Systems for electrosurgical tissue treatment in conductive fluid
First Claim
1. An electrosurgical system for use with a high frequency power supply and an electrically conductive liquid supply, the system comprising:
- an electrosurgical probe comprising a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, an active electrode comprising a single electrode terminal, the 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 high frequency power supply; and
a return electrode adapted to be electrically coupled to the high frequency power supply;
wherein the active and return electrodes are configured, upon the application of a sufficiently high frequency voltage therebetween, to vaporize the liquid in a thin layer over at least a portion of the active electrode and induce the discharge of energy from the vapor layer.
3 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electrosurgical probe (10) comprises a shaft (13) having an electrode array (58) at-its distal end and a connector (19) at its proximal end for coupling the electrode array to a high frequency power supply (28). The shaft includes a return electrode (56) recessed from its distal end and enclosed within an insulating jacket (18). The return electrode defines an inner passage (83) electrically connected to both the return electrode and the electrode array for passage of an electrically conducting liquid (50). By applying high frequency voltage to the electrode array and the return electrode, the electrically conducting liquid generates a current flow path between the return electrode and the electrode array so that target tissue may be cut or ablated. The probe is particularly useful in dry environments, such as the mouth or abdominal cavity, because the electrically conducting liquid provides the necessary return current path between the active and return electrodes.
509 Citations
16 Claims
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1. An electrosurgical system for use with a high frequency power supply and an electrically conductive liquid supply, the system comprising:
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an electrosurgical probe comprising a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, an active electrode comprising a single electrode terminal, the 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 high frequency power supply; and
a return electrode adapted to be electrically coupled to the high frequency power supply;
wherein the active and return electrodes are configured, upon the application of a sufficiently high frequency voltage therebetween, to vaporize the liquid in a thin layer over at least a portion of the active electrode and induce the discharge of energy from the vapor layer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification