Patent ID: 8758338

Claim:
An electrophysiology/ablation catheter comprising: a) an elongated flexible tubular casing having a proximal end, and at least one electrode disposed at a distal end thereof; the elongated flexible tubular casing having a flexible, permanent bend in a distal portion of the elongated flexible tubular casing, the bend forming an angle of about 45 degrees to about 90 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the elongated flexible tubular casing; b) a catheter deflection assembly disposed in the elongated flexible tubular casing, the catheter deflection assembly including a deflection member extending through the elongated flexible tubular casing, wherein the deflection member has a first portion adjacent at least the distal portion of the elongated flexible tubular casing, and a second portion adjacent at least a proximal portion of the elongated flexible tubular casing, wherein the first portion is formed to have a flattened transverse cross-section, and the second portion is formed to have a circular cross-section; c) an external connection near the proximal end of the elongated flexible tubular casing; d) an electrical connection that connects the at least one electrode and the external connection; e) an actuator connected to the proximal end of the catheter deflection assembly and operable upon movement to effect lateral displacement of the distal end in a curvature greater than 360 degrees.