Patent ID: 6016437
Filing Date: 2000-01-18
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A catheter probe system comprising:a plurality of flexible longitudinally extending shafts each having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending therebetween;an inflatable wavy soft shaft section in at least one of the catheter shafts of the catheter probe system, wherein the outer surface of said inflatable wavy soft shaft has a plurality of hills and valleys;a plurality of conducting electrodes secured on the hills of said inflatable wavy soft shaft;pressurization means for inflating the inflatable wavy soft shaft, wherein said inflatable wavy soft shaft is pre-shaped to form a generally straight configuration in an uninflated state and to form a curved configuration in an inflated state;said conducting electrodes individually encircling said inflatable wavy soft shaft and having an outermost circumferential diameter larger than the outer diameter of said at least one catheter shaft;said valleys having an uninflated geometry wherein the uninflated diameter of the valleys is less than said outermost circumferential diameter of the conducting electrodes; andsaid valleys further having an inflated geometry wherein the inflated diameter of the valleys is less than said outermost circumferential diameter of the conducting electrodes, but greater than the uninflated diameter of the valleys.