Concepts using the improved "composite flexible and conductive catheter electrode bands" and their method of construction

I claim the invention of the “Slip tube” wiring system with center through hole to make electrical contact between the improved “Composite Flexible and Conductive electrode band” used as a catheter's distal tip electrodes and the conductor wires.

• a. The extruded or molded polymer “Slip tube” holds the conductor wires in position along the catheter tube body and in contact with the improved “Composite Flexible and Conductive electrode band”.
• b. The “Slip tube” can be made from a single polymer (material) or a composite to give different properties along its length.

I claim the invention of the improved “Composite Flexible and Conductive electrode band” in its use as a cardiac catheter electrode as described in the following method of construction for that use.

• a. A predetermined arrangement of a detached stack of spacer tubes and “Composite Flexible and Conductive electrode band” components are placed into a heated press tool that will transform the group into catheter's distal tip and an array of electrodes.
• b. The completion of the catheter is done when the “Slip tube” is positioned into a placement causing electrical contact between the electrodes and the conductor wires.

I claim the invention of the use of a noble metal encapsulation, such as Platinum, of (0.0001″-0.0050″) in thickness onto the outer surface of the “Composite Flexible and Conductive electrode band” to enhance its electrical properties, give corrosion resistance and other benefits that may occur.

• a. The noble metal can be applied by use of electrically plating, vapor deposition or an electrodeless solution.

I claim the invention of “Integrated Bands” using the improved “Composite Flexible and Conductive electrode band” with a multiple hole configuration to allow for the connection of multiple “plug” conductor wires to electrically attach into an electrode, thus sharing that band.

• a. The use of “plugs” is also another way that the connection of conductor wires and electrode bands can occur.

I claim the invention of a “Rolling Conductive diaphragm” electrode band capable of variable length and position that can travel along a distal tip comprised of the improved “Composite Flexible and Conductive electrode band”.

• a. The diaphragm can be made from conductive flexible material such as a electrically conducting polymer or thin sheet metal that can be manipulated to “roll up” or “roll out” to change the length of the electrode band.

I claim the invention of a conjoined group “Rolling Conductive diaphragm” electrode bands with the capabilities of varying length and position along a catheter's distal tip comprised of the improved “Composite Flexible and Conductive electrode band” which can number 2 to 35 electrode bands.