Importance

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Abstract

A catheter having a preformed distal shape for positioning a plurality of electrodes at a selected biological site includes a sheath having a preformed bend in the distal end region to distribute axial forces applied, in the distal direction, to the distal end region over a surface area of the distal end region proximal the distal tip. Also included in the catheter sheath is a stylet formed of a material capable of retaining a shape with the distal end of the stylet shaped in the preformed bend. Preferably, the preformed bend is approximately 45 degrees. Axial forces applied to the catheter are deflected to cause bowing of the catheter so that a larger surface area of the catheter contacts the tissue, rather than the smaller surface area of the distal tip. In other aspects, the portion of the sheath coincident with the preformed bend has a lower durometer, the stylet is more flexible by having a reduced diameter and the electrodes are located proximal to the preformed bend.

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First Claim