Transseptal access device and method of use

A device for transseptal access, comprising:

• a. an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end, and a piercing element disposed at the distal end, the piercing element stationary with respect to the elongated member;
• and
• b. a funnel coupled to the elongated member at the distal end, the funnel having a proximal end with a first radius and a distal end with a second radius, the second radius greater than the first radius, and a lip circumferentially surrounding the distal end with the second radius, the funnel having a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration, the expanded configuration defining an interior, the lip in the expanded configuration configured to be parallel to a septum through which access is desired, the funnel further defining pleats therein to impart a told during transition from the expanded configuration to the retracted configuration, and the funnel further including a rib or spine member formed of nitinol;
• c. such that the elongated member, the piercing element, and the funnel are configured to be delivered to a septal location through a transseptal sheath, and such that upon removal of the funnel from the sheath, the funnel assumes the expanded configuration, and such that a pressure lumen is defined in the elongated member extending from the proximal end and into the interior of the funnel, the elongated member further comprising a lumen configured to draw negative pressure from the interior of the funnel to assist in a creation of a suction against the septum of the heart.