Disclosed are devices for cardioscopic and pericardioscopic access to the heart, including direct access to the left atrium. In certain embodiments, the device may comprise an atrial portal having a configuration such that the distal end of the atrial portal can access the atrium while the proximal end of the portal can extend to outside of the subject. The devices and methods may also include a pericardioscopic portal for emplacement of the atrial portal. Also, methods for using such atrial portals and pericardial portals to perform surgery on the heart, and in some cases to directly access the left atrium, and systems (e.g., kits) comprising these portals in combination with other therapeutic devices are disclosed.
