Methods and apparatus for locating the fossa ovalis and performing transseptal puncture

摘要

The instant disclosure relates to a family of devices and methods for both measuring electrophysiological signals and delivering elongate medical devices. In an embodiment, a kit is described that includes a hollow catheter adapted to navigate a patient's vasculature having a hollow lumen terminating at a distal end, structure configured for sensing cardiac electrical activity adjacent the distal end of the hollow catheter and for acquiring electrograms. The fossa ovalis of a subject can be located therefrom and a second medical device can be advanced into and through the hollow lumen to such an extent that a distal tip of the second medical device protrudes beyond a proximal end and the distal end of the hollow catheter at the same time.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
a hollow catheter comprising a hollow lumen terminating at a distal end; means for measuring cardiac electrical activity coupled to the distal end of the hollow catheter, wherein the hollow catheter is navigable through a patient's vasculature; and wherein said hollow lumen is adapted to receive a second medical device having a length greater than that of the hollow catheter, and wherein the second medical device comprises a transseptal needle comprising means for advancing and retracting said transseptal needle into and through the hollow lumen to an extent that, when said transseptal needle is advanced, a distal tip of the transseptal needle protrudes beyond the distal end of the hollow catheter.