| abstract |
This invention is a multiple electrode array for ablating tissue that carries at least two electrode segments (26, 27, 28, 29) that are circumferentially spaced form each other. Insulation (30) electrically isolates the separated electrode segments from each other. Signal wires (19) attached to the separated electrode segments convey ablating energy independently to the separated electrode segments. Because of its segmented structure, the array can place only one of the electrode segments in contact with tissue at one time. Because each segment is electrically isolated, and because each segment is independently served by its own signal wire, a physician can operate an ablation energy generator to selectively channel the ablation energy only to the segment actually contacting the tissue. |