Patent ID: 8007463

Claim:
A deflectable catheter assembly comprising: a) a catheter body comprising a sidewall defined by spaced apart interior and exterior surfaces extending from a deflectable distal end to a proximal end; b) an actuator lumen positioned in the catheter sidewall between the interior and exterior surfaces of the catheter body; c) a housing engaged to the proximal end of the catheter body; d) a flexible element extending from the housing through the actuator lumen to the deflectable distal end, wherein the deflectable distal end is deflected by pushing and pulling of the flexible element; e) an actuator movably coupled with the housing and connected to the flexible element; f) a tubular support engaged around the flexible element and connected to the actuator, wherein the tubular support, which moves with the actuator, substantially constrains lateral movement of the flexible element; and g) the tubular support is telescopically received and engaged with an inner surface of the actuator lumen, which inner surface substantially constrains lateral movement of the tubular support and the flexible element.