Patent ID: 7278994
Filing Date: 2007-10-09
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An electrosurgical system comprising: a radio frequency generator, an electrosurgical instrument, and a fluid enclosure within a natural body cavity of a patient, the fluid enclosure being sealed around a portion of a patient's body within the cavity which is to be removed and containing an electrically-conductive fluid surrounding the portion of the patient's body to be removed, the generator having a radio frequency output for delivery of power to the electrosurgical instrument when immersed in the electrically-conductive fluid, the electrosurgical instrument having an electrode assembly at the distal end thereof, the electrode assembly comprising a tissue treatment electrode and a return electrode longitudinally spaced therefrom so that, in use, the conductive fluid completes an electrical circuit between the tissue treatment electrode and the return electrode, wherein the fluid enclosure includes at least one open end through which the electrosurgical instrument is insertable into the fluid enclosure, and through which the electrically-conductive fluid is inserted and removed from the enclosure.