Abstract: A modular catheter assembly includes a holder, having a proximal end and a distal end. An electrode sheath carrier is mounted on the distal end of the holder. A shape-imparting element carrier is removably mountable to an end of the holder and is accessible externally of the holder with at least the shape-imparting element carrier being replaceably mounted to the holder.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a catheter includes a tubular member defining a passage. The tubular member has a longitudinally extending, bend-enhancing portion formed at a predetermined region of the tubular member. An actuator is received in the passage of the tubular member, with the distal part of the actuator being fastened to a distal part of the tubular member.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power source for generating power for use by at least one load device including an implantable thermoelectric unit having at least one thermoelectric device configured to be electrically coupled to the at least one load device, and at least one impedance matching device constructed and arranged to match an output impedance of the thermoelectric device with an input impedance of the load device.

Abstract: A catheter steering/insertion mechanism (10) includes an elongate element (12) insertable into a lumen of a catheter sheath to assist in imparting a predetermined shape (14) to a distal region of the catheter sheath A control element (16) is mounted co-axially about the elongate element (12). The control element (16) is flexible in bending in a first configuration and resistant to bending in a second configuration so that the predetermined shape (14) is imparted to a distal region of the elongate element (12) and, in turn, the distal region of the catheter sheath when the control element (14) is in its first configuration.

Abstract: A modular catheter assembly (10) includes a holder (12) having a proximal end (14) and a distal end (16). An electrode sheath carrier (20) is mounted on the distal end (16) of the holder (12). A shape imparting element carrier is removably mountable to an end of the holder (12) and is accessible externally of the holder (12) with at least the shape imparting element carrier being replaceably mounted to the holder (12).

Abstract: A thermoelectric power source for generating power for use by at least one load device is disclosed. The thermoelectric power source comprises: an implantable thermoelectric unit comprising at least one thermoelectric device configured to be electrically coupled to said at least one load device; and at least one impedance matching device constructed and arranged to match an output impedance of said thermoelectric device with an input impedance of said load device.

Abstract: A steering mechanism (10) for a catheter includes tubular member (12) defining passage (14). The tubular member (12) has longitudinally extending, bend-enhancing portion (18) formed at predetermined region of the tubular member (12). Actuator (16) is received in the passage (14) of tubular member (12), distal part (16.2) of actuator (16) being fast with a distal part (20) of the tubular member (12).