FORCE SENSING CATHETER INCLUDING SEALED ELECTRODE TIP ASSEMBLY AND METHODS OF ASSEMBLING SAME

Disclosed herein is an ablation catheter that includes an irrigation conduit, a force sensor, a flexible electrode tip assembly, a seal, and a temperature sensor. The irrigation conduit defines an irrigation lumen configured to carry irrigation fluid to a distal end of the ablation catheter. The force sensor includes a deformable body coupled to the irrigation conduit adjacent a distal end thereof. The flexible electrode tip assembly is coupled to the deformable body and extends distally therefrom, and defines an interior cavity in fluid communication with the irrigation lumen, an exterior cavity in which a distal portion of the deformable body is received, and at least one fluid channel through which irrigation fluid is dispensed from the interior cavity. The seal is disposed between the flexible electrode tip assembly and the deformable body, and the temperature sensor extends through the irrigation lumen and into the flexible electrode tip assembly.