Catheter

Abstract

A catheter to be electrically connected to a part of an organ of a body, typically, the muscle of the heart. The catheter includes a hollow electrical conductor having a resilient clamp at the end where it is to be connected. The clamp is manipulated by a manipulator which is removably inserted into the conductor or by a string which is permanently connected to the clamp. The jaws of the clamp are normally maintained closed by a spring. The spring is retracted by the manipulator or string which pulls on a pin connected to the spring permitting the jaws of the jaws to spring open. The open jaws are then positioned near the body part to be engaged and the manipulator or string is manipulated to release the spring so that the jaws are closed in engagement with the body part. The clamp extends to the conductor through a seal which effectively prevents the penetration of body fluids to the conductor. The surface of the jaws is composed of, or has a coating of, an electrically conducting material, such as platinum, having a low affinity for oxygen and high corrosion resistance. The current density of the current flowing to the organ is precisely defined by defining the surface area of the jaws which engage the organ and transmit current to the organ. The remainder of the surface area adjacent to the defined surface which contacts the organ or body parts or fluids is coated with insulating material.