Patent ID: 8764741

Claim:
An electrosurgical tissue cutting system comprising: a. an RF generator configured to generate RF energy; b. a distal interface pod which is in electrical communication with and remote from the RF generator, which is configured to receive the RF energy from the RF generator, which presents a desired load to the RF generator and which has current and voltage monitors; c. an electrosurgical tissue cutting electrode having a conductive length configured to contact tissue of a patient; d. a flexible shielded conductor extending between and electrically connecting the distal interface pod to the electrosurgical tissue cutting electrode and being configured to transmit the RF energy from the distal interface pod to the electrosurgical tissue cutting electrode; e. a ground pad configured to be in electrical contact with the patient and to be electrically connected to the distal interface pod; f. the voltage monitor being configured for monitoring DC potential that is generated by the RF energy; g. a control unit responsive to the monitored DC potential for controlling an output of the RF generator above a level required to maintain conductive plasma along the conductive length of the electrode and to effect tissue cutting.