A tubing assembly for use in conjunction with electronic catheter guidance systems is provided and includes a catheter and steering apparatus. The catheter has a proximal end and a distal end that define a lumen therebetween and extends in a longitudinal direction. The steering apparatus includes an electrical connection and a sheath. Further, the sheath includes an electroactive polymer layer, and the sheath's proximal end is coupled to the distal end of the electrical connection, where the steering apparatus is located within the lumen of the catheter. Activation of the electroactive polymer layer results in a change in dimension of the sheath, which initiates a change in a direction in which the catheter travels within a patient's body to assist in accurate placement of the catheter at a desired location. A catheter guidance system and a method for steering a catheter during its placement inside a body are also provided.
