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Internally located return electrode electrosurgical apparatus, system and method

  • US 7,901,403 B2
  • Filed: 03/02/2007
  • Issued: 03/08/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/02/2006
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An electrosurgical apparatus comprising:

  • a shaft having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion;

    an active electrode disposed on a surface of the distal end portion of the shaft;

    a return electrode disposed within the distal end portion of the shaft;

    wherein the shaft comprises a conductive cap disposed at a distal end of the shaft and in electrical communication with the return electrode and wherein the conductive cap is spaced sufficiently from the active electrode to minimize generation of an electric arc between the active electrode and the conductive cap;

    wherein the shaft comprises an insulating member positioned on the distal end portion of the shaft and preventing direct electrical contact between the active and return electrodes;

    electrical conductors adapted for applying a radio-frequency voltage difference across the active and return electrodes,wherein the active electrode and return electrode define a chamber within the distal end portion of the shaft such that the chamber is between the active electrode and the return electrode, the chamber allowing for electrical communication therein between the active electrode and the return electrode in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid; and

    wherein the shaft comprises an aspiration lumen having a plurality of inlet apertures formed along a selected length of the shaft.

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