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Electrosurgical device with floating-potential electrode and methods of using the same

  • US 7,566,333 B2
  • Filed: 05/25/2005
  • Issued: 07/28/2009
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/11/2003
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A monopolar electrosurgical probe comprising:

  • (a) an elongate shaft having an insulated proximal portion forming a handle and an exposed conductive portion disposed in a distal tip region;

    (b) at least one lumen disposed along the length of said shaft, said lumen having a first port disposed at the proximal end of said shaft and a second port disposed at the distal end of said shaft;

    (c) at least one active electrode located at or near the distal tip of said shaft, said active electrode connected via cabling disposed within said handle to a power supply;

    (d) at least one conductive member disposed at the distal end, wherein said conductive member comprises a floating potential electrode that is not connected to any power supply, said floating potential electrode having a first portion mounted in close proximity to said active electrode and a second portion extended a distance from said active electrode and positioned in a region of low electric potential so as to concentrate the power in the vicinity of the active electrode and increase the energy density in the region surrounding the active electrode; and

    (e) a dielectric member disposed between each active electrode and floating potential electrode.

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