Patent ID: 7717912

Claim:
A method of modifying a target tissue of a patient, the method comprising: positioning an electrosurgical system including a probe adjacent to the target tissue, the probe electrically connected to a power supply and adapted for clamping the target tissue, and the probe including a shaft distal end bearing an electrode support and a return electrode, the electrode support having an active electrode affixed thereto, wherein the return electrode is moveable, and the return electrode is coupled to a mode switch for switching the power supply between a coagulation mode and an ablation mode; wherein positioning the probe adjacent to the target tissue further comprises: adjusting the probe to an open configuration; positioning the probe such that the target tissue is positioned between the active electrode and the return electrode; and adjusting the probe to a closed configuration, wherein the target tissue is clamped between the active electrode and the return electrode; supplying the target tissue an electrically conductive fluid having a conductivity of at least isotonic saline; coagulating the target tissue by application of a first high frequency voltage from the power supply to the active electrode; and cutting the target tissue by generating a current flow path through the electrically conductive fluid and between the active electrode and the return electrode by application of a second high frequency voltage.