US Patent 8123721 Catheter having independently-deflectable segments and method of its manufacture

A catheter shaft includes a wall defining a lumen, a distal segment, and a proximal segment. At least one distal segment deflection wire extends through the proximal segment and terminates in the wall in the distal segment, while at least one proximal segment deflection wire extends through the proximal segment and terminates in the wall in the proximal segment. The proximal and distal segment deflection wires respectively permit the proximal and distal segments of the catheter shaft to deflect independently of each other. The catheter shaft may also include one or more wire reinforcing layers embedded in the wall.