ABLATION ELECTRODE AND CATHETER SYSTEM

摘要

The present invention provides various embodiments of electrodes (10) for use in connection with ablation catheters and ablation catheter systems. In an embodiment, an electrode (10) is provided that comprises an electrode body (12) including an outer surface (14), a top portion (16) and a bottom portion (18). The top portion (16) of the electrode body (12) includes an insulated portion (20) to protect adjacent tissue from ablation. The bottom portion (18) is adapted to direct energy in a downward direction towards the target tissue. Moreover, embodiments of several types of electrodes (10) and catheter assemblies, which may include positioning, orientation, protective shielding, cooling, and deflecting of surrounding tissue features (30, 38, 40, 50), whether provided individually or in various combinations, are also disclosed.