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Abstract

A catheter including a distal end assembly having an external surface coating. Where the distal end assembly includes electrodes or other electrical components, the coating is preferably electrically conductive. Such an electrically conductive coating is formed from a material comprising regenerated cellulose, although other materials such as a hydrogel or a plastic having an electrically conductive component are utilizable. Where the distal end assembly includes optical or ultrasonic components, the regenerated cellulose coating is suitable. The robustness of the surface coating permits the manufacture and utilization of electrode configurations that are formed on a non-conductive base member by processes such as pad printing, vapor deposition, ion beam assisted deposition, electroplating and other printed circuit manufacturing processes. Additionally, because the surface coating produces a smooth outer surface to the distal end assembly, lead wires and temperature sensing devices can be bonded to the exterior surface of electrodes and then coated to produce a smooth outer surface; thus providing a simple, inexpensive manufacturing method for the attachment of such components to the electrodes.

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First Claim