阅读说明：本技术 导管和用于导管组装的方法 (Catheter and method for catheter assembly ) 是由 S.S.伯科维茨 S.本索山 E.卡迪什曼 于 2018-11-14 设计创作，主要内容包括：本文描述了一种导管和用于导管组装的方法。柔性基底包括多个层,其中每个层具有多个印刷线材。对印刷基底进行环境保护。将印刷基底卷起并插入导管中。连接器附接到卷起的基底的每个端部。连接器在导管的远侧端部处连接到传感器,并且在导管的近侧端部处与电卡或缆线连接器连接。基底的至少一层连接到磁传感器中的线圈。其中迹线在远侧端部中短路的层用于测量磁干扰。处理器或硬件使用这些测量结果来抵消对其他层的磁干扰效应。在一个具体实施中,另一个印刷基底可缠绕在导管轴内并用于非磁类型传感器。(A catheter and method for catheter assembly are described herein. The flexible substrate includes a plurality of layers, wherein each layer has a plurality of printed wires. And performing environmental protection on the printing substrate. The printed substrate is rolled up and inserted into the catheter. A connector is attached to each end of the rolled substrate. The connector is connected to the sensor at the distal end of the catheter and is connected to an electrical card or cable connector at the proximal end of the catheter. At least one layer of the substrate is connected to a coil in the magnetic sensor. The layer in which the trace is shorted in the distal end is used to measure magnetic interference. The processor or hardware uses these measurements to counteract the effects of magnetic interference on other layers. In one implementation, another printed substrate may be wound within the catheter shaft and used for the non-magnetic type sensor.)

1. A method for catheter assembly, the method comprising:

printing conductive traces on at least one flexible substrate;

encapsulating the at least one flexible substrate for environmental protection;

inserting at least one encapsulated flexible substrate into a catheter shaft of a catheter;

attaching a connector to each end of the at least one encapsulated flexible substrate;

attaching a set of connectors to a sensor located at a distal end of the catheter; and

attaching another set of connectors to electronics in the handle of the catheter.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

winding an encapsulated flexible substrate around a component housed within the catheter shaft;

attaching a connector to each end of the encapsulated flexible substrate;

attaching a set of connectors to a non-magnetic based sensor in the catheter; and

attaching another set of connectors to electronics in the handle of the catheter.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one flexible substrate comprises a plurality of layers, each layer having a plurality of conductive traces.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the plurality of layers comprises a reference layer, the method further comprising:

shorting two of the plurality of conductive traces in the reference layer to measure magnetic radiation for interference cancellation determination.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the plurality of layers comprises a signal layer connected to the sensor.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein encapsulating comprises laminating at least the at least one flexible substrate.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one encapsulated flexible substrate is rolled prior to insertion into the catheter shaft.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one encapsulated flexible substrate is inserted substantially linearly into the catheter shaft.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the conductive traces comprise signal traces and ground traces.

10. A catheter, comprising:

a catheter shaft having a distal end and a handle;

a sensor located at the distal end;

an electronic device located at the handle;

at least one flexible substrate inserted within the catheter shaft, the at least one flexible substrate having conductive traces;

a first connector connecting the sensor to one end of the at least one flexible substrate; and

a second connector connecting the electronic device to the other end of the at least one flexible substrate,

wherein the first connector and the second connector are connected after insertion into the catheter shaft.

11. The catheter of claim 10, wherein the at least one flexible substrate is encapsulated for environmental protection.

12. The catheter of claim 10, further comprising:

a non-magnetic sensor;

another flexible substrate wrapped around a component in the catheter shaft;

a third connector connecting the non-magnetic sensor to one end of the other flexible substrate; and

a fourth connector connecting the electronic device to the other end of the flexible substrate.

13. The catheter of claim 10, wherein the at least one flexible substrate comprises a plurality of layers, each layer having a plurality of conductive traces.

14. The catheter of claim 13, wherein the plurality of layers includes a reference layer, wherein two of the plurality of conductive traces are shorted in the reference layer to measure magnetic radiation for interference cancellation determination.

15. The catheter of claim 14, wherein the plurality of layers includes a signal layer connected to the sensor.

16. The catheter of claim 10, wherein the at least one flexible substrate is laminated for environmental protection.

17. The catheter of claim 10, wherein the at least one flexible substrate is rolled prior to insertion into the catheter shaft.

18. The catheter of claim 10, wherein the at least one flexible substrate is positioned substantially linearly into the catheter shaft.

19. The catheter of claim 10, wherein the conductive traces comprise signal traces and ground traces.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention discloses a catheter and a method for catheter assembly. The flexible substrate includes a plurality of layers, wherein each layer has a plurality of printed wires. The wires are printed on the flexible substrate using a conductive material. And performing environmental protection on the printing substrate. The printed substrate is rolled up and inserted into the catheter. A connector is attached to each end of the substrate. The connector is in turn connected to the sensor at the distal end of the catheter and to an electrical card or cable connector at the proximal end of the catheter or handle end. For example, at least one layer of the substrate is connected to a coil in a magnetic sensor. In one implementation, the reference layer is used to determine or measure magnetic radiation for interference purposes by connecting and/or shorting two traces in the reference layer at the distal end of the catheter. The processor or hardware uses these measurements to counteract the effects of magnetic interference on other layers. In one implementation, another printed substrate may be wound around the catheter shaft and used for the non-magnetic type sensor.

Drawings

A more particular understanding can be obtained by reference to the following detailed description, which is provided by way of example in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a high-level schematic illustration of a medical system according to some implementations;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary catheter according to certain implementations;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary catheter having a printed band, according to certain implementations;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary print ribbon according to certain implementations;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary printed tape wrapped around a conduit according to certain implementations;

fig. 5A is an exploded view of the end of the print ribbon shown in fig. 5.

FIG. 6A is an exemplary printed tape wrapped around a conduit according to certain implementations;

FIG. 6B is an exemplary cross-section of the exemplary print ribbon of FIG. 6A, according to certain implementations; and

fig. 7 is a method for assembling a catheter according to some implementations.

Detailed Description

Documents incorporated by reference into this patent application may include terms defined in a manner that conflicts with definitions made explicitly or implicitly within the specification. In the event of any conflict, the definitions in this specification should be read as controlling.

Cardiac ablation is a medical procedure performed by an electrophysiologist that can be used to correct a heart rhythm defect called arrhythmia by creating lesions to destroy tissue in the heart that causes the rhythm defect. An exemplary arrhythmia that may be treated using cardiac ablation is Atrial Fibrillation (AF), which is an abnormal heart rhythm originating in the atria of the heart. The goal of cardiac ablation is to remove the arrhythmia, either to restore the patient's heart to a normal heart rhythm or to reduce the frequency of the arrhythmia and the severity of the patient's symptoms.

Cardiac ablation may employ a long, flexible catheter (endoscope) that can be inserted into the heart through a small incision in the groin and through a blood vessel, and can be used to apply energy (e.g., Radio Frequency (RF) energy or extreme cold) to create a small scar or lesion on the tissue to block errant electrical impulses that may cause heart rhythm disorders. These lesions (also known as transmural lesions) are scar tissue that penetrates the heart tissue and prevents delivery of false electrical signals.

The current methods for manufacturing catheter shafts are cumbersome. The catheter shaft contains a large (and increasing) number of wires with electrodes. Each wire is pulled through the catheter shaft and then welded into place. This is labor intensive and time consuming as there may be tens of wires that need to be welded on both the proximal and distal ends of the catheter shaft. In addition, this method is prone to human error in properly terminating the two ends of each conductor to their respective proper termination points.

A catheter and method for catheter assembly are described herein. Generally, a flexible substrate or tape includes multiple layers, where each layer has a plurality of printed wires. The wires are printed on the flexible substrate using a conductive material. The printed substrate is environmentally protected by lamination or other similar techniques. The printed substrate is inserted into a catheter. In one implementation, the print substrate is rolled up prior to insertion. In one implementation, the printed substrate is maintained in a rectilinear format prior to insertion. A connector is attached to each end of the substrate. The connector is in turn connected to the sensor at the distal end of the catheter and to an electrical card or cable connector at the proximal end of the catheter or handle end. For example, in one implementation, the layer is connected to a coil in the magnetic sensor. In one implementation, the magnetic radiation is determined or measured using a reference layer for interference purposes. For example, the reference layer is shorted to measure magnetic radiation interference. The processor or hardware uses these measurements to counteract the effects of magnetic interference on other layers. In one implementation, another printed substrate may be wound around the catheter shaft and used for the non-magnetic type sensor.

Fig. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary medical system 100 for generating and displaying information during a medical procedure and controlling the deployment of various catheters within a subject. The exemplary system 100 includes a catheter 110 (such as an intracardiac catheter), a console 120, and an associated catheter control unit 112. As described herein, it should be understood that the catheter 110 is used for diagnostic or therapeutic treatment, such as, for example, for mapping electrical potentials in the heart 103 of the patient 102 or performing ablation procedures. Alternatively, catheter 110 may be used for other therapeutic and/or diagnostic uses (mutatis mutandis) in heart 103, lungs, or other body organs and in otorhinolaryngological (ENT) procedures.

Operator 130 may insert catheter 110 into the vascular system of patient 102, e.g., using catheter control unit 112, such that distal end 114 of catheter 110 enters a chamber of patient's heart 103. Console 210 may use magnetic field position sensing to determine position coordinates of distal end 114 within heart 103. To determine the position coordinates, drive circuitry 122 in the console 120 may drive a magnetic field generator 124 to generate a magnetic field within the patient 102. The field generator 124 may comprise a coil positionable under the torso of the patient 103 at a known location outside of the patient 103. These coils may generate magnetic fields within a predetermined workspace that accommodates heart 103.

Position sensor 126 within distal end 114 of catheter 110 may generate electrical signals in response to these magnetic fields. Signal processor 140 may process these signals in order to determine the position coordinates of distal end 114, typically including both position and orientation coordinates. Known methods of position sensing described above are in CARTO manufactured by Biosense Webster Inc. (Diamond Bar, Calif.)^TMThe mapping system is implemented in, and described in detail in, the patents and patent applications cited herein.

Position sensor 126 is configured to transmit signals indicative of the position coordinates of distal end 114 to console 120. Position sensor 126 may include one or more micro-coils, and may generally include a plurality of coils oriented along different axes. Alternatively, the position sensor 126 may include any type of magnetic sensor, or other type of position transducer, such as an impedance-based position sensor or an ultrasonic position sensor.

Catheter 110 may also include a force sensor 128 housed within distal end 114. Force sensor 128 may measure the force applied by distal end 114 to the endocardial tissue of heart 103 and generate a signal that is sent to console 120. Force sensor 128 may include a magnetic field transmitter and receiver connected by a spring in distal end 114, and may generate an indication of force based on measuring the deflection of the spring. Additional functional details of the probe and force sensor are described in U.S. patent application publications 2009/0093806 and 2009/0138007, and are incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth. Alternatively, distal end 114 may include another type of force sensor that may use, for example, fiber optics or impedance measurements.

Catheter 110 may include an electrode 130 coupled to distal end 114 and configured to act as an impedance-based position transducer. Additionally or alternatively, the electrodes 130 may be configured to measure a certain physiological property, such as a local surface potential of cardiac tissue at one or more of a plurality of locations. The electrodes 130 may be configured to apply Radio Frequency (RF) energy to ablate endocardial tissue in the heart 103.

Although the example medical system 100 may be configured to measure the position of the distal end 114 using a magnetic-based sensor, other position tracking techniques (e.g., impedance-based sensors) may be used. Magnetic position tracking techniques are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. nos. 5,391,199, 5,443,489, 6,788,967, 6,690,963, 5,558,091, 6,172,499 and 6,177,792, and are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth. Impedance-based position tracking techniques are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,983,126, 6,456,864, and 5,944,022, and are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

The signal processor 140 may be included in a general purpose computer having suitable front end and interface circuitry for receiving signals from the catheter 110 and controlling other components of the console 120. The signal processor 140 may be programmed using software to perform the functions described herein. For example, the software may be downloaded to console 120 in electronic form over a network, or it may be disposed on non-transitory tangible media, such as optical, magnetic, or electronic memory media. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the signal processor 140 may be performed by dedicated or programmable digital hardware components.

In the example of fig. 1, the console 120 may also be connected to an external sensor 152 by a cable 150. The external sensor 152 may comprise a body surface electrode and/or a position sensor that may be attached to the patient's skin using, for example, an adhesive patch. The body surface electrodes can detect electrical impulses generated by the polarization and depolarization of the cardiac tissue. The position sensor may use advanced catheter position and/or magnetic position sensors to position the catheter 110 during use. Although not shown in fig. 1, the external sensor 152 may be embedded in a vest configured to be worn by the patient 102. The external sensor 152 may help identify and track the breathing cycle of the patient 103. The external sensor 152 may transmit information to the console 120 via the cable 150.

Additionally or alternatively, the catheter 110 and the external sensor 152 may communicate with the console 120 and the other via a wireless interface. For example, U.S. patent No.6,266,551, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes, among other things, a wireless catheter that is not physically connected to signal processing and/or computing equipment. Instead, the transmitter/receiver is attached to the proximal end of the catheter. The transmitter/receiver uses wireless communication methods such as Infrared (IR), Radio Frequency (RF), wireless, Radio Frequency (RF),Or acoustic or other transmission means, in communication with the signal processing and/or computer device.

Catheter 110 may be equipped with a wireless digital interface that communicates with a corresponding input/output (I/O) interface 160 in console 120. wireless digital interface and I/O interface 160 may operate in accordance with any suitable wireless communication standard known in the art, such as the IR, RF, bluetooth, one of the IEEE 802.11 family of standards or the Hiper L AN standard.

Wireless digital interface and/or I/O interface 160 may enable console 120 to interact with catheter 110 and external sensors 152. Based on the electrical pulses received from the external sensor 152 and the signals received from the catheter 110 via the wireless digital interface, as well as the I/O interface 160 and other components of the medical system 100, the signal processor 140 may generate the information 105, and the information 105 may be displayed on the display 170.

During the diagnostic process, the signal processor 140 may present the information 105 and/or may store the data in the memory 180. The memory 180 may include any suitable volatile and/or non-volatile memory, such as random access memory or a hard disk drive.

Catheter control unit 112 may be configured to be operated by operator 130 to steer catheter 110 according to information 105, which may be selected using one or more input devices 185. Alternatively, the medical system 100 may include a second operator manipulating the console 120 while the operator 130 operates the catheter control unit 112 to manipulate the catheter 110 based on the information 105. The second operator may also provide information 105. The mechanics of the construction of catheter control device 112 and the use of catheter control device 112 for moving and positioning distal end 114 of catheter 110 are within the scope of the art, such as the above-referenced carto^TMA catheter control device for use in a mapping system. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No.6,690,963, which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth.

An example catheter 200 is shown in more detail in fig. 2, which fig. 2 shows some, but not all, of the elements that may be included in the catheter 200. The catheter 200 may include, but is not limited to, any one or more of the following components: one or more electrodes 210; one or more temperature sensors 215; a non-contact electrode 220; image sensor(s) 225; a positioning or position sensor 230; a distal tip 235; a distal end 240; a handle 245; and/or cable 250. The schematic diagram of the conduit 200 in fig. 3 is a high-level representation of possible components of the conduit 200, such that the location and configuration of the components in the conduit 200 may be different than shown.

The distal end 240 of the catheter 200 may include one or more electrodes 210 at the distal tip 235, which one or more electrodes 222 may be used to measure electrical properties of cardiac tissue. The one or more electrodes 210 may also be used to send electrical signals to the heart for diagnostic purposes. The one or more electrodes 210 may also perform ablation on defective cardiac tissue by applying energy (e.g., RF energy) directly to the cardiac tissue at the desired ablation location.

The distal end 240 of the catheter 200 may include one or more temperature sensors 215 to measure the temperature of the cardiac tissue in contact with the distal end 240 and/or to measure the temperature of the distal end 240 itself. For example, a thermocouple or thermistor for measuring temperature may be placed anywhere along the distal end 240 to serve as one or more temperature sensors 215.

The distal end 240 may include non-contact electrodes 220 arranged in an array, and the non-contact electrodes 224 may be used to simultaneously receive and measure far-field electrical signals from the ventricular wall of the patient 205. The one or more electrodes 210 and the non-contact electrode 220 provide information about the electrical characteristics of the heart to one or more processing devices for processing, such as, for example, the signal processor 140.

One or more catheters 200 may be equipped with one or more image sensors 225, such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor and/or a camera for capturing endoscopic images as they are inserted into a body lumen. One or more image sensors 225 may be located at the distal end 240.

The distal end 240 may include a position sensor 230 in a distal tip 235 of the catheter 200 that may generate signals for determining the position and orientation (and/or distance) of the catheter 200 within the body. In one example, the relative positioning and orientation of the one or more position sensors 230, the one or more electrodes 210, and the distal tip 235 is fixed and known to facilitate accurate positioning information of the distal tip 235. For example, the location of the location sensor 230 may be determined based in part on the relative location of a known location outside the heart (e.g., based on an extracardiac sensor). The use of the position sensor 230 may provide improved position accuracy within the magnetic field in the surrounding space and provide position information suitable for patient movement, as the positioning information of the catheter 200 is relative to the patient's anatomy.

Handle 245 of catheter 220 may be operated by an operator, such as a physician, and may include a controller 250 to enable the physician to effectively steer distal tip 235 in a desired direction.

The electrodes 210, 220 and sensors 215, 225, 230 may be connected to one or more processing devices, such as, for example, signal processor 140 via wires that may pass through handle 245 and cable 250, in order to provide information, such as location, electrical, imaging, and/or temperature information, to a console system that may be used to operate and display the function of catheter 200 in a real-time manner within the heart.

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary catheter 300 having a printed flexible substrate 310, according to some implementations. The catheter 300 includes a catheter shaft 305, a handle 340, and a cable 360. The catheter shaft 305 includes a distal end 320 and a proximal or handle end 330. The distal end 320 includes a plurality of sensors (not shown) as described herein. The proximal end 330 terminates at a handle 340. The handle 340 includes a controller 350 and a cable 360 connected to a processing device in a console (e.g., console 120). The printed flexible substrate 310 includes a distal end connector 370 and a proximal end connector 380. The printed flexible substrate 310 extends from a distal end 320 to a proximal end 330. Specifically, the distal end connector 370 connects to the sensor, and the proximal end connector 380 connects to the cable 360 via a card or connector in the handle 340.

Fig. 4 is an exemplary printed flexible substrate 400 according to some implementations. The printed flexible substrate 400 may be any type of flexible substrate including a flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB), tape, and other similar structures. The printed flexible substrate 400 may include a predetermined number of layers, which may depend on the type of sensor in the conduit. The predetermined number of layers may include a signal layer and a reference layer. For example, the sensor may be a position sensor comprising three coils, one for each of the X, Y and Z axes. In the illustrative example, the signal layers may include layers 410, 415, and 420 associated with coils representing each of the X, Y, and Z axes. As described herein, a reference layer, such as layer 405, may be needed for magnetic interference cancellation generated by a catheter or other device in a medical system.

In one implementation, each of layers 405, 410, 415, and 420 may include any number of traces. The traces may include signal traces and ground traces. In one implementation, the traces may include ground traces 430 and 432, a first signal trace 434, and a second signal trace 436. Each of the traces (e.g., ground traces 430 and 432, first signal trace 434, and second signal trace 436) is made of a conductive material, such as copper, gold-clad copper, or other similar material. The conductive material is deposited, printed, or otherwise positioned on the flexible substrate. The measurements from each of the layers 405, 410, 415, and 420 are ultimately routed to one or more processing devices such as, for example, the signal processor 140 and signal processing hardware such as amplifiers and filters.

As described above, the reference layer 405 is configured to measure magnetic radiation that may cause interference in measurements carried by the first 434 and second 436 signal traces and in respective ones of the layers 410, 415, and 420. In one implementation, the reference layer 405 is shorted and the magnetic field that causes the magnetic interference is measured. This information is then used by one or more processing devices (such as, for example, signal processor 140) and signal processing hardware to cancel magnetic interference from measurements carried by the signal layers (e.g., layers 410, 415, and 420).

Fig. 5 is an exemplary printed flexible substrate 550 wrapped relative to a conduit 500 according to some implementations. The catheter 500 may include a catheter shaft 510 and a handle 520. The catheter shaft 510 includes a distal tip 530, the distal tip 530 including a sensor 540 as shown in fig. 5A. The handle 520 includes an electronic card 525, which may include filters, signal amplifiers, and analog-to-digital converters for signal processing. The printed flexible substrate 550 may be implemented as shown in fig. 4 and then wound around the catheter shaft 510. One end of the printed flexible substrate 550 is connected to the sensor 540 and the other end of the printed flexible substrate 550 is connected to the electronic card 525. In one implementation, in addition to and in conjunction with the configuration shown in fig. 3, a printed flexible substrate 550 may be wrapped around an irrigation tube, such as the interior of the catheter shaft 510, for sensors that do not use a magnetic-based device.

Fig. 6A shows more detail of the configuration shown in fig. 5, and fig. 6B shows a cross-section of the configuration shown in fig. 6A. Fig. 6A illustrates a catheter shaft 600 having a printed flexible substrate 610 wrapped relative to the catheter shaft 600, according to some implementations. Printing flexible substrates610 includes a plurality of layers 615₁-615_NThe layer transmits signals from the sensors to one or more processing devices. Axial cross-section 620 shows a layer structure in which inner layer 622 is composed of an insulating material. The conductor layer (i.e., printed flexible substrate) 610 is printed and isolated from the shield layer 626 by an isolation layer 624. The shield 626 is separated by a non-conductive layer 628. The printed conductors/traces are applied in a spiral shape to achieve flexibility of the shaft 600.

Fig. 7 is a method 700 for assembling a catheter, according to some implementations. The flexible substrate is printed with conductive traces (705). Each printed flexible substrate may include multiple layers or levels. The printed flexible substrate is then environmentally protected (710). For example, a flexible substrate may be printed in lamination. The printed flexible substrate is then inserted into a catheter shaft (715). A connector is attached to each end (720) of the printed flexible substrate. One set of connectors connects to sensors in the conduit and another set of connectors attaches to an electronic card or connector in the stem of the conduit (725). In one implementation, another printed flexible substrate may be wrapped about the axis of the catheter (730). A connector is attached to each end of the other printed flexible substrate (735). One set of connectors connects to the sensors in the conduit and another set of connectors attaches to an electronic card or connector in the stem of the conduit (740).

In general, a method for catheter assembly includes printing conductive traces on at least one flexible substrate, packaging the at least one flexible substrate for environmental protection, inserting the at least one packaged flexible substrate into a catheter shaft of a catheter, attaching a connector to each end of the at least one packaged flexible substrate, attaching one set of connectors to a sensor located at a distal end of the catheter, and attaching another set of connectors to electronics in a handle of the catheter. In one implementation, the method includes wrapping an encapsulated flexible substrate around a component housed within a catheter shaft, attaching a connector to each end of the encapsulated flexible substrate, attaching one set of connectors to a non-magnetic based sensor in the catheter, and attaching another set of connectors to electronics in a handle of the catheter. In one implementation, at least one flexible substrate includes a plurality of layers, each layer having a plurality of conductive traces. In one implementation, the plurality of layers includes a reference layer, and the method further includes shorting two of the plurality of conductive traces in the reference layer to measure magnetic radiation for interference cancellation determination. In one implementation, the plurality of layers includes a signal layer coupled to the sensor. In one implementation, the encapsulating step includes laminating at least one flexible substrate. In one implementation, the at least one encapsulated flexible substrate is rolled prior to insertion into the catheter shaft. In one implementation, the at least one encapsulated flexible substrate is inserted substantially linearly into the catheter shaft. In one implementation, the conductive traces include signal traces and ground traces.

Generally, a catheter includes a catheter shaft having a distal end and a handle. The catheter further includes a sensor at the distal end, electronics at the handle, and at least one flexible substrate inserted within the catheter shaft, wherein the at least one flexible substrate has conductive traces. The catheter further includes a first connector connecting the sensor to one end of the at least one flexible substrate and a second connector connecting the electronics to the other end of the at least one flexible substrate. After insertion into the catheter shaft, the first connector and the second connector are connected. In one implementation, the at least one flexible substrate is encapsulated for environmental protection. In one implementation, the catheter further includes a non-magnetic sensor, another flexible substrate wrapped around a component in the catheter shaft, a third connector connecting the non-magnetic sensor to one end of the other flexible substrate, and a fourth connector connecting the electronics to the other end of the flexible substrate. In one implementation, at least one flexible substrate includes a plurality of layers, each layer having a plurality of conductive traces. In one implementation, the plurality of layers includes a reference layer, wherein two of the plurality of conductive traces are shorted in the reference layer to measure magnetic radiation for interference cancellation determination. In one implementation, the plurality of layers includes a signal layer coupled to the sensor. In one implementation, at least one flexible substrate is laminated for environmental protection. In one implementation, the at least one flexible substrate is rolled prior to insertion into the catheter shaft. In one implementation, the at least one flexible substrate is positioned substantially linearly into the catheter shaft. In one implementation, the conductive traces include signal traces and ground traces.

The description herein is described with respect to cardiac mapping and ablation procedures for the cardiac system, although it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be applicable to systems and procedures that may be used in any cavity or system of the body, including but not limited to the respiratory/pulmonary system, respiratory and pulmonary systems, digestive system, neurovascular system, and/or circulatory system.

Although features and elements are described above with particularity, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that each feature or element can be used alone or in any combination with the other features and elements. Furthermore, the methods described herein may be implemented in a computer program, software, or firmware incorporated in a computer-readable medium for execution by a computer or processor. Examples of computer readable media include electronic signals (transmitted over a wired or wireless connection) and computer readable storage media. Examples of the computer readable storage medium include, but are not limited to, Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), registers, cache memory, semiconductor memory devices, magnetic media such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical media, and optical media such as CD-ROM disks and Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs).

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