The present invention provides multi-functional medical catheters, systems
and methods for their use. In one particular embodiment, a medical
catheter (100) includes a flexible elongate body (105) having a proximal
end (110) and a distal end (120). A plurality of spaced apart electrodes
(130 136) are operably attached to the flexible body near the distal end.
At least some of the electrodes are adapted for mapping a tissue and, in
some embodiments, at least one of the electrodes is adapted for ablating
a desired portion of the tissue. The catheter includes a plurality of
tissue orientation detectors (140 146) disposed between at least some of
the electrodes. In this manner, the medical catheter is capable of tissue
mapping, tissue imaging, tissue orientation, and/or tissue treatment
functions.