Patent ID: 7112197

Claim:
A surgical device for perforating material and monitoring pressure comprising: an elongate member having a distal region with a first outer diameter and a proximal region with a second outer diameter larger than said first outer diameter such that dilation of a perforation is limited while said distal region is advanced through said perforation, wherein said second outer diameter tapers down to said first outer diameter so as to provide a smooth transition between said first outer diameter and said second outer diameter; an energy delivery device associate with said elongate member at said distal region, said energy delivery device adapted for connection to an energy source and operable to effectively perforate said material by delivering energy; and a pressure sensing mechanism associated with said distal region for monitoring pressure about said distal region; wherein said pressure sensing mechanism comprises a pressure transmitting lumen extending between said proximal and distal regions, the lumen at said proximal region being adapted for fluid communication with a pressure transducer that provides a signal which varies as a function of pressure and adapted at said distal region for fluid communication with an environment about said distal region.