Patent ID: 8876776

Claim:
A system for use with a vacuum source for engaging a tissue, the system comprising: an engagement catheter comprising: a first lumen extending between a proximal end and a distal end, a skirt operatively connected to the distal end, the skirt comprising a proximal end having a circumference substantially similar to an outer circumference of the engagement catheter, the skirt further comprising a distal end having a circumference larger than the outer circumference of the engagement catheter, and a suction port located at or near the distal end of the engagement catheter and in communication with the first lumen of the engagement catheter, the suction port configured to allow the distal end of the skirt to removably engage a surface of a bodily tissue; a needle located within the first lumen of the engagement catheter; and a vacuum port located at the proximal end of the engagement catheter, the vacuum port in communication with the first lumen of the engagement catheter and capable of operative connection to a vacuum source; wherein when a vacuum source is operatively attached to the vacuum port, the skirt is capable of forming a reversible seal with the surface of the bodily tissue; and wherein the system is configured for use so that at least one additional device selected from a diagnostic device and a therapeutic device can be at least partially positioned within the first lumen of the engagement catheter.