GUIDE AND FLEXIBLE SLEEVE FOR USE WITH CATHETERS

摘要

Embodiments of a guide (32) and flexible sleeve (38) for use with catheters (10) for ablation or other medical procedures are disclosed. An exemplary catheter (10) comprises a guide element (32) having a proximal end (40) and a distal end (42), the distal end (42) configurable in a desired shape. A flexible sleeve (38) is conformable to the guide element (32) so that the flexible sleeve (38) slides over the guide element (32), the flexible sleeve (38) has a proximal end (40) and a distal end (42). A controller (48) couples to the flexible sleeve (38). The controller (48) operates to move the flexible sleeve (38) at least part way between the distal end (42) of the guide element (32) and the proximal end (40) of the guide element (32).