A sensing and ablation electrode includes bifurcated sensing limbs
separated by an ablation web. The electrode is disposed on the distal end
of a catheter. The sensing limbs each support an array of sensors that
are individually wired for mapping and post ablation efficacy testing.
The web includes a pair of pliable membranes that define a lumen and are
adapted to collapse the cross-section of the electrode. One membrane
defines a plurality of apertures for dispersing a conductive fluid medium
as a virtual electrode. The sensors and the apertures all lie within
substantially the same plane.