Patent ID: 8317786
Filing Date: 2012-11-27
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A system for treating tissue, comprising: an electrosurgical instrument having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end; an electrode assembly comprising at least one active electrode positioned on the distal end of the shaft and a return electrode positioned on the shaft and axially spaced from the at least one active electrode; an aspiration element for aspirating fluid and debris from a target site, the aspiration element comprising an inner lumen extending through a portion of the shaft, first and second ports extending radially through the shaft in fluid communication with the inner lumen, wherein the first and second ports are axially spaced apart; and a sheath assembly disposed adjacent to the aspiration element, the sheath assembly defining an annular space around the shaft and being axially movable relative to the aspiration element between a first position and a second position, wherein at least one radial seal is disposed within the annular space; wherein the sheath assembly in the second position disposes the radial seal adjacent the second port and the sheath assembly in the first position spaces the radial seal proximally from the second port.