Patent ID: 7166103
Filing Date: 2007-01-23
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of conducting an electrosurgical procedure comprising the steps of: positioning an active electrode of an electrosurgical probe in the proximity of a tissue to be treated in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid, said active electrode being substantially covered by an insulator and having a plurality of ribs individually protruding through and surrounded by said insulator, such that the electrode is exposed to said electrically conductive fluid only at an end portion of each of the ribs; applying a high frequency voltage to said active electrode and simultaneously imparting a repetitive motion having an amplitude of about 0.5 to about 5 millimeters to said active electrode to manage the formation of bubbles at said electrode to minimize unproductive non-sparking time by removing spent bubbles from said active electrode; manually activating a suction assembly for supplying adjustable suction from an external source, said suction being applied without automatic interruption through a passage in said probe, said passage terminating at the tip of said probe at a location spaced away from said active electrode; and effecting ablation of at least a portion of said tissue to be treated.