CPC A61B 17/3478 (2013.01) [A61M 5/00 (2013.01); A61M 5/158 (2013.01); A61M 25/00 (2013.01); A61M 25/0074 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00247 (2013.01); A61B 2017/306 (2013.01); A61B 2090/064 (2016.02); A61B 2090/0807 (2016.02); A61M 25/0082 (2013.01); A61M 2005/1585 (2013.01); A61M 2025/0681 (2013.01)] | 24 Claims |
1. An assembly for transseptal access, comprising:
a steerable sheath including an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end;
an inflatable funnel coupled to the elongated member at the distal end, the inflatable funnel substantially collapsed against the elongated member in a retracted configuration, the inflatable funnel further having an inflated configuration caused by inflation using an inflation lumen;
such that the elongated member and the inflatable funnel are configured to be delivered to a septal location, and such that upon inflation the funnel is configured to transition from the retracted configuration to the inflated configuration; and
a piercing element movable in distal and proximal directions through the elongated member, the piercing element to pierce the septum when the funnel is in the inflated configuration and contacting the septum, the piercing element including an activatable radio frequency element, the piercing element to pierce the septum when activated and pushed against the septum,
such that the inflatable funnel provides a stable base for a transseptal puncture to occur, the puncture using the activatable radio frequency element, and such that the inflatable funnel is collapsible during delivery and retraction, and wherein the inflatable funnel is comprised of a polymer and is formed by folding the polymer back on itself.
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