Patent ID: 8663154

Claim:
An electrosurgical method of treating ulcer tissue, comprising: positioning an active electrode proximate to the ulcer tissue, the active electrode disposed on a distal end of a shaft; and applying a high-frequency voltage potential difference across the active electrode and a return electrode sufficient to form a plasma at the active electrode; modifying the ulcer tissue, wherein modifying the ulcer tissue comprises: applying the plasma at the active electrode to the ulcer tissue to remove a portion of the ulcer tissue; inducing blood flow from an underlying tissue, wherein inducing blood flow restores blood flow to and in the presence of the ulcer tissue; and passing a minimal current flow through the ulcer tissue; wherein modifying the ulcer tissue in the presence of the plasma, restored blood flow, and minimal current flow alters the expression of inflammatory response in the ulcer tissue to stimulate healthy tissue growth in place of the removed ulcer tissue and promotes the healing of the ulcer tissue.