Medical device and method for accessing space along an interior surface of an anatomic layer

Abstract

Medical device including a lift tool having a distal end configured to removably engage an anatomic layer. The lift tool includes a shaft lumen that extends longitudinally through the lift tool and through the distal end. The shaft lumen is configured to receive an elongated insert device that is movable through the shaft lumen and through the distal end. The medical device also includes a locking mechanism that is coupled to the lift tool. The locking mechanism includes a locking member that is selectively movable with respect to the insert device between a released position and an engaged position. The locking member engages the insert device when in the engaged position to hold the insert device at a fixed position with respect to the lift tool and permits the insert device to move through the shaft lumen when in the released position.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for accessing space along an interior surface of an anatomic layer, the method comprising:
 coupling a distal end of a lift tool to an exterior surface of the anatomic layer, the lift tool including a shaft lumen that extends longitudinally through the lift tool and through the distal end;   inserting an insert device through the shaft lumen; and   selectively moving a locking member with respect to the insert device from a released position to an engaged position, the locking member engaging the insert device when in the engaged position to hold the insert device in a fixed position with respect to the lift tool.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the lift tool includes layer-engaging projections and wherein the coupling operation includes rotating the lift tool to embed the projections into the anatomic layer, the method further comprising moving the anatomic layer to adjust the space along the interior surface of the anatomic layer. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the insert device is a first insert device, the method further comprising inserting a second insert device into the shaft lumen while the first insert device is engaged by the locking member. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the first insert device is a hollowed needle that pierces the anatomic layer and the second insert device is a guidewire inserted through the needle and into the space along the interior surface of the anatomic layer, the method further comprising removing the first insert device and the lift tool while the guidewire remains in the space.