Variable stiffness electrophysiology catheter

摘要

A catheter supporting a tip electrode for percutaneous insertion into a living body having a steering mechanism that includes an elongated body bendable in response to external forces to steer the tip electrode. An axially movable stiffening member, preferably in the form of a sleeve or rod provides a variable resistance to bending of the body in response to an applied bending force. A control stylet or sleeve extends through the catheter and is attached to the stiffening member for moving the stiffening member in a distal/proximal direction relative to the body.