Patent ID: 7881809
Filing Date: 2011-02-01
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
1. An electrophysiology/ablation catheter, comprising: an elongated flexible hollow tubular casing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of spaced electrodes disposed at the distal end thereof; a pair of flexible tension/compression members disposed in side-by-side relationship and extending in the hollow of said casing from a point of attachment adjacent said distal end to said proximal end of said tubular casing, wherein each one of said pair of tension/compression members has a portion thereof adjacent said distal end with a flattened transverse cross-section; an electrical lead connected to each of said electrodes and extending through the hollow of said tubular casing to the proximal end thereof, said lead adapted for external connections thereto; spacer means disposed between said pair of flexible tension/compression members at said distal end for maintaining lateral spacing between said members, said spacer means being flexible; a handle including an actuator moveable in opposite directions and operative for effecting upon movement in one direction longitudinal tensioning of a first of said tension/compression members and simultaneous longitudinal compressing of the second of said tension/compression members with respect to said casing which effects lateral displacement of said distal end of said casing in one direction and upon movement in a direction opposite said one direction operative for effecting longitudinal tensioning of the said second of tension/compression members with respect to said casing which effects lateral displacement of said distal end of said casing in a direction opposite said one direction; and a sleeve received over said flattened portion of said tension/compression members and spaced a preselected distance from said distal end, said tension/compression members secured therein and forming a kinematic junction at said sleeve, wherein the portion of said tubular casing distal said sleeve remains substantially undeformed upon simultaneous tensioning and compressing of said tension/compression members.