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Bipolar electrosurgical clamp for removing and modifying tissue

  • US 7,717,912 B2
  • Filed: 11/19/2007
  • Issued: 05/18/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/07/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of modifying a target tissue of a patient, the method comprising:

  • positioning an electrosurgical system including a probe adjacent to the target tissue, the probe electrically connected to a power supply and adapted for clamping the target tissue, and the probe including a shaft distal end bearing an electrode support and a return electrode, the electrode support having an active electrode affixed thereto, wherein the return electrode is moveable, and the return electrode is coupled to a mode switch for switching the power supply between a coagulation mode and an ablation mode;

    wherein positioning the probe adjacent to the target tissue further comprises;

    adjusting the probe to an open configuration;

    positioning the probe such that the target tissue is positioned between the active electrode and the return electrode; and

    adjusting the probe to a closed configuration, wherein the target tissue is clamped between the active electrode and the return electrode;

    supplying the target tissue an electrically conductive fluid having a conductivity of at least isotonic saline;

    coagulating the target tissue by application of a first high frequency voltage from the power supply to the active electrode; and

    cutting the target tissue by generating a current flow path through the electrically conductive fluid and between the active electrode and the return electrode by application of a second high frequency voltage.

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