A percutaneous electrode array is disclosed for applying therapeutic electrical
energy to a treatment site in the body of a patient. The array comprises a plurality
of electrode microstructures which are inserted into the epidermis, thereby overcoming
the inherent electrical impedance of the outer skin layers and obviating the need
to prepare the skin surface prior to an electro-therapy treatment. The array preferably
includes an adhesion layer to help keep the electrode microstructures inserted
into the epidermis during the duration of the therapeutic treatment, and temperature
and condition monitoring devices to ensure proper treatment and enhance patient safety.