Systems, devices, and methods for transeptal atrial puncture using an engagement catheter platform

A method of engaging a tissue to access a space adjacent thereto, the method comprising the steps of:

• introducing a multichannel system into a mammalian body so that at least part of the system is adjacent to a targeted tissue, the system comprising:
• an engagement catheter having a skirt coupled thereto,
• an inducer sheath having a proximal portion and a distal portion and defining a lumen extending therethrough, the inducer sheath configured for insertion into and positioned within a lumen of the engagement catheter,
• a dilator positioned within a lumen of the inducer sheath, the dilator defining a first channel and a second channel extending therethrough and having a tapered tip at a distal end of the dilator, the dilator sized and shaped for insertion into the lumen of the inducer sheath, the tapered tip configured to facilitate insertion of the dilator into a mammalian tissue aperture,
• a needle positioned within a first channel of the dilator, and
• a catheter positioned within a second channel of the dilator;
• engaging the targeted tissue using the skirt of the engagement catheter by applying a vacuum to the engagement catheter;
• piercing the targeted tissue using the needle to create the tissue aperture;
• and
• advancing at least part of the inducer sheath and at least part of the dilator into the tissue aperture and into a space behind the targeted tissue.

A method of engaging a tissue to access a space adjacent thereto, the method comprising the steps of:

• introducing a multichannel system into a mammalian body so that at least part of the system is adjacent to a targeted tissue, the system comprising:
• an inducer sheath having a proximal portion and a distal portion and defining a lumen extending therethrough, the inducer sheath configured for insertion into and positioned within a lumen of the engagement catheter, and
• a dilator positioned within a lumen of the inducer sheath, the dilator defining a first channel and a second channel extending therethrough and having a tapered tip at a distal end of the dilator, the dilator sized and shaped for insertion into the lumen of the inducer sheath, the tapered tip configured to facilitate insertion of the dilator into a mammalian tissue aperture;
• engaging the targeted tissue using a distal end of the engagement catheter by applying a vacuum to the engagement catheter;
• piercing the targeted tissue to create the tissue aperture;
• and
• advancing at least part of the inducer sheath and at least part of the dilator into the tissue aperture and into a space behind the targeted tissue;
• removing the dilator from the inducer sheath;
• and
• performing a procedure, the procedure selected from the group consisting of introducing a substance into the space, removing a substance from the space, placing a lead within the mammalian body distal to the tissue aperture, and introducing a device into the space.