| abstract |
Systems and methods for penetrating a tissue membrane to gain access to a target site are disclosed. In some embodiments, systems and methods for accessing the left atrium from the right atrium of a patient's heart are carried out by penetrating the intra-atrial septal wall. One embodiment provides a system for transseptal cardiac access that includes a stabilizer sheath having a side port, a shaped guiding catheter configured to exit the side port and a tissue penetration member disposed within and extendable from the distal end of the guide catheter. |