Fossa ovalis penetration using balloons

摘要

Apparatus and methods are described, including apparatus for puncturing a fossa ovalis of a heart. The apparatus comprises a catheter shaped to define a catheter lumen. A puncturing element is slidably disposed within the catheter lumen and configured to (a) be deployed from a distal portion of the catheter, and (b) puncture the fossa ovalis. A balloon is configured to be deployed from the distal portion of the catheter, be radially expanded, and upon being deployed and expanded, facilitate positioning of the puncturing element, by contacting at least a portion of the fossa ovalis. Other applications are also described.

主权项

1. A method for puncturing a fossa ovalis of a heart, the method comprising:
inserting a catheter into a right atrium of the heart; advancing a distal portion of the catheter toward an interatrial septum of the heart; deploying a balloon from the distal portion of the catheter; identifying a puncture site for puncturing the fossa ovalis, in response to a manner in which the balloon contacts the septum; and using a puncturing element, puncturing the fossa ovalis at the puncture site, wherein deploying the balloon further comprises deploying a non-compliant balloon, and wherein deploying the balloon further comprises expanding the balloon by: distally sliding at least one slider disposed along an outer surface of the catheter, the slider being coupled to a plurality of ribs coupled to a surface of the balloon, and filling the balloon with fluid.