Patent ID: 8979838
Filing Date: 2015-03-17
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of operation of an electrosurgical controller comprising: commanding the electrosurgical controller to produce an energy output by a generator of the electrosurgical controller, wherein the generator comprises a first terminal coupled to a first electrode of an electrosurgical wand, and the generator comprises a second terminal coupled to a second electrode of the electrosurgical wand, the first and second electrodes each having a substantially equal surface area; applying the energy output across the first and second terminals without favoring delivery of the energy output to one of the first or second electrodes over the other; forming, responsive to the energy output, a plasma proximate to the first electrode of the electrosurgical wand, thereby causing the second electrode of the electrosurgical wand to act as a return electrode; and then reducing the energy output of the generator such that the plasma proximate the first electrode is extinguished, the step of reducing the energy output occurring without interruption to the step of commanding the electrosurgical controller to produce the energy output; and then again producing the energy output by the generator and applying the energy output across the first and second terminals without favoring delivery of the energy output to one of the first or second electrodes over the other; and forming, responsive to the energy output and in the absence of a changing command, a plasma proximate to the second electrode, thereby causing the first electrode to act as the return electrode.