An electrophysiology catheter includes an elongate catheter body having a distal end and a proximal end, a catheter tip including at least one metallic catheter component, such as an electrode, thereon, and at least one internal catheter component joined to the at least one metallic catheter component. The at least one internal catheter component includes a shape memory alloy and a metal compound that is capable of both bonding with the shape memory alloy and being metallurgically joined to the at least one metallic catheter component as by brazing. The metal compound may be a coating on or a core within the shape memory alloy. Suitable metal compounds include, without limitation, nickel, copper, brass, and combinations thereof.