A modular handle assembly (20, 120) for supporting and controlling a steerable catheter (26) having at least one deflection wires (32) includes a handle (24) extending along an axis for being secured about a portion of the steerable catheter. The modular handle assembly includes at least one barrel (100) rotatably connected to the handle for rotation about the axis, and at least one spindle (76) disposed in and connected with said barrel for rotation about the axis with the barrel. At least one guide cable (86) extends from an anchored end being anchored to the spindle to a distant end for connection with one of the deflection wires of the steerable catheter. The guide cable is wrapped about the spindle for axially moving the deflection wires in response to rotation of the first spindle about the axis by the barrel to curl the distal tip of the elongated body of the steerable catheter.
