FOSSA OVALIS PENETRATION APPARATUS

摘要

Apparatus and methods are described, including apparatus (34) for puncturing a fossa ovalis (18) of a heart (22). The apparatus (34) comprises a catheter (38) shaped to define a catheter lumen (52). A puncturing element (32) is slidably disposed within the catheter lumen (52), and is configured to be deployed from a distal portion of the catheter (38) and to puncture the fossa ovalis (18). One or more flexible longitudinal members (14) are configured to be deployed from the distal portion (54) of the catheter (38), and upon being deployed, facilitate the puncturing of the fossa ovalis (18) by the puncturing element (32), by contacting tissue at a perimeter (60) of the fossa ovalis (18). Other applications are also described.