| abstract |
The variable stiffness electrically conductive catheter shaft includes one or more electrically conductive members, and at least one coaxial layer of heat shrink polymer disposed over the one or more electrically conductive members of a length shorter than the one or more electrically conductive members, to provide variations in stiffness along the length of the shaft. The variable stiffness electrically conductive catheter shaft preferably includes a plurality of coaxial layers of heat shrink polymer encapsulating the one or more electrically conductive members, extending from the proximal end of the one or more electrically conductive members toward the distal end, the plurality of coaxial layers having different lengths to provide the electrically conductive catheter shaft with varying stiffness over the length of the electrically conductive catheter shaft. |