BRUSH ELECTRODE AND METHOD FOR ABLATION

摘要

A brush electrode (e.g., 10) and a method for using the brush electrode for tissue ablation are disclosed. The brush electrode comprises a plurality of flexible filaments or bristles (e.g., 26) for applying ablative energy to target tissue (46) during the formation of spot or continuous linear lesions. Interstitial spaces (156) are defined among the filaments of the brush electrode, and the interstitial spaces are adapted to direct conductive or nonconductive fluid (34), when present, toward the distal ends of the brush filaments. The brush electrode facilitates electrode tissue contact in target tissue having flat or contoured surfaces. The flexible filaments may be selectively trimmed to give a desired tip configuration or a desired standoff distance between the tissue and the conductive filaments in the brush electrode. Also, the filaments may be grouped into clusters. A shielded tip brush electrode (e.g., 120), including a flexible boot (e.g., 142), is also disclosed.