Circuit for a catheter or sheath and method of forming same

A catheter or sheath assembly, comprising:

• a circuit comprising:
• a member having a longitudinal axis and configured to extend along at least a portion of the length of said assembly, said member comprising
• a first member transverse segment extending transverse to said longitudinal axis,
• a first member longitudinal segment extending from said first member transverse segment and extending along at least a portion of said longitudinal axis,
• a second member transverse segment extending from said first member longitudinal segment and extending transverse to said longitudinal axis, and
• a second member longitudinal segment extending from said second member transverse segment and extending along at least a portion of said longitudinal axis, wherein said first and second longitudinal segments are configured to be disposed on opposing sides of said catheter or sheath and wherein said first and second member longitudinal segments are configured to be disposed along a neutral axis of said catheter or sheath;
• a pad integral with and extending from said member, wherein said pad and said member comprise a one-piece construction;
• and
• a trace printed on said member, wherein said trace includes at least a longitudinal trace segment extending generally along at least a portion of said longitudinal axis and a transverse trace segment extending generally transverse to said longitudinal axis, said trace extending on said pad and terminating with said pad;
• and
• an electrode connected to said circuit proximate said trace.

A method of forming a catheter or sheath, comprising:

• providing a circuit comprising:
• a member having a longitudinal axis and configured to extend along at least a portion of the length of catheter or sheath, said member comprising
• a first member transverse segment extending transverse to said longitudinal axis,
• a first member longitudinal segment extending from said first member transverse segment and extending along at least a portion of said longitudinal axis,
• a second member transverse segment extending from said first member longitudinal segment and extending transverse to said longitudinal axis, and
• a second member longitudinal segment extending from said second member transverse segment and extending along at least a portion of said longitudinal axis, wherein said first and second longitudinal segments are configured to be disposed on opposing sides of said catheter or sheath and wherein said first and second member longitudinal segments are configured to be disposed along a neutral axis of said catheter or sheath;
• a pad integral with and extending from said member, wherein said pad and said member comprise a one-piece construction;
• and
• a trace printed on said member, wherein said trace includes at least a longitudinal trace segment extending generally along at least a portion of said longitudinal axis and a transverse trace segment extending generally transverse to said longitudinal axis, said trace extending on said pad and terminating with said pad;
• after providing said circuit, connecting an electrode to said circuit proximate said trace, thereby forming an assembly;
• and
• reflowing a plastic material over said assembly for maintaining placement of said circuit and said electrode in said catheter or sheath.