Patent ID: 7419488
Filing Date: 2008-09-02
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. An electrosurgical probe, comprising: a shaft; an active electrode terminal disposed at a shaft distal end; a fixed return electrode disposed at the shaft distal end; and a movable return electrode configured to move with respect to the active electrode terminal between a closed configuration and an open configuration, wherein said probe is adapted such that a current path from the active electrode terminal to a power supply is adjustable by a surgeon during a surgical procedure; wherein, in the closed configuration, the probe is adapted for compressing and coagulating a blood vessel between the movable return electrode and the active electrode terminal; wherein, in the open configuration, the probe is adapted for ablating at least a portion of the coagulated blood vessel between the fixed return electrode and the active electrode terminal; and the electrodes electrically coupled with the power supply, the power supply adapted for operation in a sub-ablation mode for coagulating the tissue between the movable return electrode and the active electrode terminal and an ablation mode for ablating at least a portion of the coagulated blood vessel between the fixed return electrode and the active electrode terminal.