SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HEATING AND ABLATING TISSUE USING MULTIFUNCTIONAL ELECTRODE STRUCTURES

摘要

Systems and methods for heating or ablating tissue use a multifunctional electrode assembly (20). The electrode assembly includes a wall (22) comprising an electrically conductive material peripherally surrounding an interior area. The wall has an interior surface facing the interior area and an oppositely facing exterior surface. A first element operatively associated with the exterior surface of the wall is adapted to carry out a first predetermined electrical transmitting or sensing function affecting body tissue. A second element operatively associated with the interior surface of the wall is adapted to carry out, independent of the first element, a second predetermined electrical transmitting or sensing function affecting body tissue different than the first predetermined electrical function.