Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for improving electrode-skin contact. The electrode is a segmented electrode having an array of energy applying surfaces mounted on a substrate via at least one electro-mechanical energy converting element to a segment of skin. The electrode is coupled to the skin and a mechanism monitors the quality of electrode-skin contact under the energy applying surfaces. Activation of the electro-mechanical energy converting elements effects mechanical movement of the skin and energy applying surfaces and redistributes the skin surface coupled to the electrodes conforming it to the topography of the RF energy applying surfaces to optimize electrode-skin contact. The segmented electrode is operative to be disposable while enabling reuse of costly components of the electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for improving electrode-skin contact. The electrode is a segmented electrode having an array of energy applying surfaces mounted on a substrate via at least one electro-mechanical energy converting element to a segment of skin. The electrode is coupled to the skin and a mechanism monitors the quality of electrode-skin contact under the energy applying surfaces. Activation of the electro-mechanical energy converting elements effects mechanical movement of the skin and energy applying surfaces and redistributes the skin surface coupled to the electrodes conforming it to the topography of the RF energy applying surfaces to optimize electrode-skin contact. The segmented electrode is operative to be disposable while enabling reuse of costly components of the electrode.