Methods for electrosurgical incisions on external skin surfaces
First Claim
1. A method for removing tissue from a patient comprising:
- positioning an electrode terminal and a return electrode in close proximity to tissue at a target site on the patient;
applying a high frequency voltage difference between the electrode terminal and the return electrode; and
during the applying step, translating the electrode terminal across the external body surface to create an incision in the tissue without contacting the return electrode to the tissue.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for removing fatty tissue underlying a patient'"'"'s epidermis (e.g., blepharoplasty, brow lifts, eyelid shortening procedures, and the like). These methods include positioning one or more active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s) in close proximity to a target site on an external body surface of the patient. A high frequency voltage difference is applied between the active and return electrode(s), and the active electrode(s) are translated across the external body surface to create an incision therein. The bipolar configuration controls the flow of current to within and around the distal end of the probe, which minimizes tissue necrosis and the conduction of current through unwanted paths in the patient. The residual heat from the electrical energy also provides simultaneous hemostasis of severed blood vessels, which increases visualization and improves recovery time for the patient.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method for removing tissue from a patient comprising:
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positioning an electrode terminal and a return electrode in close proximity to tissue at a target site on the patient;
applying a high frequency voltage difference between the electrode terminal and the return electrode; and
during the applying step, translating the electrode terminal across the external body surface to create an incision in the tissue without contacting the return electrode to the tissue. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification