Abstract: An electrode catheter for intravenous insertion into a cavity of the heart comprises a tubular sheath accommodating a first spiral wound wire of conductive biocompatible material, which affords an insulated operative portion exposed from the sheath and capped distally by a domed ring, and a mapping electrode of conductive biocompatible material for sensing the electrical activity in the cardiac muscle, which is carried coaxially by the first spiral wound wire and capable of movement along the operative portion transmitted by means of a second spiral wound wire extending coaxially through the first and connected to an external control handset. The operative portion of the first wire is arched by means of a tension wire designed to establish a restraint between the domed ring and the distal end of the sheath, of which the length can be increased or reduced to alter the loop of the arched profile as expedient for the shape of the cavity explored.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead of the type which includes an electrode at a distal end of the lead a connector at a proximal end of the lead and an elongated electrical conductor extending between the electrode and the connector. The conductor is comprised of a wire wound in a coil configuration with the wire comprised of a super austenitic stainless steel having a composition of at least 22% nickel and 2% molybdenum. Material of such composition has been found to have suitable conductivity for use with implantable pulse generators and suitable fatigue strength when used in endocardial lead placement. Moreover, such material has been found to pass tests intended to detect metal ion oxidation (MIO) in polymeric materials.

Abstract: A steerable catheter, which is adapted to be inserted into a body lumen, comprises a symmetrical cylindrical control handle, an elongate tubular catheter body, and a flexible catheter tip having a lumen offset from the axis of the catheter tip. The control handle comprises a housing having a piston chamber at its distal end. A piston is mounted in the piston chamber and is afforded lengthwise movement. The proximal end of the catheter body is fixedly attached to the distal end of the piston. A puller wire made of nickel-titanium alloy having shape memory is attached to the housing and extends through the piston, through and coaxial with the catheter body and into the offset lumen of the catheter tip where it is attached to the wall of the catheter tip. Lengthwise movement of the piston relative to the housing results in deflection of the catheter tip.

Abstract: An electrophysiology apparatus of the invention is formed of an electrophysiology (EP) catheter and a guide wire. The EP catheter is inserted into a blood vessel along the guide wire. The EP catheter includes a flexible tube having a first passage extending throughout an entire length of the tube, a plurality of electrodes attached to an outer surface of a front area of the tube, and a second passage formed at least inside the front area of the tube. Lead wires extend through the first passage and are connected to the electrodes.

Abstract: A sensor lead for use in conjunction with an implantable monitoring or therapeutic device. The lead is provided with a V-shaped bend near its distal end, and carries a blood parameter sensor distal to the V-shaped bend. The blood parameter sensor may be, for example, an oxygen sensor, a pulse sensor or a flow sensor. The V-shaped bend facilitates the location of the sensor in an internal jugular vein, allowing the sensor to be used to monitor blood flow from the brain.

Abstract: A catheter, which is adapted to be inserted into a body lumen, comprises a symmetrical cylindrical control handle, an elongate tubular catheter body, and a flexible catheter tip having a lumen offset from the axis of the catheter tip. The control handle comprises a housing having a piston chamber at its distal end. A piston is mounted in the piston chamber and is afforded lengthwise movement. The proximal end of the catheter body is fixedly attached to the distal end of the piston. A puller wire is attached to the housing and extends through the piston, through and coaxial with the catheter body and into the offset lumen of the catheter tip where it is attached to the wall of the catheter tip. Lengthwise movement of the piston relative to the housing results in deflection of the catheter tip.