Visualization apparatus and methods for transseptal access

Abstract

In one example, a system includes a deployment catheter defining at least one lumen therethrough. The system further includes a balloon member projecting distally from a distal end of the deployment catheter and defining an area therein, wherein the area is in fluid communication with the at least one lumen. The system further includes a first opening at the distal end of the balloon member, a first instrument lumen extending through the balloon member from the distal end of the deployment catheter to the first opening, and a visualization element disposed within the balloon member for visualizing tissue external to the balloon member.

1 - 88 . (canceled) 
     
     
         89 . A system, comprising:
 a deployment catheter defining at least one lumen therethrough;   a balloon member projecting distally from a distal end of the deployment catheter and defining an area therein, wherein the area is in fluid communication with the at least one lumen;   a first opening at the distal end of the balloon member;   a first instrument lumen extending through the balloon member from the distal end of the deployment catheter to the first opening; and   a visualization element disposed within the balloon member for visualizing tissue external to the balloon member.   
     
     
         90 . The system of  claim 89 , wherein the first opening is offset from a longitudinal axis of the balloon member. 
     
     
         91 . The system of  claim 90 , further comprising, a second opening at the distal end of the balloon member, the second opening aligned with the longitudinal axis of the balloon member. 
     
     
         92 . The system of  claim 91 , further comprising, a second instrument lumen extending through the balloon member from the distal end of the deployment catheter to the second opening. 
     
     
         93 . The system of  claim 91 , wherein the second opening is larger than the first opening. 
     
     
         94 . The system of  claim 91 , further comprising, a third opening offset from the longitudinal axis opposite the first opening. 
     
     
         95 . The system of  claim 94 , further comprising, a third instrument lumen extending through the balloon member from the distal end of the deployment catheter to the third opening. 
     
     
         96 . The system of  claim 89 , wherein the balloon member is transparent. 
     
     
         97 . The system of  claim 89 , wherein the visualization element is positioned along interior surface of balloon member. 
     
     
         98 . The system of  claim 89 , wherein the first instrument lumen comprises a set of holes for allowing fluid into the area. 
     
     
         99 . The system of  claim 89 , further comprising, a ring member positioned along a circumference of the first opening. 
     
     
         100 . The system of  claim 99 , further comprising, an elongate member attached to the ring member for pushing the ring member distally away from the distal end of the deployment catheter. 
     
     
         101 . A method comprising:
 manipulating a deployment catheter through a patient anatomy, the deployment catheter defining at least one lumen therethrough;   inflating a balloon member, the balloon member projecting distally from a distal end of the deployment catheter and defining an area therein, the balloon member having a first opening at the distal end of the balloon member and a first instrument lumen extending through the balloon member from the distal end of the deployment catheter to the first opening;   passing an instrument through the first instrument lumen; and   visualizing, with a visualization element disposed within the balloon member, tissue adjacent to a distal end of the balloon member.   
     
     
         102 . The method of  claim 101 , wherein the first opening is offset from a longitudinal axis of the balloon member. 
     
     
         103 . The method of  claim 101 , wherein the first opening is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the balloon member. 
     
     
         104 . The method of  claim 101 , further comprising, passing a second instrument through a second instrument lumen extending through the balloon member from the distal end of the deployment catheter to a second opening. 
     
     
         105 . The method of  claim 101 , further comprising, extending the balloon member distally from the distal end of the deployment catheter by pushing an elongated member secured to a ring member that reinforces the first opening. 
     
     
         106 . A system, comprising:
 a deployment catheter defining at least one lumen therethrough;   a balloon member projecting distally from a distal end of the deployment catheter;   an opening at a distal end of the balloon member;   an instrument lumen extending through the balloon member from the distal end of the deployment catheter to the opening; and   a visualization element disposed within the balloon member for visualizing tissue external to the balloon member.   
     
     
         107 . The system of  claim 106 , wherein the instrument lumen comprises a set of holes for allowing fluid into the area. 
     
     
         108 . The system of  claim 106 , wherein the visualization element is positioned along interior surface of balloon member.