Soft linear mapping catheter with stabilizing tip

A mapping catheter adapted for mapping near a tubular region of a heart, comprising:

• an elongated tubular catheter body having an outer wall, proximal and distal ends, and at least one lumen extending therethrough;
• an intermediate section having proximal and distal ends, the intermediate section being distal of the catheter body;
• and
• a mapping assembly at the distal end of the intermediate section, the mapping assembly having a distal portion and a generally linear segment proximal the distal portion, the generally linear segment having greater flexibility than either of the intermediate section and the distal portion, and a plurality of ring electrodes carried on the generally linear segment,
• wherein the distal portion is adapted to releasably anchor itself in the tubular region and wherein the generally linear segment is adapted to contact generally along its length heart wall tissue near an ostium of the tubular region.

A mapping catheter adapted for mapping near a tubular region of a heart, comprising:

• an elongated tubular catheter body having an outer wall, proximal and distal ends, and at least one lumen extending therethrough;
• a mapping assembly distal of the distal end of the catheter body, the mapping assembly having:
• a generally circular main segment with a support member having shape-memory disposed within at least the main segment of the mapping assembly,
• a generally linear segment proximal the generally circular main segment, the generally linear segment having greater flexibility than both the catheter body and the generally circular main segment, and
• a plurality of ring electrodes on the generally linear segment,
• wherein the generally circular main segment is adapted to releasably anchor itself in the tubular region and wherein the generally linear segment is adapted to contact generally along its length heart wall tissue near an ostium of the tubular region.