Patent ID: 8292910

Claim:
A device for puncturing the atrial septum of a patient, comprising: an outer needle comprising a blunt distal end and a lumen longitudinally disposed substantially therethrough; a solid inner needle axially disposed in the lumen of the outer needle and moveable beyond the distal end of the outer needle, the solid inner needle comprising a first material and further comprising: a proximal portion; a distal portion having a proximal section that is more flexible than the proximal portion, the distal portion increasing in flexibility from the proximal section to a distal end and includes a sharp tip configured to pierce the atrial septum; and an intermediate portion that is substantially straight, is more flexible than the proximal section of the distal portion, and has a circumference substantially equal to or greater than that of the proximal section of the distal portion, wherein the intermediate portion includes a second material that is different from the first material.