| abstract |
Disclosed is an access catheter for identifying and providing access through a tissue structure such as the fossa ovalis on the intraatrial septum. The access catheter comprises an elongate flexible tubular body having a proximal and a distal end, and a retractable piercing structure such as a needle carried by the distal end. A detector such as a red, green, and blue light detector is associated with the access catheter, such that placement of the distal end of the catheter against the fossa ovalis can be detected. The piercing structure is thereafter advanceable to provide access to the left atrium through the fossa ovalis. |