A device with a functional tip containing at least one active electrode capable of creating a controlled perforation in body tissue through the application of energy (e.g. Radio Frequency (RF)) is described. The position of the tip in a body can be determined in response to ECG measured at the tip and determined by a monitor coupled to the device. The position of the tip can also be determined in response to pressure sensed at the tip and determined by a coupled monitor. The device is useful to remove or perforate unwanted tissue in a controlled manner in any location in the body, particularly in the atrial septum for controlled transseptal puncture. A portion of the distal region of the device is preferably curved in order to decrease the likelihood of injury to structures of a patient such as inadvertent perforation when used in transseptal perforation procedures.
