A steerable catheter includes an elongate cannula having a proximal end and
a distal end. A blood characteristic sensor, such as an oxygen sensor, is
connected to the cannula and disposed to sense percent oxygen saturation
of blood at the distal end of the cannula. The blood oxygen sensor
generates a signal indicative of percent oxygen saturation. An oximetry
display is responsive to the signal and capable of displaying sensed
percent oxygen saturation in a form understandable by an operator. A
steering mechanism is operably connected to the cannula and is selectively
operable by an operator to deflect the distal end of the cannula. A method
of locating the coronary sinus of a heart involves endovascularly
introducing a catheter into the right atrium, sensing percent oxygen
saturation at the distal end of the catheter, and steering the catheter
toward a region of lowest percent oxygen saturation.