Importance

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Abstract

There is provided an apparatus and a method of using the apparatus for creating a bleb of tissue of the pericardium of the heart, for accessing the pericardial space, intermediate the pericardium and the heart, and withdrawing fluid therefrom or delivering fluid, including drugs, therapeutic agents, or the like, thereto. The apparatus of the present invention includes a shaft with a first distal end and a second proximal end. A bore extends through the shaft from the distal end to the proximal end. The first end includes jaws, that open and close, as at least one of the jaws is movable. The second end includes a handle, at least a portion of the handle in communication with a mechanism in communication with the movable jaw, such that upon movement of at least a portion of the handle, the jaws can be opened and closed continuously. A needle, for puncturing the bleb of tissue grasped within the jaws, is movably mounted within the bore and is in communication with a mechanism for limiting its travel with respect to the bore.

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First Claim