Variable stiffness esophageal catheter

摘要

A transesophageal pacing catheter has an elongated body portion with a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end carries first and second spaced-apart pacing electrodes thereon. The distal end terminates in a closed, rounded, flexible polyethylene tip. The body portion of the catheter is formed with inner and outer elongated cylindrical, polyethylene members. Electrical connections for the spaced-apart electrodes extend through the body portion between the two polyethylene cylindrical members to the proximal end thereof. At the proximal end the electrical conductors terminate at first and second conductive connecting members. A removable stylet slidably engages a central cavity of the body portion and provides a variable degree of flexiblility thereto.