Patent ID: 6973340
Filing Date: 2005-12-06
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A catheter comprising: an elongated catheter body having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen therethrough; a basket-shaped electrode assembly at the distal end of the catheter body, the basket assembly having proximal and distal ends and comprising a plurality of spines connected at their proximal and distal ends, each spine comprising at least one electrode, the basket assembly having an expanded arrangement wherein the spines bow radially outwardly and a collapsed arrangement wherein the spines are arranged generally along the axis of the catheter body; an expander attached at or near its distal end to the distal ends of the spines and extending through the catheter body, having a proximal end that extends out the proximal end of the catheter body, and having a lumen extending therethrough, whereby, in use, the expander can be moved longitudinally relative to the catheter body to expand and contract the basket assembly; wherein the basket assembly at its proximal end includes an inner tubing configured to provide a tunnel through which the expander can be moved longitudinally relative to the catheter body, the basket assembly further comprising, at its proximal end, a second tubing around the inner tubing, the second tubing configured to enable longitudinal movement of electrode lead wires or a sensor cable relative to the catheter body between the inner tubing and the second tubing, the basket assembly further comprising, at its proximal end, a third tubing around the second tubing, the third tubing configured to hold at least wires of the spines in place between the third tubing and the second tubing at the proximal end of the basket assembly.