A device (1) for providing transluminal access to the epicardial space (2) via the left atrial appendage (LAA) (3) comprises an implantable occlusion apparatus (4) configured for detachable attachment to an elongated catheter member and adjustment between a contracted orientation suitable for transluminal delivery and a deployed orientation configured to occlude the LAA. The implantable occlusion apparatus has a through-conduit (5) and a cover (6) disposed on a proximal end configured to fluidically isolate the LAA from the left atrium (7) when the occlusion apparatus is deployed within the LAA, and the cover comprises an opening (8) to the through-conduit and a closure (9) for the opening. A wall piercing arm (10, 20) configured to cooperate with the implantable occlusion apparatus is provided and configured to generate a hole (12) in a wall of the LAA distal of the occlusion apparatus during use to provide access to the epicardial space (2) via the LAA. The wall piercing arm comprises a distal wall piercing head selected from a wall-piercing needle (21), ultra-sonic probe, or tissue ablation electrode.
