Fabric electrode head

Abstract

An electrode head is disclosed that utilizes electrically conductive or dissipative fabric to exchange electrical energy with tissue. This electrode head may be used for any appropriate application, such as a catheter electrode, a return electrode, or the like. Any appropriate function may be provided by this electrode head, such as tissue ablation, tissue mapping, or providing an electrical ground.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A tissue electrode system, comprising:
 a catheter body including a distal end for disposition within a patient body; and   an electrode head, positioned in proximity to the distal end of the catheter body, the electrode head including:
 a base; and 
 a plurality of electrode segments, in contact with the base; 
   wherein at least a portion of the plurality of electrode segments are formed of conductive fabric, dissipative fabric, or a combination thereof; and   wherein at least a portion of the plurality of electrode segments are disposed in a non-parallel relation.   
     
     
         2 . The tissue electrode system of  claim 1 , wherein the electrode segments attach to the base and form a cantilever in a distal position relative to the base and catheter body. 
     
     
         3 . The tissue electrode system of  claim 1 , wherein the base is integral to the catheter body. 
     
     
         4 . The tissue electrode system of  claim 1 , wherein the base is attached to the catheter body. 
     
     
         5 . The tissue electrode system of  claim 1 , wherein the base surrounds and supports at least a portion of the plurality of electrode segments. 
     
     
         6 . The tissue electrode system of  claim 1 , wherein each electrode segment comprises a single thread or yarn segment. 
     
     
         7 . The tissue electrode system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of electrode segments is spaced substantially equally from each other. 
     
     
         8 . The tissue electrode system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of electrode segments includes two or more different spacings between segments. 
     
     
         9 . The tissue electrode system of  claim 1 , wherein one or more portions of the plurality of electrode segments are in contact with each other at a position distal from the base. 
     
     
         10 . The tissue electrode system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of electrode segments is in electrical contact with an electrical source. 
     
     
         11 . The tissue electrode system of  claim 1 , further comprising a fluid conduit, positioned with a lumen of the catheter body and in contact with a fluid source and in contact with one or more of the plurality of electrode segments. 
     
     
         12 . The tissue electrode system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of electrode segments includes at least two portions with differing electrical conductivity. 
     
     
         13 . A tissue electrode system, comprising:
 a catheter body including a distal end for disposition within a patient body; and   an electrode head, positioned in proximity to the distal end of the catheter body, the electrode head including:
 a base; and 
 a plurality of electrode segments, in contact with the base; 
   wherein at least a portion of the plurality of electrode segments are formed of conductive fabric, dissipative fabric, or a combination thereof; and   wherein at least a portion of the plurality of electrode segments diverge relative to a reference axis proceeding from the base toward their respective distal end.   
     
     
         14 . The tissue electrode system of  claim 13 , wherein the electrode segments attach to the base and form a cantilever in a distal position relative to the base and catheter body. 
     
     
         15 . The tissue electrode system of  claim 13 , wherein the base is integral to the catheter body. 
     
     
         16 . The tissue electrode system of  claim 13 , wherein each of the plurality of electrode segments is spaced substantially equally from each other. 
     
     
         17 . The tissue electrode system of  claim 13 , wherein the plurality of electrode segments includes two or more different spacings between segments. 
     
     
         18 . The tissue electrode system of  claim 13 , wherein one or more portions of the plurality of electrode segments are in contact with each other at a position distal from the base. 
     
     
         19 . A tissue electrode system, comprising:
 a catheter body including a distal end for disposition within a patient body; and   an electrode head, positioned in proximity to the distal end of the catheter body, the electrode head including:
 a base; and 
 a plurality of electrode segments, in contact with the base; 
   wherein at least a portion of the plurality of electrode segments are formed of conductive fabric, dissipative fabric, or a combination thereof; and   wherein at least a portion of the plurality of electrode segments form a splayed configuration.   
     
     
         20 . The tissue electrode system of  claim 19 , wherein one or more portions of the plurality of electrode segments are in contact with each other at a position distal from the base.