Abstract: A high efficiency electrosurgical electrode with an advanced electrically conductive tip and aspiration port, and a method of conducting an electrosurgical procedure with such electrode. The electrosurgical electrode comprises an electrically conductive body portion of various geometries, an electrically conductive tip and a dielectric insulator adjacent the metallic body portion. The electrically conductive tip comprises a plurality of protuberances of various forms and geometries that define a plurality of recesses. The aspirating member includes a wall surrounding the aspirating port, to separate the aspirating port from adjacent recesses and prevent the flow of fluid from the recesses directly into the aspirating port.

Abstract: A high efficiency electrosurgical ablator which is subjected to a combined oscillatory and mechanical debridement motion during resection of tissue is disclosed. The electrosurgical ablator is positioned in the proximity of the tissue to be treated in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid. A high frequency voltage is applied to the electrode of the ablator, and the electrode is subjected to an oscillatory or other repetitive motion created by an element located within the ablator assembly. The ablator electrode is further connected to a suction assembly that supplies suction from an external source.

Abstract: A high efficiency electrosurgical electrode with an advanced metallic tip and insulator design, and a method of conducting an electrosurgical procedure with such electrode are disclosed. The electrosurgical electrode comprises a metallic body portion of various geometries, a metallic tip and a dielectric insulator adjacent the metallic body portion. The metallic tip comprises a plurality of metallic protuberances of various forms and geometries, which are separated by a plurality of grooves, also of various geometries. The plurality of grooves may be filled with a dielectric material to form various flat dielectric regions surrounding the plurality of metallic protuberances.

Abstract: A high efficiency electrosurgical ablator which is subjected to a fast and slight oscillatory motion during resection of tissue. The electrosurgical ablator is positioned in the proximity of the tissue to be treated in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid. A high frequency voltage is applied to the electrode of the ablator, and the ablator is subjected to a vibratory motion created by, for example, a mechanical or electromechanical oscillator or a piezoelectric element. The vibratory motion permits more tissue to become available in the destructive, sparking zone, thereby increasing the efficiency of operation.

Abstract: An aspirating ablator of simple construction and low cost is disclosed. The aspirating ablator is provided with a mandrel connected to a tubular member which houses a suction assembly. An electrode having a rectangular ablation surface formed of multiple parallel ribs or protuberances is assembled onto the mandrel so that the ablation surface is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. A ceramic insulator provided with an opening of rectangular shape is assembled to the electrode-mandrel assembly. The insulator is further provided with a cylindrical passage in communication and aligned with a radial passage of the mandrel.

Abstract: An electrosurgical electrode capable of achieving instant ignition in a conductive fluid and a method of conducting an electrosurgical procedure with such electrode are disclosed. The electrosurgical electrode comprises a metallic body portion of various geometries, a metallic tip and a dielectric insulator adjacent the metallic body portion. The metallic tip is recessed from the surface of the dielectric so that the dielectric material and the adjacent recessed metallic tip form a high current density zone and pocket for bubble entrapment and instant spark formation.