patch electrode 12 through which the legs 20 of the clips 16 extend the patch 16 serves to optimize the electrode surface area and epicardial contact further the patch 12 provides for immediate wound closure and minimizes the risk of the marker 10 migrating or dislodging once deployed the patch 12 also facilitates long term tissue regeneration with reference to fig8 10 the illustrated patch 12 electrode is generally oval in shape and is made of a material such as knit braid polyester a mesh material is preferred for the patch 12 in order to promote tissue ingrowth the electrically conductive coating 14 a 14 b is applied to two discrete areas of the patch 12 electrically isolated from the other each area having a clip 16 and lead 18 associated therewith the electrode surfaces 14 a 14 b are preferably spaced apart approximately 2 mm the overall length of the patch 12 is preferably no more than about 5 mm and the width is preferably no more than approximately 3 mm both the top and bottom surfaces of the patch 12 are preferably coated with the electrically conductive material to ensure good conduct between the leads 18 and the electrode surface 14 a 14 b to this end the patch 12 may be formed as shown in fig9 with ends 28.