Electrode catheter for the electrotherapy of cardiac tissue

An electrode catheter system for ablation of cardiac tissue, including an electrode catheter, the electrode catheter extending between an at least substantially rigid proximal handle section and a flexible distal insertion section, comprising:

• a. an electrical terminal connected to the proximal handle section;
• b. two or more spaced external electrodes on the distal insertion section;
• c. electrically conductive carbon fibers extending between each external electrode and the electrical terminal;
• and
• d. a current source connected in communication with the conductive carbon fibers via the electrical terminal, the current source being configured to deliver ablating current to one or more of the electrodes.

An electrode catheter system for use on cardiac tissue, including an electrode catheter, the electrode catheter having a length including:

• a. an at least substantially rigid proximal handle section;
• b. a flexible distal insertion section having:
• (1) two or more spaced electrodes thereon, and
• (2) a temperature sensor configured to obtain temperature reading from at least a portion of the distal insertion section;
• c. electrically conductive carbon fibers extending from the electrodes toward the handle section;
• d. an insulating sleeve extending:
• (1) about the conductive carbon fibers, and
• (2) along at least a portion of the length of the catheter,
• the insulating member containing an x-ray contrast agent;
• e. a control member extending from the distal insertion section toward the handle section, wherein tension on the control member flexes the distal insertion section to change the orientation of at least one of the electrodes thereon;
• f. a current source connected in communication with the conductive carbon fibers, the current source being configured to deliver ablating current to one or more of the electrodes.