Patent ID: 6113594
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method for surgically treating the uterus, the method comprising:introducing a surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, an active electrode near the distal end, and a return electrode into the uterus;introducing an electrically conductive fluid into the uterus sufficient to distend the uterus and to submerse the active electrode and return electrode in the electrically conductive fluid to form an electrically conductive path between the active electrode and the return electrode;contacting the active electrode against tissue within the uterus;passing current between the active electrode and the return electrode while the active electrode is contacting the tissue, wherein the active electrode has a surface area which is selected to produce a current density sufficient to resect or coagulate the tissue; andmoving the active electrode along and through the tissue to resect, coagulate or vaporize the tissue.