Patent ID: 6238392
Filing Date: 2001-05-29
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for heating the inner lining of a lumen or cavity within a patient, said electrosurgical instrument comprising:a flexible elongated tube having a proximal and a distal end;a first balloon electrode attached to said distal end of said flexible elongated tube wherein said first balloon electrode comprises:a first expandable sleeve formed from an electrically insulating material;a first electrically conductive fluid in said expandable sleeve a first electrode in electrical contact with said first electrically conductive fluid;a return balloon electrode spaced proximally from said first balloon electrode, wherein said return balloon electrode comprises:a second expandable sleeve formed from an electrically insulating material;a second electrically conductive fluid disposed within said second expandable sleeve; anda return electrode in electrical contact with said second electrically conductive fluid.