Abstract: An electrosurgical system and method for treating hard and soft tissues in the body comprises a shaft, a distal end section, an active electrode associated with the distal end section, a first fluid supply adapted to deliver a first electrically conductive fluid to the target site, and a second fluid supply adapted to deliver a second electrically conductive fluid to the active electrode. The system is adapted to treat a wide variety of hard tissues such as, for example, bones, calcified structures, calcified deposits, teeth, plaque, kidney-stones, gall-stones and other types of tissue by generating plasma in the vicinity of the active electrode, and applying the plasma to the tissue or structures.

Abstract: Electrosurgical systems and methods include a generator which is operable to connect to an electrosurgical device and to identify the electrosurgical device. The generator automatically determines at least one device specific operational parameter for carrying out the electrosurgical procedure. In an exemplary embodiment, a generator includes a fluid pump and the generator automatically determines a candidate flowrate at which to operate the pump based on the type of device. The device specific operational parameter may be selected or modified by the operator prior to commencing the procedure.

Abstract: Electrosurgical wand. At least some of the illustrative embodiment are electrosurgical wands including: an elongate housing that defines a handle end and a distal end; an aspiration aperture on the distal end of the elongate housing the aspiration aperture fluidly coupled to a first fluid conduit, the first fluid conduit within the elongate housing; a discharge aperture on the distal end of the elongate housing, the discharge aperture fluidly coupled to a second fluid conduit, and the second fluid conduit within the elongate housing; a first active electrode of conductive material on the distal end of the elongate housing, the first active electrode between the discharge aperture and the aspiration aperture; and a conductive plate that abuts the discharge aperture, at least a portion of the conductive plate disposed over the discharge aperture.

Abstract: An electrosurgical wand. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are electrosurgical wands including an elongate housing that defines a handle end and a distal end, a first discharge aperture on the distal end of the elongate housing, a first active electrode of conductive material disposed on the distal end of the elongate housing, a first return electrode of conductive material disposed within the first fluid conduit, and an aspiration aperture on the distal end of the elongate housing fluidly coupled to a second fluid conduit.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus includes an active electrode with a low-work function coating to improve ablation performance. Low-work function coatings include compounds of alkali metals and alkali earth metals. Additionally, the active electrode may include various micro-structures or asperities or nano-structures or asperities. An array of carbon nanotubes may be aligned and secured on the active electrode. A return electrode comprises a high-work function coating to suppress electrical discharge activity on the return electrode.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system and method for treating hard and soft tissues in the body comprises a shaft, a distal end section, an active electrode associated with the distal end section, a first fluid supply adapted to deliver a first electrically conductive fluid to the target site, and a second fluid supply adapted to deliver a second electrically conductive fluid to the active electrode. The system is adapted to treat a wide variety of hard tissues such as, for example, bones, calcified structures, calcified deposits, teeth, plaque, kidney-stones, gall-stones and other types of tissue by generating plasma in the vicinity of the active electrode, and applying the plasma to the tissue or structures.

Abstract: Electrosurgical system and related methods that include: producing energy by a generator of an electrosurgical controller, the generator comprises a first terminal coupled to a first electrode of an electrosurgical wand, and the generator comprises a second terminal coupled to a second electrode of the electrosurgical wand; forming, responsive to the energy, a plasma proximate to the first electrode, and acting as a current return by the second electrode; reducing energy output of the generator such that the plasma proximate the first electrode is extinguished, the reducing energy output during periods of time when the electrosurgical controller is commanded to produce energy; producing energy from the generator with the first terminal coupled to the first electrode and the second terminal coupled to the second electrode; and forming, responsive to the energy, a plasma proximate to the second electrode, and acting as a current return by the first electrode.

Abstract: Reduction of low frequency muscle stimulation during electrosurgical procedures.

Abstract: Electrosurgical systems, apparatus, and methods for the controlled removal and treatment of a target tissue. An instrument of the invention includes a rotating member housed longitudinally within a shaft, a tissue removal port disposed at the shaft distal end portion, and an active electrode disposed at the instrument distal end. The active electrode is adapted to electrosurgically remove at least a portion of the target tissue as the rotating member rotates within the shaft. According to alternative embodiments, the active electrode may be disposed on the rotating member or on the shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for ablating, severing, cutting, shrinking, coagulating, or otherwise modifying a target tissue to be treated. In a method for treating a target tissue, an active electrode of an electrosurgical probe is positioned in at least close proximity to the target tissue in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid. A high frequency voltage is then applied between the active electrode and a return electrode, wherein, the high frequency voltage is sufficient to volumetrically remove (ablate), sever, or modify at least a portion of the target tissue. The probe comprises a multi-lumen shaft having a plurality of internal lumens, and a return electrode coil oriented substantially parallel to the shaft distal end. The active electrode may be in the form of a metal disc, a hook, or an active electrode coil. In the latter embodiment, the active electrode coil is typically arranged substantially orthogonal to the return electrode coil.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for priming or purging an electrosurgical fluid irrigation system. The electrosurgical system can include a high frequency power supply, a fluid delivery system, a handheld device having one or more electrodes, and one or more connectors for connecting the handheld device to the fluid delivery system and the RF generator. The electrosurgical system may be configured to deliver RF current and irrigation fluid until a threshold current level is detected, which is indicative of a continuous flow of fluid at the electrode and purging completion. The systems and methods of purging an electrosurgical system may further include dynamically controlling an RF output and fluid delivery system in accordance with varied parameters of detected threshold current levels.

Abstract: A bipolar, plasma-generating electrosurgical apparatus and system wherein the return electrode is enclosed within an electrosurgical shaft, and the active electrode is located on the outside surface of the shaft such that in treating the tissue, the tissue is exposed to plasma generated on the active electrode, but is minimally exposed to electric fields generated between the active and return electrodes. Due to the configuration of the electrodes, electric fields generated between the electrodes are directed away from the target tissue and inwardly towards the return electrode within the shaft, thereby electrical stimulation of neuromuscular structures in the tissue by the electric fields is minimized.

Abstract: A bipolar, plasma-generating electrosurgical apparatus and system wherein the return electrode is enclosed within an electrosurgical shaft, and the active electrode is located on the outside surface of the shaft such that in treating the tissue, the tissue is exposed to plasma generated on the active electrode, but is minimally exposed to electric fields generated between the active and return electrodes. Due to the configuration of the electrodes, electric fields generated between the electrodes are directed away from the target tissue and inwardly towards the return electrode within the shaft, thereby electrical stimulation of neuromuscular structures in the tissue by the electric fields is minimized.

Abstract: Electrosurgical methods and apparatus for the controlled ablation of tissue from a target site of a patient. The instrument includes a shaft having proximal and distal end portion and a planar active electrode on the distal end portion; a return electrode arranged on the shaft spaced from the active electrode; at least one electrical connector extending through the shaft that connects the active electrode with a high frequency power supply; and an aspiration lumen within the shaft having a distal opening. The active electrode is arranged vertically or perpendicular to the tissue treatment surface. The planar electrode may include one or more apertures.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to body tissue in order to ablate, contract, coagulate, or otherwise modify a tissue or organ of a patients. An electrosurgical apparatus includes an electrode support bearing an active electrode in the form of a plasma blade or hook having an active edge and first and second blade sides. The active edge is adapted for severing a target tissue via localized molecular dissociation of tissue components. The first and second blade sides are adapted for engaging against, and coagulating, the severed tissue. A method of the present invention comprises positioning an electrosurgical probe adjacent to the target tissue so that a blade- or hook-like active electrode is brought into at least close proximity to the target tissue in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid.

Abstract: A bipolar, plasma-generating electrosurgical apparatus and system wherein the return electrode is enclosed within an electrosurgical shaft, and the active electrode is located on the outside surface of the shaft such that in treating the tissue, the tissue is exposed to plasma generated on the active electrode, but is minimally exposed to electric fields generated between the active and return electrodes. Due to the configuration of the electrodes, electric fields generated between the electrodes are directed away from the target tissue and inwardly towards the return electrode within the shaft, thereby electrical stimulation of neuromuscular structures in the tissue by the electric fields is minimized.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to body tissue in order to, ablate, contract, coagulate, or otherwise modify a tissue or organ of a patient. An electrosurgical apparatus includes an electrode support bearing an active electrode in the form of a plasma blade or hook having an active edge and first and second blade sides. The active edge is adapted for severing a target tissue via localized molecular dissociation of tissue components. The first and second blade sides are adapted for engaging against, and coagulating, the severed tissue. s. A method of the present invention comprises positioning an electrosurgical probe adjacent to the target tissue so that a blade- or hook-like active electrode is brought into at least close proximity to the target tissue in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid.

Abstract: Electrosurgical methods and apparatus for treating tissue at a target site of a patient. An electrosurgical instrument includes a shaft, having a shaft distal end and a shaft proximal end, and an electrode assembly disposed at the shaft distal end. The electrode assembly includes at least one active electrode disposed on an electrode support. The instrument is adapted for coupling to a high frequency power supply or electrosurgical generator. Each active electrode is adapted for removing tissue from a target site and/or for localized coagulation of the target tissue. In one embodiment, the instrument is adapted for laparoscopic procedures.

Abstract: Systems and methods for securing a screen-type active electrode to the distal tip of an electrosurgical device used for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within or on a patient's body. A securing electrode is disposed through the screen electrode and mechanically joined to an insulative support body while also creating an electrical connection and mechanical enagement with the screen electrode. The electrosurgical device and related methods are provided for resecting, cutting, partially ablating, aspirating or otherwise removing tissue from a target site, and ablating the tissue in situ. The present methods and systems are particularly useful for removing tissue within joints, e.g., synovial tissue, meniscus, articular cartilage and the like.

Abstract: A method for treating a bone body comprises inserting a probe having at least one active electrode into the target tissue and applying a voltage difference between an active electrode and return electrode to ablate the tissue. The method is particularly directed to removing tumors in a bone body and or removing cancellous bone in a bone body. The bone body may be a vertebral body. An apparatus includes a plurality of active electrodes and a distal section including two bends. The bends serve to prevent the active electrodes from impinging upon the shaft of an introducer needle. Also, a kit includes an electrosurgical probe, an electrosurgical generator, an introducer needle, and a fluid connector to connect the introducer needle to a fluid source such that liquid may be supplied to the target site during an application.