A tubular suction tool for accessing an anatomic surface or anatomic space and
particularly the pericardium to access pericardial space and the epicardial surface
of the heart to implant cardiac leads in a minimally invasive manner are disclosed.
The suction tool incorporates a suction pad concave wall defining a suction cavity,
a plurality of suction ports arrayed about the concave wall, and a suction lumen,
to form a bleb of tissue into the suction cavity when suction is applied. The suction
cavity extends along one side of the suction pad, so that the suction pad and suction
cavity can be applied tangentially against a tissue site. The suction tool can
incorporate light emission and video imaging of tissue adjacent the suction pad.
A working lumen terminating in a working lumen port into the suction cavity enables
introduction of tools, cardiac leads, and other instruments, cells, drugs or materials
into or through the tissue bleb drawn into the suction cavity.
