Patent ID: 7081114

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, said tubular casing having a pre-formed bend therein adjacent a proximal side of the at least one electrode; b) a catheter deflection assembly disposed in said casing and including a pair of tension/compression members extending through said casing, wherein each member of said pair of tension/compression members has a first portion thereof adjacent said distal end formed to have a flattened transverse section, and a second portion located in a region of said pre-formed bend having a circular cross-section oriented substantially at a right angle to said first portion; 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 thereof; and d) 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 and in a plane nonparallel to a longitudinal extent of the catheter.