Patent ID: 8480636

Claim:
A kit for use in a transseptal procedure, comprising: an introducer catheter comprising a tubular body having a proximal section, a distal section, an outer surface, and at least one interior lumen extending from the proximal section to an opening disposed through a distal end of the distal section configured to received an ablation catheter therethrough, wherein the size of the opening is defined by an inner diameter of the tubular body at the distal end, wherein the outer surface includes multiple aspiration passageways disposed through the outer surface along the distal section, and wherein the aspiration passageways are in fluid communication with the at least one interior lumen and are configured to facilitate continuous fluid flow within the distal section of the tubular body, and a guidewire, having a guide wire diameter, over which the introducer catheter may be introduced into a patient's vasculature, wherein each of the aspiration passageways has a diameter greater than about 0.01 inches and less than the guide wire diameter.