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System and method for electrosurgical cutting and ablation

  • US 5,871,469 A
  • Filed: 02/05/1997
  • Issued: 02/16/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/07/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An electrosurgical system for use with a high frequency power supply and an electrically conducting fluid supply, the system comprising:

  • an electrosurgical probe comprising a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, an active electrode disposed near the distal end, and a connector near the proximal end of the shaft for electrically coupling the active electrode to the electrosurgical power supply; and

    a return electrode adapted to be electrically coupled to the electrosurgical power supply;

    wherein the active and return electrodes are configured, upon the application of a sufficiently high frequency voltage therebetween, to vaporize the fluid in a thin layer over at least a portion of the active electrode and induce the discharge of energy from the vapor layer.

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