Abstract: An electrode array catheter, typically used for mapping, pacing and ablation, includes a flexible delivery sheath (36, 64) and an electrode assembly (2, 62) slidably mounted within the delivery sheath for movement between retracted and deployed positions. The electrode assembly includes an ablation electrode (10, 90) and a plurality of mapping electrodes (26, 114) which are grouped in pairs and naturally assume a three-dimensional array when deployed. The electrodes are distributed to contact a portion of the chamber wall (130) surrounding the target site. The electrode assembly tip has a coiled conical shape (24) in one embodiment and has a number of axially extending, radially outwardly curved arms (118) in another embodiment. A flat flexible circuit (110), having axially extending electrode traces (112) connecting proximal terminals (108) to distal electrode pads (114), is slit (116) axially and is preformed and to create the curved arms.

Abstract: A balloon catheter (2) comprises an outer sheath (3) housing an inner catheter (10). The inner catheter comprises an inner tubular member (30), a braided reinforcement layer (32), and a soft outer layer (34). The inner tubular member extends from a proximal end (15) of the inner catheter to a first distal location (22). The braided reinforcement layer extends from the proximal end to a second distal location (18), usually located proximal of the first distal location. The soft outer layer extends from the proximal end of the inner catheter to the tip (44) of the inner catheter. In this way, a catheter having a shaft region (16), a transition region (20), and a distal region (24), each with different strength and flexibility characteristics, can be used with the outer sheath. The balloon (8) is bonded to the distal ends of the outer sheath and the inner catheter and is inflated through the space defined therebetween.

Abstract: A balloon catheter (2) comprises an outer sheath (3) housing an inner catheter (10). The inner catheter comprises an inner tubular member (30), a braided reinforcement layer (32), and a soft outer layer (34). The inner tubular member extends from a proximal end (15) of the inner catheter to a first distal location (22). The braided reinforcement layer extends from the proximal end to a second distal location (18), usually located proximal of the first distal location. The soft outer layer extends from the proximal end of the inner catheter to the tip (44) of the inner catheter. In this way, a catheter having a shaft region (16), a transition region (20), and a distal region (24), each with different strength and flexibility characteristics, can be used with the outer sheath. The balloon (8) is bonded to the distal ends of the outer sheath and the inner catheter and is inflated through the space defined therebetween.

Abstract: An electrophysiology catheter (20) comprises a shaft (22) having a first bending stiffness and a deflectable tip (28) secured to the distal end (24) of the shaft with a second bending stiffness less than the first bending stiffness. At least one electrode (34, 36) is mounted to the tip for delivering current to or monitoring electrical activity of tissue. A manipulator wire (58) is coupled to the distal end of the deflectable tip, whereby the deflectable tip may be deflected by axial force applied to the manipulator wire. A stiffener member (66) is axially slidable relative to the tip so as to adjust the tip curvature without removing the catheter from the body. The catheter may further include a core wire (72) configured to rotate the deflectable tip about a longitudinal axis (2) without rotating the proximal end (26) of the catheter shaft, wherein the distal end of the deflectable tip remains in a substantially constant axial position, preferably in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A vascular guiding catheter comprises an inner tubular member having a torque transmitting member formed over a major portion thereof and a soft polymeric tip formed at the distal end thereof. The torque transmitting member provides the characteristics of torsional stiffness and axial flexibility which are necessary to be able to introduce the catheter to the vascular system. The soft polymeric tip reduces the likelihood that the catheter can injure the blood vessel and provides a convenient location for the inclusion of perfusion ports. A reinforcement layer is provided over a transition region between the termination of the torque transmitting member and the soft distal tip. Optionally, reinforcement layers may be provided elsewhere along the length of the catheter.