ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY CATHETER

摘要

An electrophysiology catheter (20) includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen (28) therebetween. The tube is preferably comprised of multiple sections of different flexibility, arranged so that the flexibility of the catheter increase from the proximal end to the distal end. There is a first generally hollow electrode member (30) at the distal end. A magnetically responsive element (36) is disposed at least partially in the hollow electrode, for aligning the distal end of the catheter with an externally applied magnetic field. The end electrode can have openings for delivering irrigating fluid, and/or a sleeve can be provided around the tube to create an annular space for the delivering of irrigating fluid. A temperature sensor can be provided to control the operation of the catheter. A localization coil can also be to sense the position and orientation of the catheter.