Patent ID: 8540674

Claim:
A multichannel system for engaging a tissue, the system comprising: an engagement catheter comprising a proximal end and a distal end, and defining a first lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end; an inducer sheath having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and defining a lumen extending therethrough, the inducer sheath configured for insertion into the first lumen of the engagement catheter; a dilator defining a first channel and a second channel extending therethrough and a tapered tip at a distal end of the dilator, the dilator sized and shaped for insertion into the lumen of the inducer sheath; and a needle device having a needle tip, the needle device capable of insertion into the first channel of the dilator, wherein the needle tip is capable of puncturing a tissue positioned at or near the distal end of the dilator to form a mammalian tissue aperture, wherein the tapered tip of the dilator is configured for insertion of the tapered tip into the mammalian tissue aperture formed using the needle tip.