Patent ID: 7270661
Filing Date: 2007-09-18
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of treating a target tissue of a patient, comprising: a) providing an electrosurgical probe having an active electrode and a return electrode, the return electrode comprising a return electrode coil having an open tubular shape, the return electrode coil having from about 3 to 10 turns, a gap formed between the turns of the coil; b) positioning the active electrode in at least close proximity to the target tissue and an electrically conductive fluid, the active electrode located at a distal end of an elongate member extending through said coil such that said active electrode is positioned distal to said coil, the gap adapted to allow the electrically conductive fluid to flow therethrough; c) applying a high frequency voltage to the electrically conductive fluid between the active electrode and the return electrode sufficient to vaporize the electrically conductive fluid, wherein at least a portion of the tissue at the target site is ablated by the vaporized electrically conductive fluid; and d) aspirating the ablated tissue through an aspiration port within the electrosurgical probe.