A MULTIPOLAR TRANSMURAL PROBE

摘要

The present invention relates to a needle-like probe (1) for use in electrical potential sensing and RF ablation of tissue, a method of making such probes (1), and a probe array comprising a number of such probes (1). The probe (1) has an elongated body (2, 22) with one end (9, 29) adapted for penetration of tissue. The body (2, 22) has sufficient rigidity to be inserted into the tissue. The elongated body (2, 22) also comprises two or more electrodes (7, 27) separated and spaced apart from each other along the elongated body (2, 22) by insulative material (8, 28). Each electrode (7, 27) has at least one electrical conductor (10, 11) coupled to the electrode (7, 27). The electrode (7, 27) is capable of delivering RF energy to the tissue surrounding the electrode (7, 27) and sensing the electrical potential of the tissue. Preferably, the two or more electrodes (7, 27) each comprise a metal band incorporated in the elongated body (2, 22) and optionally include a thermal sensing means for measuring the temperature at the interface between the electrode (7, 27) and the tissue. Still further, the elongated body (2, 22) can internally incorporate an elongated rigid member (14) for providing structural stiffening of the probe (1). The elongated rigid member (14) can be comprised of metal and is rigidly fixed to at least the one end (9, 29) adapted for penetration of the tissue. Preferably, the two or more electrodes (7, 27) and the insulative material (8, 28) form a tubular structure and the interior cavity of the tubular structure if filled with matrix material (16). Preferably, the probe (1) comprises at least four electrodes (7, 27) and at least three insulative portions (8, 28) interleaved therewith. Optionally, the elongated body (2, 22) has a substantially arcuate or curved form.