Basket catheter with improved seal

Abstract

This invention is entitled "Basket Catheter with Improved Sealing". The invention discloses a system and method for providing and using a flushing ablation catheter. The catheter includes a distal electrode assembly having multiple ridges forming a basket-shaped electrode assembly in communication with a system controller. The catheter also includes a traction wire disposed within the lumen of a ridge liner. The ridge liner also includes a silicone sealant for preventing flushing fluid and other bodily fluids from entering the lumen of the traction wire.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for percutaneous medical treatments, and more specifically to catheters, particularly ablation catheters. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a flushing ablation catheter design characterized by a basket-shaped ablation electrode array with improved sealing. Background Technology

[0002] Radiofrequency (RF) electrode catheters have been widely used in medical practice for many years. They are used to stimulate and map electrical activity in the heart, as well as to ablate sites of abnormal electrical activity. Specifically, targeted ablation can be performed to achieve various objectives. For example, myocardial ablation is a well-known treatment for arrhythmias, which uses a catheter to apply radiofrequency energy and create an ablation focus to disrupt arrhythmogenic electrical pathways in the heart tissue. Another example is kidney ablation, which may involve inserting a catheter with electrodes at its distal end into the renal artery to create a circumferential ablation focus within the artery, thereby denervating the artery for the treatment of hypertension.

[0003] In many of these procedures, basket electrode catheters are used. A basket catheter has several ridges or arms connected together at both its proximal and distal ends. In many of these basket catheters, the ridges are moved into the basket by longitudinal translation of a traction wire attached to the distal end of each ridge. The traction wire extends the catheter length from the proximal handle to the multiple ridges. One problem with this arrangement is that the lumen containing the traction wire is an open lumen, allowing flushing fluid and bodily fluids to move into it. Exposure of the proximal end of the catheter body to fluid can prevent the wire from electrically connecting the electrodes and sensors to the control panel, leading to surgical interruption. Existing catheters have used O-rings or liquid sealants in an attempt to prevent fluid backflow into the traction wire lumen, but this has proven unsuccessful.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a flushing ablation electrode with an improved sealing arrangement for the traction wire lumen that overcomes these and other drawbacks. As will be described below, this disclosure satisfies these and other needs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure relates to a catheter comprising an elongated body, an electrode assembly mounted at a distal end of the elongated body, and a first inner lumen and a second inner lumen disposed within the elongated body, the seal having a first opening corresponding to the first inner lumen and a second opening corresponding to the second inner lumen, the seal being fixedly attached to the distal end of the elongated body.

[0006] In one aspect, the elongated body also includes a ridge liner having multiple outer lumens, wherein a first inner lumen and a second inner lumen are disposed within the ridge liner.

[0007] In one aspect, the electrode assembly includes a plurality of ridges forming a basket-shaped electrode assembly, wherein each of the plurality of ridges is attached to and communicates with one of the plurality of outer lumens.

[0008] In one aspect, the second inner cavity accommodates a pull wire, which is longitudinally disposed within the second inner cavity, and wherein a second opening of the seal has dimensions that provide a friction-fit seal around the outer surface of the pull wire.

[0009] In one aspect, the seal is made of silicon, wherein the first and second openings are laser-cut.

[0010] In one aspect, each ridge includes at least one annular electrode, wherein the at least one annular electrode has at least one wire electrically connected to the controller.

[0011] In one aspect, the catheter also includes at least one sensor operatively connected to the electrode assembly and to the controller.

[0012] In one respect, the first inner lumen is a flushing lumen.

[0013] This disclosure also relates to a method for an operator to ablate a portion of a patient's tissue, comprising inserting a catheter into the patient's body, the catheter including an elongated body, an electrode assembly mounted at a distal end of the elongated body, a first inner lumen disposed within the elongated body, a second inner lumen disposed adjacent to the first inner lumen, and a seal having a first opening corresponding to the first inner lumen and a second opening corresponding to the second inner lumen, the seal being fixedly attached to the distal end of the elongated body. The method further includes connecting the catheter to a system controller capable of receiving signals from multiple sensors and transmitting power to the electrode assembly, and controlling the power to the electrode assembly to ablate the tissue.

[0014] In one aspect, the method includes controlling the power to the electrodes to ablate tissue based at least in part on measurements from multiple sensors.

[0015] In one aspect, the method also includes inserting an elongated body having a ridge bushing with multiple outer lumens, wherein a first inner lumen and a second inner lumen are disposed within the ridge bushing. Additionally, a second opening of the seal has dimensions that provide a friction-fit seal around the outer surface of the pull wire.

[0016] In one aspect, the method also includes digitizing the signals received from the sensors before transmitting the signals along the slender body. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following and more specific description of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and wherein similar reference characters generally refer to the same parts or elements throughout the views, and wherein: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a catheter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 According to the embodiments of the present invention Figure 1 A perspective view of the distal electrode assembly of the catheter.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a cross-section of the distal end of the ridge liner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a cross-section of the seal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a ridge liner with a seal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a spine liner and a seal with a pull wire according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an invasive medical procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 This is an exemplary procedure for passing a catheter through a guidewire. Detailed Implementation

[0025] First, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to specific exemplary materials, constructions, conventions, methods, or structures, as these are all subject to variation. Therefore, while preferred materials and methods are described herein, many similar or equivalent options may be used in the practice or implementation of this disclosure.

[0026] It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments of this disclosure only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0027] The specific embodiments described below, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, are intended as exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to represent the only exemplary embodiments that may be practiced with respect to this disclosure. The term “exemplary” as used throughout this specification means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration” and is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or superior to other exemplary embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details intended to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments of this specification. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments of this specification may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the novelty of the exemplary embodiments presented herein.

[0028] For the sake of brevity and clarity only, directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, up, down, above, above, below, behind, rear, and front may be used relative to the accompanying drawings. These terms and similar directional terms should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure in any way.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0030] Finally, as used in this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise expressly stated in the text, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural referents.

[0031] This invention relates to a catheter having a basket electrode array having a distal assembly comprising a plurality of ridges. The distal assembly carries at least one position sensor, and each ridge carries at least one electrode, preferably at least one annular electrode, such that when the ridge is positioned to contact tissue in a tubular region of cardiovascular tissue, each ridge is able to acquire electrical, mechanical, and positional data for mapping and / or transmit and receive electrical energy, such as radiofrequency energy, for ablation.

[0032] like Figure 1As shown, catheter 10 includes an elongated catheter body 12 with a proximal end and a distal end, and a control handle 14 at the proximal end of the catheter body. A basket-shaped electrode assembly 16 has multiple ridges 18 mounted at the distal end of the elongated body 12, each ridge carrying multiple electrodes 19. The catheter body 12 includes an elongated tubular structure having a single axial or central lumen (not shown), but optionally multiple lumens if desired. To enable accurate mapping of electrical signals, such as detecting most or substantially all electrical function of the right or left atrium in as few heartbeats as possible, a relatively high-density electrode array is desirable. Thus, the number of ridges 18 employed can be eight, ten, twelve, or any other suitable number. The ridges 18 can be radially distributed uniformly or non-uniformly. Additionally, each ridge 18 can include multiple electrodes 19, such as at least ten and up to about 16 electrodes per ridge. Similarly, the electrodes can be evenly distributed along the ridge or tilted toward the proximal, central or distal side to facilitate the analysis of the measured electrical signal.

[0033] The catheter body 12 is flexible, i.e., capable of bending, but substantially incompressible along its length. The catheter body 12 can have any suitable construction and can be made of any suitable material. One construction includes polyurethane or PEBAX. ® The outer wall is made of polyether block amide. The outer wall includes an embedded braided mesh of stainless steel or the like to increase the torsional stiffness of the catheter body 12, such that the distal end of the catheter body rotates accordingly when the control handle 14 is rotated. The outer diameter of the catheter body 12 is not definitive, but should generally be as small as possible and may not exceed about 10 French kilometres depending on the desired application. Similarly, the thickness of the outer wall is not definitive, but may be thin enough to accommodate the central lumen for pull wires, lead wires, sensor cables, and any other wires, cables, or tubes. If desired, the inner surface of the outer wall may be lined with a reinforcing tube (not shown) to improve torsional stability. U.S. Patent 6,064,905 describes and illustrates examples of catheter body construction suitable for use in conjunction with the present invention, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0034] The basket electrode assembly 16 may also include a puller 22, which is generally coaxial with the catheter body 12 and extends from the proximal end of the catheter body 12 through the central lumen, and is directly or indirectly attached to the distal end of the ridge 18. This provides longitudinal movement of the puller 22 relative to the catheter body, allowing it to move the distal end of the ridge 18 proximally or distally relative to the catheter body 12, thereby radially expanding and contracting the electrode assembly, respectively. Since the proximal end of the ridge 18 is fixed to the catheter body 12, the distance between the distal and proximal ends of the ridge 18 shortens when the ridge 18 is outwardly arched into an expanded arrangement, which can be associated with the relative movement of the puller 22 in the proximal direction. Alternatively or additionally, the ridge 18 may include materials that facilitate an expanded arrangement, such as shape memory materials, such that the puller 22 can be omitted or used to facilitate the transition between the expanded and collapsed arrangements. In embodiments, the puller 22 may include a wire or tube formed of a suitable shape memory material, such as a nickel-titanium alloy as described below. As will be known, different relative movements of the traction device 22 along its longitudinal axis can affect the degree of bow curvature, such as allowing the ridge 18 to apply greater pressure to the atrial tissue for better contact between the tissue and the electrodes on the ridge. Therefore, the user can change the shape of the electrode assembly by adjusting the longitudinal extension or retraction of the traction device.

[0035] The travel of the puller 22 from its farthest position to a relatively more proximal position corresponds to the basket electrode assembly 16 transitioning from a collapsed configuration to a configuration such as Figure 1The deflection of the first deployment expansion configuration, which is generally elliptical in shape, is shown. When in the collapsed configuration, the ridges may be constrained, for example, by a guide sheath. Additionally, the ridges 18 may comprise sufficient elastic material such that they present the first expansion deployment configuration when unconstrained by a relatively small force or no force applied to the retractor 22. Alternatively, the ridges 18 may be configured to remain in the collapsed configuration even when unconstrained, such that they can be deflected from the collapsed configuration to the first expansion deployment configuration by applying sufficient force to the retractor 22. As will be appreciated, in the collapsed configuration, the ridges 18 present a generally linear alignment with the catheter body 12 to minimize the outer diameter used for insertion and withdrawal from the patient. In the expansion into the first deployment expansion configuration, the ridges 18 of the basket electrode assembly 16 are outwardly arched. Presenting the first deployment expansion configuration when positioned at the desired location within the patient allows the electrode 19 to contract or be closer to the wall of the chamber. In one aspect, the ellipsoidal shape of the basket electrode assembly 16 in the first deployment expansion configuration can be characterized by having a length along its longitudinal axis that is at least equal to the length along its equatorial axis. Additionally, in some embodiments, the longitudinal axis length is greater than the equatorial axis length, such that the longitudinal axis length to the equatorial axis length can have a ratio in the range of 5-9:5-8, such as 5.5:5, 6.5:6, and 7:6, which are merely exemplary and not limiting. In one embodiment, when in the first deployment expansion configuration, the basket electrode assembly 16 can have a length of approximately 65 mm and a width of approximately 55 mm. Different ratios and sizes can be used depending on the patient's anatomy to provide a close fit to the area of ​​the patient being investigated, such as the right or left atrium.

[0036] A detailed view of one embodiment of the basket electrode assembly 16 is shown in Figure 2 The diagram shows six ridges 18 of a total of ten ridge configurations, each ridge carrying ten electrodes 19 (the four middle ridges are omitted in this view for better clarity). As mentioned above, in other embodiments, different numbers of ridges 18 and / or electrodes 20 may be used, with each ridge or electrode distributed uniformly or non-uniformly as needed. The distal ends of the ridges 18 and the puller 22 may be secured to the distal cap 24. Correspondingly, the proximal end of the ridge 18 may be secured to the distal end of the catheter body 12, while the puller 22 may be guided through the lumen 26 of the catheter body 12, such that the proximal end extends to the control handle 14. In some embodiments, the lumen 26 may also be used to supply a suitable flushing fluid, such as heparinized saline, to the basket electrode assembly 16. Accessories (not shown) in the control handle 14 may be provided to conduct flushing fluid from a suitable source or pump it into the lumen 26.

[0037] Each ridge 18 may include a flexible wire 28 having a non-conductive overlay 30, on which one or more annular electrodes 19 are mounted. In one embodiment, the flexible wire 28 may be formed of a shape memory material to facilitate transitions between an expanded and collapsed arrangement, and the non-conductive overlay 30 may each comprise a biocompatible plastic tubing, such as polyurethane or polyimide tubing. For example, a nickel-titanium alloy called nitinol can be used. At body temperature, nitinol wires are flexible and elastic, and like most metals, they deform when subjected to minimal force and return to their shape when the force is absent. Nitinol belongs to a class of materials called shape memory alloys (SMAs), which possess mechanical properties of interest beyond flexibility and elasticity, including shape memory and superelasticity, allowing nitinol to “remember its shape” according to its temperature phase. The austenitic phase is the stronger, higher-temperature phase of nitinol, having a simple cubic crystal structure. Superelastic behavior occurs in this phase (a temperature difference exceeding 50°C–60°C). Correspondingly, the martensitic phase is a relatively weak, low-temperature phase with a twinned crystal structure. When nitinol is in the martensitic phase, it is relatively easy to deform and will remain deformed. However, when heated above its austenitic transformation temperature, nitinol will recover its pre-deformation shape, producing a "shape memory" effect. The temperature at which nitinol begins to transform into austenite upon heating is called the "As" temperature. The temperature at which nitinol has completed its austenitic transformation upon heating is called the "Af" temperature. Therefore, the basket electrode assembly 16 can have a three-dimensional shape that can easily collapse to be fed into the guide sheath and then easily recover its expanded shape memory configuration upon removal of the guide sheath when delivered to the desired area of ​​the patient.

[0038] Alternatively, in some embodiments, if sufficient rigid non-conductive material is used for the non-conductive cover 30 to allow radial expansion of the basket electrode assembly 16, then the ridge 18 may be designed without an internal flexible line 28, provided that the ridge has an outer surface that is non-conductive on at least a portion of the surface on which the annular electrode 19 is mounted.

[0039] In some implementations, the tensioner 22 may be coupled to, for example, Figure 1 The actuator 44 is shown on the control handle 14. The actuator 32 can be a sliding lever, a rotary knob, or any other suitable implementation. Thus, the actuator 32 can be used to adjust the relative longitudinal position of the puller 22, and specifically can be configured to adjust the position of the puller 22 at least through a second range of travel. Additionally, the actuator 32 can be configured to hold the puller 22 in an adjusted position corresponding to a desired configuration of the ellipsoidal basket electrode assembly 16, such as a first deployment expansion configuration and / or a second deployment expansion configuration, as well as an intermediate position (if desired).

[0040] Now for reference Figures 3 to 6 The catheter body 12 also includes a spine liner 20. Figure 3 A cross-section of the spur ring 20 is shown. In one embodiment, the spur ring 20 is made of stainless steel. In another embodiment, the spur ring 20 is made of PEEK or other suitable polymer. The spur ring 20 has a length spanning the distance from the handle 16 to the distal end near the catheter body 20. The spur ring 20 includes a plurality of longitudinal outer lumens 36. Each outer lumen 36 is equidistantly disposed around the outer periphery of the spur ring 20. The number of outer lumens 36 may correspond to the number of ridges 24 of the basket electrode assembly 18. In one embodiment, the spur ring 20 has ten longitudinal outer lumens 36 corresponding to ten electrode ridges 24. In another embodiment, the number of longitudinal outer lumens 36 and corresponding electrode ridges 24 may range from at least six to eighteen, depending on the application of the catheter. The outer lumens 36 accommodate necessary wires extending from the electrodes and sensors of the distal assembly 18 through the handle 16 to operatively connect the electrodes and sensors to the controller. In one embodiment, each outer lumen 36 is filled with epoxy resin to protect and keep the line in place during the storage and use of the catheter.

[0041] The spinal liner 20 also includes at least two inner lumens 38 and 40. The inner lumens 38 and 40 are radially spaced from the center of the catheter body 12. In one embodiment, the diameter of the inner lumen 38 is slightly larger than the diameter of the inner lumen 40. In another embodiment, the diameters are substantially the same. In one embodiment, the inner lumen 38 is a flushing lumen. The flushing lumen 38 may also include a polymer sheath to allow the stainless steel lumens to be arranged in a row. In one embodiment, such a polymer sheath comprises polyimide or any other biocompatible material, as is known in the art. The flushing lumen 38 has a length extending from the handle 16 to the distal end of the catheter body 12. The flushing lumen 38 is in fluid communication with an external source of flushing fluid for use during the procedure.

[0042] The inner lumen 40 includes a pull wire lumen for receiving the pull wire 22. The length of the pull wire lumen 40 is similar to the length of the flushing lumen 38. In one embodiment, the pull wire lumen 40 includes a plastic sheath for receiving the pull wire 22. In one embodiment, the plastic sheath comprises polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or other polymeric materials. In another embodiment, the pull wire lumen 40 includes a lubricating coating such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to facilitate longitudinal translation of the pull wire 22.

[0043] Turn now Figure 4 and Figure 5The diagram illustrates the seal 42 of the present invention. Seal 42 comprises a silicone disc having two openings 44 and 46, each corresponding to an inner lumen 38 and an inner lumen 40, respectively. In one embodiment, openings 44 and 46 are laser-cut into a silicon wafer. In a preferred embodiment, the silicon wafer has a thickness of 2 mm. In other embodiments, the silicon wafer has a thickness between 0.5 mm and 4 mm. The diameter of opening 44 is substantially equal to the diameter of flushing lumen 38 to allow flushing fluid to flow freely from flushing lumen 38 to the treatment site.

[0044] Opening 46 includes a pull wire seal 48 to prevent bodily fluids or other liquids from entering the pull wire lumen 40 during use. Figure 4 As shown, the diameter of opening 46 is basically smaller than the diameter of the pull wire lumen 40, such as... Figure 3 As shown. The pull wire seal 48 has dimensions that form a friction fit around the pull wire 22. The pull wire seal 48 allows translation of the pull wire 22 while providing a seal to prevent fluid intrusion into the pull wire lumen. In one embodiment, the seal 42 is securely attached to the distal end surface 50 of the spine ring 20 using polyurethane epoxy resin. In other embodiments, other biocompatible adhesives may be used to adhere the seal 42 to the spine ring 20.

[0045] To help illustrate the use of the basket electrode assembly 16, Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an invasive medical procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention. A catheter 10 having a basket electrode assembly 16 (not shown in this view) at its distal end may have a connector 70 at its proximal end for coupling wires from its respective electrodes 19 (not shown in this view) to a console 72 for recording and analyzing the signals they detect. An electrophysiologist 74 may insert the catheter 10 into a patient 76 to acquire electrode potential signals from the patient's heart 78. A professional uses a control handle 14 attached to the catheter to perform the insertion. The console 72 may include a processing unit 80 that analyzes the received signals and can present the analysis results on a display 82 attached to the console. The results are typically in the form of a mapping, digital display, and / or graph derived from the signals.

[0046] In another aspect, the processing unit 80 may also receive signals from one or more position sensors 64, which are located near the distal end of the conduit 10, adjacent to the basket electrode assembly 16, such as... Figure 1Schematic illustration. One or more sensors may each include a magnetic field-response coil or multiple such coils. Using multiple coils enables the determination of six-dimensional position and orientation coordinates. In response to a magnetic field from an outer coil, the sensor can thus generate an electrical position signal, allowing the processor 80 to determine the position (e.g., location and orientation) of the distal end of the catheter 10 within the cardiac cavity. An electrophysiologist can then observe the position of the basket electrode assembly 16 on an image of the patient's heart on a display 82. By way of example, this position sensing method can use CARTO manufactured by Biosense Webster Inc. (Diamond Bar, Calif.). ™ The system is implemented and described in detail in U.S. Patents 5,391,199, 6,690,963; 6,484,118; 6,239,724, 6,618,612 and 6,332,089, PCT Patent Application WO 96 / 05768, and U.S. Patent Application Publications 2002 / 0065455 A1, 2003 / 0120150 A1 and 2004 / 0068178 A1, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Other position sensing techniques may also be employed, as will be appreciated. If desired, at least two position sensors may be positioned proximal and distal to the basket electrode assembly 16. The coordinates of the distal sensor relative to the proximal sensor can be determined, and other known information relating to the curvature of the ridge 18 of the basket electrode assembly 16 is used to locate the position of each of the electrodes 19.

[0047] In one aspect, electrophysiologists may introduce a guiding sheath, guidewire, and dilator into the patient, as is commonly known in the art. An example of a suitable guiding sheath for use with the catheter of this invention is PREFACE. ™ Braided guide sheaths (commercially available from Biosense Webster, Inc. (Diamond Bar, CA)) and DiRex ™ Guide sheath (commercially available from BARD (Murray Hill, NJ)). Insert the guidewire, remove the dilator, and guide the catheter through the guide sheath, thereby pulling the guidewire lumen in the retractor to allow the catheter to pass through the guidewire. In such cases... Figure 8 In the exemplary procedure described, a catheter is first introduced into the right atrium (RA) via the inferior vena cava (IVC), through which the catheter passes through the diaphragm (S) to reach the left atrium (LA).

[0048] As will be known, in the collapsed position, the guide sheath covers the ridge 18 of the basket electrode assembly 16, allowing the entire catheter to pass through the patient's vascular system to the desired location. A retractor 22 may be positioned distal to the catheter body to allow the ridge of the assembly to flatten as the assembly passes through the guide sheath. Once the distal end of the catheter reaches the desired location, e.g., the left atrium, the guide sheath is withdrawn to expose the basket electrode assembly 16. The retractor 22 is withdrawn proximally by a first range of travel or otherwise controlled such that the ridge 18 bends outward between the distal and proximal junctions. As the basket electrode assembly 16 expands radially, the annular electrode 19 contacts the atrial tissue. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the basket electrode assembly 16 can expand completely or partially as... Figure 8 The first deployment expansion configuration is shown. Additionally, aspects of the configuration of the basket electrode assembly 16 can be modulated to more closely conform to the area where it is deployed as described above.

[0049] The foregoing description has been made in conjunction with the currently disclosed embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications and alterations can be made to the structures without intentionally departing from the principles, spirit, and scope of the invention. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Therefore, the foregoing description should not be construed as relating only to the precise structures described and illustrated in the drawings, but should be considered to be consistent with and supported by the following claims, which have the fullest and most reasonable scope.

Claims

1. A catheter, comprising: Slender body; A basket-shaped electrode assembly, the basket-shaped electrode assembly being mounted at the distal end of the elongated body, the basket-shaped electrode assembly including a plurality of ridges; A first inner cavity is disposed within the elongated body; The second inner lumen is disposed adjacent to the first inner lumen; and A sealing element having a first opening corresponding to the first inner lumen and a second opening corresponding to the second inner lumen, the sealing element being fixedly attached to the distal end of the elongated body. The elongated body further includes a ridge liner, the ridge liner comprising a plurality of outer lumens, and wherein the first inner lumen and the second inner lumen are disposed within the ridge liner; Its features are: The second inner cavity accommodates the traction wire, which is longitudinally arranged within the second inner cavity; The second opening of the seal has dimensions that provide a friction-fit seal around the outer surface of the pull wire; and The traction wire is provided with longitudinal movement relative to the catheter body, such that it can move the distal end of the ridge relative to the proximal or distal end of the catheter body to radially expand and contract the basket electrode assembly, respectively.

2. The catheter of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of ridges is attached to and communicates with one of the plurality of external lumens.

3. The conduit according to claim 1, wherein the seal is made of silicon.

4. The catheter according to claim 3, wherein the first opening and the second opening are laser-cut.

5. The catheter of claim 2, wherein each ridge includes at least one annular electrode.

6. The catheter of claim 5, wherein the at least one annular electrode has at least one wire electrically connected to the controller.

7. The catheter according to claim 6, wherein the at least one wire is disposed within the corresponding outer lumen.

8. The catheter of claim 1 further comprises at least one sensor operatively connected to the electrode assembly and to a controller.

9. The catheter according to claim 1, wherein the first inner lumen is a flushing lumen.

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