Patent ID: 6728563
Filing Date: 2004-04-27
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An electrophysiology/ablation catheter comprising:a) an elongated flexible tubular casing having a proximal end, a distal end and a plurality of spaced electrodes disposed at the distal end of said casing, said tubular casing having a pre-formed bend therein adjacent a proximal most one end of said spaced electrodes; b) a pair of tension/compression members disposed in side-by-side relationship and extending through said casing from a point of attachment adjacent said distal end to said proximal end of said casing, wherein at least one of said pair of tension/compression members includes a pre-formed bend aligned with the pre-formed bend of said tubular casing; c) an electrical lead connected to each of said electrodes and extending through the tubular casing to the proximal end thereof, said lead adapted for external connection; and d) an actuator connected to a proximal end of said tension/compression members and operable upon user movement to effect tensioning of one of said pair of tension/compression members and simultaneously compressing the other of said tension/compression members to cause displacement of said distal end of said casing toward an axis defined by the proximal end of said tubular casino while retaining said pre-formed bend in said tubular casing.