Abstract: A method of surgical perforation via the delivery of electrical, radiant or thermal energy comprising the steps of: introducing an apparatus comprising an energy delivery device into a patient's heart via the patient's superior vena cava; positioning the energy delivery device at a first location adjacent material to be perforated; and perforating the material by delivering energy via the energy delivery device; wherein the energy is selected from the group consisting of electrical energy, radiant energy and thermal energy.

Abstract: A device with a functional tip containing at least one active electrode capable of creating a controlled perforation in body tissue through the application of Radio Frequency (RF) energy is described. The position of the tip of the device can be determined in response to pressure sensed at the tip and determined by a monitor. The device is useful to remove or perforate unwanted tissue in a controlled manner in any location in the body, particularly in the atrial septum for controlled transseptal puncture. In this application, the device is introduced into the right atrium, and the functional tip is then positioned against the atrial septum. Energy is applied to create the perforation and pressure is monitored to determine if the perforation was created in a desired location. Other possible applications include the removal of plaque or thrombotic occlusions from diseased vessels.

Abstract: A device for creating a surgical perforation with a functional distal tip for creating a controlled perforation. The functional tip may comprise at least one active electrode for creating the perforation through the application of Radio Frequency (RF) energy. The device is curved in order to decrease the likelihood of injury to structures of a patient such as inadvertent cardiac perforation when used in transseptal perforation procedures. The device is introduced into the right atrium, and the functional tip is then positioned against the atrial septum. Energy is applied to create the perforation. The tip is advanced toward the left atrium to create the perforation and as it advances into the left atrium, the device takes on its curved shape to direct the tip away from cardiac structures. The position of the tip of the device can be determined in response to pressure sensed at the tip and determined by a monitor.

Abstract: A device with a functional tip containing at least one active electrode capable of creating a controlled perforation in body tissue through the application of Radio Frequency (RF) energy is described. The position of the tip of the device can be determined in response to pressure sensed at the tip and determined by a monitor. The device is useful to remove or perforate unwanted tissue in a controlled manner in any location in the body, particularly in the atrial septum for controlled transseptal puncture. In this application, the device is introduced into the right atrium, and the functional tip is then positioned against the atrial septum. Energy is applied to create the perforation and pressure is monitored to determine if the perforation was created in a desired location. Other possible applications include the removal of plaque or thrombotic occlusions from diseased vessels.

Abstract: A device with a functional tip containing at least one active electrode capable of creating a controlled perforation in body tissue through the application of Radio Frequency (RF) energy is described. The position of the tip of the device can be determined in response to pressure sensed at the tip and determined by a monitor. The device is useful to remove or perforate unwanted tissue in a controlled manner in any location in the body, particularly in the atrial septum for controlled transseptal puncture. In this application, the device is introduced into the right atrium, and the functional tip is then positioned against the atrial septum. Energy is applied to create the perforation and pressure is monitored to determine if the perforation was created in a desired location. Other possible applications include the removal of plaque or thrombotic occlusions from diseased vessels.