Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing and using an irrigated ablation catheter. The catheter may include a distal shell electrode having irrigation apertures. An insert disposed within the electrode has protrusions that mate with orifices in the shell of the electrode. Each protrusion has a port communicating with at least one interior lumen in the insert and a sensor is disposed in each port. A support seals the proximal end of the electrode and engages the insert. The plurality of sensors may be used to measure electrical and thermal characteristics surrounding the electrode and may help assess contact between the electrode and tissue and/or determine movement of the electrode during ablation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing and using an irrigated ablation catheter. The catheter may include a distal shell electrode having irrigation apertures. An insert disposed within the electrode has protrusions that mate with orifices in the shell of the electrode. Each protrusion has a port communicating with at least one interior lumen in the insert and a sensor is disposed in each port. A support seals the proximal end of the electrode and engages the insert. The plurality of sensors may be used to measure electrical and thermal characteristics surrounding the electrode and may help assess contact between the electrode and tissue and/or determine movement of the electrode during ablation.

Abstract: A catheter that is particularly useful for mapping electrical activity in the heart of a patient is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body having a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. A control handle is attached to the proximal end of the catheter body and includes first and second members that are moveable relative to each other. The second member is attached to the catheter body. An inner member is slidably mounted in the lumen of the catheter body. The inner member comprises an elongated stiffening member that is surrounded by and connected to a non-conductive covering having a free distal end on which is mounted one or more electrodes. The proximal end of the inner member is attached to the first member of the control handle. Longitudinal movement of the first member relative to the second member results in longitudinal movement of the inner member relative to the catheter body to cause the inner member to extend out of and retract into the catheter body.

Abstract: A catheter that is particularly useful for mapping electrical activity in the heart of a patient is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body having a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. A control handle is attached to the proximal end of the catheter body and includes first and second members that are moveable relative to each other. The second member is attached to the catheter body. An inner member is slidably mounted in the lumen of the catheter body. The inner member comprises an elongated stiffening member that is surrounded by and connected to a non-conductive covering having a free distal end on which is mounted one or more electrodes. The proximal end of the inner member is attached to the first member of the control handle. Longitudinal movement of the first member relative to the second member results in longitudinal movement of the inner member relative to the catheter body to cause the inner member to extend out of and retract into the catheter body.