abstract |
An electrode catheter for mapping right sided supra-ventricular accessory electrical pathways comprises an elongated tubular catheter body and a tip portion which comprises a compound curve. The compound curve has a first bend and a second bend which forms a generally circular curve. The plane of the generally circular curve lies transverse to and preferably at an angle of about 30° to the axis of the catheter body. The generally circular curve portion of the tip portion carries a plurality of electrodes. A puller wire extends through the catheter body and into the tip portion, the distal end of the puller wire being fixedly attached to the distal end of the tip portion. A handle is provided at the proximal end of the catheter for controlling longitudinal movement of the puller wire relative to the catheter body. Proximal movement of the puller wire relative to the catheter body results in the angle of the first bend becoming more acute and a decrease in the diameter of the generally circular curve of the tip portion. |