Abstract: An intracardiac electrical potential reference catheter includes a proximal shaft section in a distal flexible tip section. The flexible tip section shaped in a geometry suitable for performing intracardiac mapping and includes a plurality of electrode axially spaced-apart thereon. The shaft section is formed from a polymeric material and includes a reinforcement layer, typically a stainless steel braid. The flexible tip section is also formed from a polymeric material and is free from any braided reinforcement. A core wire is attached to a proximal housing on the catheter at one end and to a distal electrode tip at the other end. In this way, the torque is transmitted along the length of the catheter by both the reinforced shaft and separately by the core wire.

Abstract: A steerable catheter suitable for radiofrequency ablation of cardiac tissue comprises a catheter shaft with a deflectable tip at the distal end of the shaft. The tip is deflected by means of a shapable handle coupled to pull wires fastened to the distal end of the deflectable tip. A core wire extends from the handle to the distal tip, providing fine positioning of the deflectable tip by applying torque through the core wire to the tip. A spring tube is further provided in the deflectable tip for improved torque transmission and kink-resistance. The catheter has an electrode at the distal end of the deflectable tip for positioning at a target site and applying RF power to accomplish ablation.

Abstract: An improved vascular dilation catheter comprises an involuted tubular structure including outer and inner tubular walls which extend the entire length of the catheter. The outer tubular wall is enlarged at a distal end of the catheter to form a dilation balloon, and extends back the remaining length of the flexible tube at a reduced diameter to define an annular lumen which is used to inflate the balloon. Alternatively, the outer tubular wall may conform to the exterior of the inner tubular wall and separate axial lumens may be provided for inflation. By providing means for heating inflation medium within the balloon, the catheter may be utilized for performing thermal ablation therapy.

Abstract: A torque transmitting guiding catheter adapted for insertion into vascular vessels with a body and a method for its construction is disclosed. The guiding catheter includes a flexible tubular member surrounded by a pair of torque transmitting layers that are formed of a flat braided material. A flexible (plastic) casing that initially is applied as a viscous material impregnates and encases the torque transmitting layer to hold them in place and eliminate their rough edges. The ends of the torque transmitting layers are soldered using a radiopaque solder to enhance the catheter's visibility within a body. The tubular member is also folded about the distal end of the catheter over the distal extremity of at least one of the torque transmitting layers to provide a smooth and soft distal catheter tip. The formed catheter has a flexible curving distal tip. The tip's shape memory is enhanced by at least partially curing the casing material while the tip takes the form of its desired final shape.