| abstract |
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Devices, systems and methods are provided for accessing the interior of a heart and performing procedures therein during a beating of the heart. A tubular access device (22) is deployed through the intercostal space and myocardial wall. The access device (22) includes a balloon or flange (32) for sealing the penetration to prevent blood leakage. An obturator (52) is positionable within the access device and includes cutting means (60) disposed at a distal end thereof. An elongate instrument is inserted through the access device to perform a surgical procedure including septal defect repair, resection and electrophysiological mapping. |