Patent ID: 7479150

Claim:
Apparatus for forming and enlarging a percutaneous penetration, the apparatus comprising: an elongate dilation member including a radially expandable member having a proximal end with a handle, a distal end, and an axial lumen with a first cross-sectional area; an elongate expansion member including a tubular element having a distal end, a proximal end with a handle, and an axial lumen with a second cross-sectional area which is larger than the first cross-sectional area; the distal end of the expansion member being configured for facilitating insertion of the tubular element through the axial lumen of the dilation member; and an advancing apparatus having: a first arm with a first engaging feature configured and dimensioned to selectively receive the handle of the dilation member to substantially inhibit axial movement of the dilation member relative to the first arm; a second arm with a second engaging feature configured and dimensioned to selectively receive the handle of the expansion member to substantially inhibit axial movement of the expansion member relative to the second arm, wherein the first arm and the second arm are configured to maintain axial alignment between the dilation member and the expansion member; and an operation member; the first arm and the second arm being connected so that operation of the operation member approximates the first engaging feature and the second engaging feature together.