A catheter for measuring electrical activity and ablating tissue is
provided. The catheter comprises an elongated generally-tubular catheter
body. A non-retractable electrode assembly is mounted at the distal end
of the catheter body. The electrode assembly comprises a generally
tubular ablation electrode formed of a material having shape-memory
having a generally straight exposed region and at least one irrigation
port in the exposed region through which fluid can pass from the inside
to the outside of the ablation electrode. The exposed region is generally
transverse to the catheter body. The electrode assembly further comprises
a tip at the distal end of the electrode assembly comprising a generally
ball-shaped exposed region. First and second distal mapping electrodes
are mounted distal to the exposed region of the ablation electrode. At
least the first distal mapping electrode, and optionally the second
distal mapping electrode, is incorporated into the generally ball-shaped
exposed region of the tip. The catheter further comprises an infusion
tube extending through the catheter body and having a distal end in fluid
communication with the proximal end of the ablation electrode.