Systems and methods are disclosed for providing and using an irrigatedablationcatheter. The catheter includes a distal electrode assembly having a pluralityof spinesforming a basket shaped electrode assembly in communication with a systemcontroller.The catheter also includes a pull-wire disposed within a lumen of a spinecollar. Thespine collar further includes a silicone seal for preventing encroachment ofirrigationfluid and other bodily fluids into the pull-wire lumen.