Shape-imparting mechanisms for catheter assemblies

摘要

A shape-imparting mechanism for a catheter that includes an elongate element dimensioned to fit within a lumen of an electrode sheath of a catheter. An insertion facilitating arrangement is carried at a distal end of the elongate element for facilitating insertion of the distal end of the elongate element into the lumen of the electrode sheath of the catheter.

主权项

1. A catheter assembly, comprising:
an elongate element dimensioned to fit within a lumen of an electrode sheath of a catheter, the elongate element comprising:
a distal end;a distal part having a curvilinearly shaped portion; anda bend-enhancing region located proximally of the curvilinearly shaped portion; and a sleeve being axially displaceable relative to the elongate element between an extended position in which the sleeve collapses the curvilinearly shaped portion of the elongate element into a substantially rectilinear configuration and exposes the bend-enhancing region proximally of the sleeve, and a retracted position in which the curvilinearly shaped portion of the elongate element adopts a curvilinear shape and the sleeve exposes the bend-enhancing region distally of the sleeve to facilitate steering of the curvilinearly shaped portion of the elongate element; and an electrode sheath receiving the elongate element within a lumen of the electrode sheath, the electrode sheath covering the distal end of the elongate element in the retracted position.