Electrode assembly and shock wave apparatus using the electrode assembly

An electrode assembly for a shock wave apparatus, the electrode assembly configured to be disposed inside a balloon of the shock wave apparatus, and characterized in comprising:

• a first electrode;
• an insulating layer, the first electrode being disposed inside the insulating layer and a terminal end of the first electrode being exposed from a terminal end of the insulating layer;
• a first electrical conductor disposed on at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the terminal end of the insulating layer, so as to form a first discharge point between the terminal end of the first electrode and the first electrical conductor where a shock wave is generated forwardly in an axial direction of the electrode assembly;
• and
• a second electrode disposed on at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface of a base end of the insulating layer, such that an insulating gap is provided between the second electrode and the first electrical conductor,
• wherein the first electrode can be moved inside the insulating layer in an axial direction, and
• wherein the terminal end of the first electrode is provided with a connecting part, which is configured to contact with a terminal end of the first electrical conductor when a discharge at the first discharge point is no longer needed.