Abstract: A steerable catheter (310) having a handle, a manifold strain relief (314) securely mounted at a front distal end of the handle, a steering dial (316) rotatably mounted within the handle, the steering dial (316) comprises a steering dial left fastener (316L) and a steering dial right fastener (316R). A lumen extrusion shaft (318) is securely fastened at a rear distal end to the manifold strain relief (314). The lumen extrusion shaft (318) has at least one lumen extrusion shaft large lumen opening (318B) and at least one lumen extrusion shaft small lumen opening (318C) contained therein. A lumen extrusion tip (320) is securely fastened at a front distal end of the lumen extrusion shaft (318) by a lumen extrusion shaft connection (318A). A manifold (334) is securely fastened at a rear end of the manifold strain relief (314). At least one luer lock (324) is securely mounted at a rear distal end of the handle. A steering wire (328) securely fastened at a rear distal end to the steering dial (316).

Abstract: The invention provides a pressure sensing catheter having a housing with a body portion adapted to be hand-held, a pressure sensing means situated within the catheter housing and an elongated catheter tube with a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. The pressure sensing means has a pressure sensor element, a microprocessor and a display means located on the top surface of the catheter housing. The invention also provides a pressure sensing catheter with a steering means ergonomically adapted in a pistol-grip fashion with digitally depressible steering posts connected to steering wires for manipulating the distal end of the catheter tube. The invention also provides a pressure sensing catheter with helically braided support wires disposed along selective portions of the catheter tubing to provide differential flexibility. The invention also provided methods of using the same.