Catheter with flexible tether and introducer for a catheter

Abstract

A magnetically-guided catheter includes a tip positioning magnet in the distal electrode assembly configured to interact with externally applied magnetic fields for magnetically-guided movement. A magnetically-guided mapping catheter includes an electrically-conductive capsule in the form of a casing that includes a distal ablation surface and isolates the positioning magnet from bio-fluids to prevent corrosion. An open irrigation ablation catheter includes an isolated manifold that isolates the positioning magnet from contact with irrigation fluid to prevent corrosion. A device and method to manufacture a magnetically driven electrode-catheter with flexible tethering includes one or more KEVLAR® fibers, distributed centrally or peripherally within a catheter shaft and oriented longitudinally, transversely, angularly or spirally. A C-shaped extruded catheter introducer (and re-introducer) includes a longitudinally-extending opening for insertion of a magnetically-guided catheter, removal of the introducer from the catheter and which is constructed to facilitate its re-use in a medical procedure.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.