a method and apparatus for providing positive fixation of medical components to a portion of pericardial tissue via both vacuum - and / or mechanically - assisted means . a source of vacuum couples via a lumen to a recessed portion of a body structure deployed into the pericardial space . the recessed portion is adapted to form a seal around its periphery with adjacent pericardial tissue so that when the recessed portion is evacuated , the tissue is drawn into the recessed portion . then , a sharpened instrument , such as a stylet , is deployed through the lumen and pierces the tissue , thus anchoring the body structure . a source of fluid may also be included for delivery to the pericardial space .