An apparatus for bipolar radio frequency ablation of heart tissue includes
a flexible epicardial lead having an interior surface along a portion
thereof comprising an electrically conductive surface to be placed in
contact with tissue to be ablated. Additionally, the epicardial lead
includes an integral fastener disposed proximate a distal end thereof and
a sliding lock collar having an aperture therein through which said
epicardial lead passes. A complementary fastener may be secured thereto
for engaging the fastener of said epicardial lead, thereby securing said
lead in place around tissue to be ablated. The apparatus further includes
an endocardial ablating lead placed in the left atrial chamber via
transfemoral insertion for conduction of radio frequency energy between
the ablating lead and the ablating surface of the epicardial lead.