Methods of manipulating a catheterization apparatus involve providing a catheter having a flexible shaft with a preformed curve on a distal end of the flexible shaft, one or more electrodes disposed along the distal end of the flexible shaft, and a shape deflection area defined as a region on the flexible shaft between the preformed curve and a generally straight proximal portion of the flexible shaft. A first steering mechanism is anchored at a distal portion of the preformed curve, and a second steering mechanism is anchored distal to the shape deflection area. The method also involves changing a curvature of the preformed curve in response to a proximally directed force applied to the first steering mechanism, and moving the distal end of the catheter relative to the proximal portion of the flexible shaft in response to a proximally directed force applied to the second steering mechanism.