#$%^&*AU2009212972B220150305.pdf#####-31ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A force-sensing catheter for diagnosing or treating the vessels found within a body or 5 body space includes a center strut that is bonded, preferably thermally, along its longitudinal axis with the thermoplastic tubular member within which it is housed. The tubular member preferably has three layers: an inner layer, a braided layer and an outer layer. . One or more semiconductor or metallic foil strain gages are affixed to the center strut in order to provide a measure of the bending and torsional forces 10 on the distal tip of the catheter. Temperature compensation is achieved by having a temperature sensor near the strain gages and calibrating the catheter over a range of temperatures. 15 03/09/09.va 18188 speci,3 I
