Abstract: A bi-directional system for actively deflecting the distal tip of a catheter includes a reconfigurable tube that is positioned proximal to the catheter's distal tip. The tube is formed with slits that are arranged to allow the tube to be transformed from a relaxed, cylindrical configuration to a plurality of deflected configurations. First and second pull wires are provided, with each wire having a respective distal end that is attached to the distal end of the tube. Each wire extends to a catheter handle where it is attached to a respective reel. The reels can be rotated, back and forth, to selectively deflect or relax the tube. To ensure a smooth recovery after a relatively large deflection, a mechanism is disclosed for delaying an application of tension on one of the pull wires until at least a portion of any tension on the other pull wire is released.

Abstract: An active system for deflecting a distal portion of a catheter into a hoop configuration includes an elongated catheter body having a proximal portion and a distal portion that is formed with a lumen. A thin-walled tube, which is typically made of a metallic material, is positioned in the lumen. The tube includes a cylindrical wall and includes a plurality of lateral slits that are typically formed in the tube wall and arranged such that the tube can be transformed between a relaxed, cylindrical configuration and a deflected configuration wherein the tube is substantially hoop shaped. One end of a deflection wire is attached to the tube and the other wire end is attached to a reel that is rotationally mounted onto a catheter handle housing. In use, the reel is rotated to axially retract the wire and transform the tube into a hoop configuration.

Abstract: An articulation system for catheter steering and selective positioning of the catheter distal tip includes an articulation segment having a cylindrically shaped wall that is attached between a tip member and a catheter tube. The cylindrically shaped wall defines a longitudinal axis and surrounds a central lumen. The wall of the articulation segment is formed with a first section made of a first material having flexural modulus, M1, and a second section made of a second material having flexural modulus, M2, with M2 being larger than M1 (M2>M1). One end of a control wire is attached to the tip member, while the control wire itself extends from the tip member, through the lumen of the articulation segment and through the catheter tube. The sections are arranged to cause the tip member to deflect in a pre-selected plane in response to axial movements of the control wire.