Abstract #1396

Mller S, Semmler W, Umathum R, Bock M

Active tracking catheters using transmission lines over the full length of the devices represent a serious hazard for intravascular applications due to excessive tissue heating. In this work we propose an approach, where the transmission line is electronically divided into several short sections by RF switches. These sections are well isolated from each other during transmit phase so that resonant coupling and thus excessive tissue heating is avoided. In receive phase the integrated switches reconnect all segments to a full length low loss transmission line.