System and method for introducing a construct either on or around the surface of the heart

Abstract

A system and method for evaluating, altering and/or creating an opening around the heart to receive a construct. Using a minimally invasive techniques, a first guide is advanced into an area adjacent to the heart. The first guide is used to probe the area and determine if an opening can be safely formed in that area. The guide is then used to direct a larger guide catheter into the targeted area. The larger guide catheter is used to direct a more robust guide into the targeted area. The robust guide is then used to direct a delivery guide catheter into the targeted area. The delivery guide catheter can be used to stall. a device deployment guide. Either the delivery guide catheter or the device deployment guide can be used to advance the construct into the targeted area.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.