Patent ID: 7717912
Filing Date: 2010-05-18
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
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: 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.