a connector <NUM> is mounted to the system end portion <NUM>. The connector <NUM> is mateable with a connector <NUM> of the EAM signal generator <NUM>. Alternatively, clips (e.g. alligator clips) may be used to connect the system end portion of the electrical conductor to the EAM system (not shown).

Referring still to <FIG>, in the example shown, the electrical conductor <NUM> extends from the EAM electrode <NUM>, through the tip sidewall <NUM>, and into the lumen <NUM>. The electrical conductor <NUM> then extends through the lumen <NUM> to the proximal end portion <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM>. In alternative examples, as will be described below, the electrical conductor can be embedded within the sidewall of the elongate member.

As mentioned above, in the example shown, the EAM system <NUM> includes the EAM signal generator <NUM> and a pair of EAM pads <NUM>. Such systems are commercially available, for example under the brand names ENSITE PRECISION™ and CARTO®), and are not described in detail herein. Briefly, by routing electrical signals from the EAM signal generator <NUM> to the EAM pads <NUM>, from the EAM pads <NUM> to the EAM electrode <NUM>, and from the EAM electrode <NUM> back to the EAM signal generator <NUM> (or in the reverse order - i.e. from the EAM signal generator <NUM> to the EAM electrode <NUM>, from the EAM electrode <NUM> to the EAM pads <NUM>, and from the EAM pads <NUM> back to the EAM signal generator <NUM>), the EAM electrode <NUM> may be visualized, and thus the location of the dilating tip <NUM>, can be determined.

In the example shown, the perforation electrode <NUM> of the RF perforation device <NUM> can also be used as an additional EAM electrode. That is, together with the EAM electrode <NUM> of the dilator <NUM>, the perforation electrode <NUM> of the RF perforation device <NUM> can be electrically connected to the EAM system <NUM>, so that its location can be determined by the EAM system <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, an alternative example of a dilating tip is shown. In <FIG>, features that are like those of <FIG> will be referred to with like reference numerals, incremented by <NUM>. The dilating tip <NUM> of <FIG> is similar to the dilating tip <NUM> of <FIG>; however, the dilating tip <NUM> is of a multi-piece construction. Specifically, in the example shown, the dilating tip <NUM> includes a proximal piece <NUM>, and a distal piece <NUM>. The proximal piece <NUM> is stepped to define a distal-facing shoulder surface <NUM>, and has a neck <NUM> extending distally from the shoulder surface <NUM>. The EAM electrode <NUM> is annular and is received on the neck <NUM> and abuts the shoulder surface <NUM>. The distal piece <NUM> is received on the neck <NUM> distally of the EAM electrode <NUM> and abuts the EAM electrode <NUM>. The proximal piece <NUM>, EAM electrode <NUM>, and distal piece <NUM> can be secured together in a variety of ways, such as by adhering and/or friction.

Referring now to <FIG>, another alternative example of a dilating tip is shown. In <FIG>, features that are like those of <FIG> will be referred to with like reference numerals, incremented by <NUM>. The dilating tip <NUM> of <FIG> is similar to the dilating tip <NUM> of <FIG>; however, the electrical conductor <NUM> is embedded in the sidewall <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM>. Specifically, the circumferential outer surface <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM> has a longitudinal groove <NUM> defined therein. The groove <NUM> extends from the EAM electrode <NUM> to the proximal end portion (not shown) of the elongate member <NUM>. The electrical conductor <NUM> is seated in the groove <NUM>, and a strip of material <NUM> (e.g. plastic or glue) fills the groove <NUM> over the electrical conductor <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, another alternative example of a dilating tip is shown. In <FIG>, features that are like those of <FIG> will be referred to with like reference numerals, incremented by <NUM>. The dilating tip <NUM> of <FIG> is similar to the dilator of <FIG>; however, the elongate member <NUM> includes an outer tube <NUM>, which defines the circumferential outer surface <NUM>, and an inner liner <NUM> within the outer tube <NUM>, which defines the circumferential inner surface <NUM>. The inner liner <NUM> can be, for example, a polyimide or polytetrafluoroethylene liner, and the outer tube <NUM> can be made of a plastic such as HDPE.

In the example of <FIG>, the electrical conductor <NUM> is defined by a tubular braid of metallic wires, which is positioned between the outer tube <NUM> and inner liner <NUM>.

Optionally, in order to fabricate the dilator of <FIG>, the outer tube <NUM>, electrical conductor <NUM>, EAM electrode <NUM>, and inner liner <NUM> can first be assembled together, and the EAM electrode <NUM> can be swaged to form an electrical connection between the EAM electrode <NUM> and the electrical conductor <NUM>. Then, the material of the outer tube <NUM> can be re-flowed (e.g. by the application of heat) to join the outer tube <NUM>, electrical conductor <NUM>, and inner liner <NUM>. A distal piece <NUM> of the dilating tip <NUM> can then be joined to the assembly. The system end (not shown) of the electrical conductor <NUM> can then be exposed for connection to the EAM system <NUM>, optionally by skiving.

Referring now to <FIG>, another example of a surgical perforation system is shown. In <FIG>, features that are like those of <FIG> will be referred to with like reference numerals, incremented by <NUM>. In <FIG>, only the dilator <NUM>, sheath <NUM>, and RF perforation device <NUM> of the system <NUM> are shown; the remaining parts of the system <NUM> can be the same as or similar to the parts shown in <FIG>. The system <NUM> of <FIG> includes additional EAM electrodes. Specifically, the system <NUM> includes a first EAM electrode 748a associated with the dilating tip, as described above with respect to <FIG>. Additionally, the system includes a second EAM electrode 748b on the dilator <NUM> and spaced from the first EAM electrode 748a; third 748c, fourth 748d, and fifth 748e EAM electrodes on the sheath <NUM>; and a sixth EAM electrode 748f on the RF perforation device <NUM>. The second through sixth EAM electrodes (748b - 748f) are connectable to the EAM signal generator via additional electrical conductors (not shown). The use of additional EAM electrodes can allow for additional location data to be determined. For example, the location of the sheath <NUM>, or the location dilating tip <NUM> with respect to the sheath <NUM>, can be determined. Additionally, by providing additional electrodes, the orientation of the sheath or dilator may be determined. For example, providing at least two electrodes on each of the sheath and dilator allows the determination of the direction in which the devices are oriented.

In a further alternative example of a dilator (not shown), the EAM electrode can be removable from the elongate member. For example, the elongate member of the dilator can be a standard dilator (e.g. one known in the art). The EAM electrode, connected to the electrical conductor, can be separate from the elongate member. For example, the EAM electrode can be secured to the perforation device. The EAM electrode can be advanced through the lumen of the elongate member, until the EAM electrode is at the distal end of the dilator. The assembly can be calibrated so that the extent to which the EAM electrode should be advanced to reach the distal end is known.

Referring now to <FIG>, a method for medical dilation, specifically for creation and dilation of a transseptal perforation, will be described. As will be described in more detail, at various points during the method, the EAM electrode and EAM system can be engaged to determine the location of the dilating tip of the dilator - i.e. EAM signals can be received from the EAM electrode of the dilator, and based on the EAM signals, the location of the dilating tip of the dilator can be determined, and optionally mapped and tracked. This can enhance safety of the procedure. The method will be described with reference to the system <NUM> and dilator <NUM> as shown in <FIG>; however, the method is not limited to being carried out with system <NUM> and dilator <NUM>, and the system <NUM> and dilator <NUM> are not limited to use according to the described method.

Referring to <FIG>, a guidewire <NUM> can be advanced via the femoral vein towards the heart <NUM>, and "parked" in the superior vena cava (SVC) <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, with the dilator <NUM> in the sheath <NUM>, and with the dilating tip <NUM> extending proud of the sheath <NUM>, the dilator <NUM> and sheath <NUM> can be advanced over the guidewire <NUM> towards the SVC <NUM>. The guidewire <NUM> can then be removed, and the RF perforation device <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>) can be advanced through the dilator <NUM> until the perforation electrode <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>) of the RF perforation device <NUM> is just shy of the distal end <NUM> of the dilator <NUM>.

As mentioned above, in addition to the EAM electrode <NUM> of the dilator <NUM> being connected to the EAM system <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>), the perforation electrode <NUM> of the RF perforation device <NUM> can be connected to the EAM system <NUM> and can serve as an additional EAM electrode. After the RF perforation device <NUM> has been advanced through the dilator <NUM> and the perforation electrode <NUM> is exposed from the dilator <NUM> or the distal tip of the perforation device <NUM> is flush with the distal tip of the dilator <NUM>, the positioning of the perforation device <NUM> can be confirmed using the EAM system <NUM>. Specifically, the EAM system <NUM> can be engaged, and based on the EAM signal received from the EAM electrode <NUM> and the perforation electrode <NUM>, the location of the perforation electrode <NUM> with respect to the dilating tip <NUM> can be determined. For example, if the EAM system shows that the perforation electrode <NUM> is proud of the dilating tip <NUM>, it can be determined that the perforation electrode <NUM> has been advanced too far into the dilator <NUM>. Alternatively, if the perforation electrode <NUM> cannot be detected by the EAM system, it can be concluded that the perforation electrode <NUM> is shrouded within the dilating tip <NUM>, and therefore correctly positioned. Additionally, by providing both a perforation electrode <NUM> and an EAM electrode <NUM>, the relative positioning between the two may be mapped to allow determination of the orientation of the combined assembly.

In some examples, the system <NUM> can further be configured to provide an alert if the perforation electrode <NUM> advances distal of the distal end <NUM> of the dilator <NUM>.

Optionally, at this point, if anatomical data is desired, the user can refer to CT or MRI data.

Referring now to <FIG>, with the EAM electrode <NUM> and EAM system <NUM> engaged to track the location of the dilating tip <NUM> and the perforation electrode <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>), the sheath <NUM>, dilator <NUM>, and perforation device <NUM> can be advanced towards a target anatomical location to position the dilating tip <NUM> at the target location. The target anatomical location can be, for example, the fossa ovalis <NUM> of the atrial septum <NUM>. The EAM electrode <NUM> and EAM system <NUM> can be used to confirm the positioning of the dilating tip <NUM> against the fossa ovalis <NUM>, and also to confirm that the perforation electrode <NUM> is flush with the distal end <NUM> of the dilator <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the perforation device <NUM> can then be engaged and advanced out of the dilator <NUM>, to create a perforation in the atrial septum <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the dilating tip <NUM> can then be advanced through the perforation, to dilate the perforation. Specifically, the dilating tip <NUM>, together with the EAM electrode <NUM>, can be advanced through the perforation. Prior to, during and/or after advancement of the dilating tip <NUM> and EAM electrode <NUM>, the EAM electrode <NUM> and EAM system <NUM> can be engaged to determine the location of the dilating tip <NUM>. This can help to ensure that the perforation is sufficiently dilated, while also helping to ensure that the dilating tip <NUM> does not contact and thereby damage non-target tissues (e.g. the location of the dilating tip with respect to the left atrial wall can be visualized).

Claim 1:
A medical dilator (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
an elongate member (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a proximal end portion, an opposed distal end portion, and a lumen (<NUM>) extending through the elongate member (<NUM>, <NUM>) from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion;
a dilating tip (<NUM>, <NUM>) at the distal end portion, the dilating tip (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a first end (<NUM>) of enlarged cross-sectional area and tapering going in the distal direction to a second end (<NUM>) of reduced cross-sectional area;
the dilating tip (<NUM>, <NUM>) including a proximal piece (<NUM>) having a distal-facing shoulder surface (<NUM>) and a neck (<NUM>) extending distally from the shoulder surface
at least a first electrode (<NUM>) associated with the dilating tip (<NUM>, <NUM>), the first electrode (<NUM>) having an annular shape and being positioned on the neck and abutting the distal-facing shoulder surface; and
an electrical conductor (<NUM>) electrically connected to the first electrode (<NUM>) and extending proximally from the first electrode (<NUM>) towards the proximal end portion for electrical connection with an electroanatomical mapping system;
the dilating tip (<NUM>, <NUM>) further including a distal piece received on the neck distal to and abutting the first electrode.