FOSSA OVALIS PENETRATION
Apparatus and methods are described, including a catheter shaped to define a catheter lumen. A wall of the catheter comprises a braided portion, and is shaped to define first and second longitudinally-running channels therethrough. A distal portion of the catheter is shaped to define first and second lateral openings, which are approximately equidistant from the distal end of the catheter. A flexible longitudinal member passes (a) from a proximal portion of the catheter to the distal portion of the catheter via the first channel, (b) out of the first channel via the first lateral opening, (b) into the second channel via the second lateral opening, and (c) from the distal portion of the catheter to the proximal portion of the catheter via the second channel. Other applications are also described.
1 - 20 . (canceled)
21 . Apparatus comprising:
a hollow needle comprising:
a proximal portion having an outer diameter between 0.7 and 3 mm, a length between 650 and 1200 mm, and a wall thickness between 0.1 and 0.3 mm; and
a helical distal portion having an outer diameter between 0.5 and 1.5 mm and a length between 50 and 200 mm; and
a fluid-impermeable cover surrounding the helical distal portion of the needle.
22 . (canceled)
23 . Apparatus comprising:
a hollow needle comprising:
a proximal portion having an outer diameter between 0.7 and 3 mm, a length between 650 and 1200 mm, and a wall thickness between 0.1 and 0.3 mm; and
a distal portion (a) having an outer diameter between 0.5 and 1.5 mm and a length between 50 and 200 mm, and (b) comprising a wall that is shaped to define a plurality of openings that pass completely therethrough; and
a fluid-impermeable cover surrounding the laser-cut distal portion of the needle.
24 . The apparatus according to claim 23 , wherein the wall of the distal portion of the hollow needle is shaped to define a plurality of slits therethrough.
25 - 34 . (canceled)
36 . A method for puncturing a fossa ovalis of a heart, the method comprising:
inserting a catheter into a right atrium of the heart;
advancing the catheter toward an interatrial septum of the heart;
subsequently, inserting a needle into a lumen of the catheter;
flexing a distal portion of the needle by steering the catheter; and
following the flexing of the distal portion of the needle, using the needle to puncture the fossa ovalis.