Importance

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Abstract

A method for guiding an apparatus to a location within the body includes providing a sheath having a lumen and inserting along the lumen a position sensor such that said position sensor is located within, or adjacent to, a distal portion of the sheath. Position information generated using the position sensor is then employed during guiding of the distal portion of the sheath to the location within the body. Once the sheath is in place, the position sensor is withdrawn along the lumen to free the lumen for guiding an apparatus to the location within the body. The position sensor is preferably part of a six-degrees-of-freedom position sensing system. A corresponding catheter system typically includes at least one, and preferably two, steering mechanisms. At least one of the steering mechanisms is preferably deployed in a separate center-support distally with respect to the position sensor.

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First Claim