METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICAL TREATMENT USING BALLOON AND ELECTRODE

摘要

The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to body tissue. A device is provided having an enclosure within an outer wall formed from an electrically-permeable material. The device further includes an electrode positioned within the interior of the enclosure and a fluid passage coupled to the enclosure for delivery of an electrically conductive fluid into the interior so that the electrically conductive fluid couples the electrode with the electrically-permeable section of the outerwall. The conductive fluid allows for the passage of electrical energy from the electrode for treatment of tissue on or in a patient. In this manner, the electrode does not directly contact the tissue of the patient, which reduces the potential for collateral tissue damage or necrosis and/or excessive electric fields in the tissue.