Patent ID: 6565561
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method of operating an electrosurgical system comprising an electrosurgical generator which generates an oscillating radio frequency voltage across a pair of output terminals, and an electrosurgical instrument having a pair of electrodes supported relative to an instrument shaft, an aperture located in the region of at least one of the electrodes and a channel extending from the aperture for the aspiration of waste products from a treatment site, the electrodes being connected to the output terminals of the generator, the method comprising the steps of:immersing the electrodes of the instrument in an electrically conductive fluid supplied to the treatment site; applying, with the generator, a radio frequency oscillating voltage across the electrodes, causing an electrical current to flow through the conductive fluid, thereby boiling the fluid in the region of the electrodes and creating a vapour pocket; manipulating the instrument shaft to cause tissue at the treatment site to encroach in the vapour pocket to thereby vapourise or cut said tissue; applying suction from within the instrument shaft to aspirate waste products, along the shaft and away from the treatment site; and morcellating tissue which is bridging the aperture by agitating one of the electrodes relative to the aperture.