In one embodiment, the present invention provides a bipolar ablation
device with multiple needle electrodes that penetrate a desired target
tissue. These electrodes may be arranged in a variety of therapeutically
effective arrangements, such as a comb-like shape, a multi-needle wheel,
or an expanding bow design. By contacting and preferably penetrating the
cardiac tissue with bipolar electrodes, a user can more precisely create
ablation-induced scarring and thus electrical block at desired target
locations without causing unwanted damage and related complications.