Patent ID: 7585297
Filing Date: 2009-09-08
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of delivering bi-polar RF current from a RF source to tissue in a medical procedure comprising contacting a first tissue region with a first bi-polar electrode, contacting with a second bi-polar electrode a second tissue region spaced apart from the first tissue region by a third tissue region, the first bi-polar electrode and the second bi-polar electrode forming a bi-polar pair of electrodes, coupling the bi-polar pair of electrodes to a source of RF current, applying the RF current between the bi-polar pair of electrodes at a power in a range of about 0.5 to 25 watts for a time period in a range from about 5 to 180 seconds, and directing a path of RF current through the third tissue region by contacting the third tissue region with an electrically conductive material which is not coupled to the source of RF current, which includes an elongated axis spaced intermediate the bi-polar pair of electrodes, and which is electrically insulated from the bi-polar pair of electrodes.