Transluminal devices, systems and methods for enlarging interstitial penetration tracts

A method of enlarging a penetration tract formed between first and second anatomical structures in a human or veterinary patient, the method comprising the steps of:

• forming a penetration tract that extends through a wall of the first anatomical structure, through a wall of the second anatomical structure and through any tissue located between the first and second anatomical structures;
• passing a guidewire into the penetration tract;
• providing an elongate, flexible tubular member having a hollow lumen extending therethrough sized to receive a guidewire, the tubular member having near its distal tip a debulking member including an electrode tip having at least one radio frequency-emitting electrode suitable for ablating tissue;
• passing the tubular member over the guidewire and into the penetration tract;
• and
• energizing the electrode tip to ablate tissue and enlarge the penetration tract.