Patent ID: 6254600
Filing Date: 2001-07-03
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
An electrosurgical instrument for removing tissue from a target site within or on a patient's body comprising:a shaft having proximal and distal end portions and an active electrode on the distal end portion, the active electrode comprising a substantially planar tissue treatment surface;a return electrode on the shaft spaced from the active electrode;an aspiration lumen within the shaft having a distal opening at the distal end portion of the shaft; andwherein the active electrode extends across a portion of the distal opening of the aspiration lumen to inhibit clogging of the lumen and wherein the active electrode comprises an L-shaped electrode having a first portion extending axially from the distal end portion of the shaft and a second portion continuous with, and perpendicular to, the first portion, the second portion having a substantially planar surface opposite the shaft.