Patent ID: 8992520
Filing Date: 2015-03-31
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of performing an electrosurgical procedure on a living subject in which target tissue of interest within a surgical site is first cut or vaporized then desiccated so as to produce hemostasis at said site, said method comprising the steps of: a. introducing a dual-mode electrosurgical device into the subject, wherein said dual-mode electrosurgical device comprises a distal end active electrode characterized by (i) a tubular proximal portion that includes at least one irrigation port configured to introduce a conductive irrigant to the surgical site and (ii) a flattened distal portion comprising a blade element having a top side and a bottom side that terminates in a distal-most cutting edge, b. manipulating said device to the surgical site; c. using said dual-mode electrosurgical device to apply high-density RF energy to tissue at said surgical site so as to cut or vaporize said tissue; and d. using said dual-mode electrosurgical device to apply a lower-density RF energy to said surgical site so as to desiccate remaining tissue and produce hemostasis at said site, wherein said conductive irrigant is supplied on command to the surgical site via said at least one irrigation port between steps (c) and (d) so as to reduce the current density and thus produce desiccation of tissue in contact with said conductive irrigant.