Abstract: Electrosurgical devices including a shaft, a handle and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is formed of an electrically conductive material and includes an electrically insulating material covering a substantial portion of the distal end portion and leaving an exposed portion which acts as an active electrode for delivery of electrical energy to tissue. A conduit in the shaft extending to an opening in the distal end portion facilitates aspiration of tissue and may provide suction simultaneous with delivery of electrical energy. Systems include an electrosurgical device, a source of electrical energy and may optionally include a source of suction and/or a source of fluid delivery or irrigation.

Abstract: Electrosurgical devices including a shaft, a handle and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is formed of an electrically conductive material and includes an electrically insulating material covering a substantial portion of the distal end portion and leaving an exposed portion which acts as an active electrode for delivery of electrical energy to tissue. A conduit in the shaft extending to an opening in the distal end portion facilitates aspiration of tissue and may provide suction simultaneous with delivery of electrical energy. Systems include an electrosurgical device, a source of electrical energy and may optionally include a source of suction and/or a source of fluid delivery or irrigation.

Abstract: Electrosurgical devices including a shaft, a handle and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is formed of an electrically conductive material and includes an electrically insulating material covering a substantial portion of the distal end portion and leaving an exposed portion which acts as an active electrode for delivery of electrical energy to tissue. A conduit in the shaft extending to an opening in the distal end portion facilitates aspiration of tissue and may provide suction simultaneous with delivery of electrical energy. Systems include an electrosurgical device, a source of electrical energy and may optionally include a source of suction and/or a source of fluid delivery or irrigation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for applying a high frequency voltage in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid. High frequency voltage is then applied between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to volumetrically remove or ablate at least a portion of the target tissue. In one embodiment a tissue treatment surface includes spacers or a chamber for containing the electrodes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for applying a high frequency voltage in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid to create a relatively low-temperature plasma for ablation of tissue adjacent to, or in contact with, the plasma. In one embodiment, an electrosurgical probe or catheter is positioned adjacent the target site so that one or more active electrode(s) are brought into contact with, or close proximity to, a target tissue in the presence of electrically conductive fluid. High frequency voltage is then applied between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to non-thermally generate a plasma adjacent to the active electrode(s), and to volumetrically remove or ablate at least a portion of the target tissue. The high frequency voltage generates electric fields around the active electrode(s) with sufficient energy to ionize the conductive fluid adjacent to the active electrode(s).