Abstract: An apparatus includes an end effector having loop members with electrodes thereon and is usable with catheter-based systems to measure or provide electrical signals. The end effector can include three loop members that are non-coplanar when expanded unconstrained that become contiguous to a planar surface when the loop members are deflected against the surface, a mechanical linkage that joins the loop members at a distal vertex of the end effector, electrodes having surface treatment to enhance surface roughness of the electrodes, twisted pair electrode wires, a bonded spine cover, and/or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A method for making a combined light coupler and light pipe comprises providing a mold with an elongated chamber having two ends and having an appropriate shape to form the combined light coupler and light pipe. The formed light pipe has an elongated shape. The formed light coupler has an inlet end for receiving light and an outlet end for transmitting light to the light pipe, and is shaped in such a way as to transform at least 70% of the light it receives into an appropriate angular distribution needed for total internal reflection within the light pipe. A cross-linkable polymer having a weight average molecular weight ranging from about 2,000 to about 250,000 daltons is provided. At least part of the chamber of the mold is filled and contacted with the polymer, which is then cross-linked, such that the formed light coupler and light pipe have a unitary construction.