Abstract: An electrosurgical method for sterilizing chronic wound tissue, comprising: positioning an active electrode in proximity to the chronic wound tissue; delivering an electrically conductive fluid proximate the active electrode; and applying a high frequency voltage between the active electrode and a return electrode in the presence of the electrically conductive liquid sufficient to generate an ionized vapor layer at the active electrode, wherein the ionized vapor layer sterilizes at least a portion of the chronic wound tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical method for sterilizing chronic wound tissue, comprising: positioning an active electrode in proximity to the chronic wound tissue; delivering an electrically conductive fluid proximate the active electrode; and applying a high frequency voltage between the active electrode and a return electrode in the presence of the electrically conductive liquid sufficient to generate an ionized vapor layer at the active electrode, wherein the ionized vapor layer sterilizes at least a portion of the chronic wound tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical method for treating chronic wound tissue, comprising: positioning an active electrode in close proximity to the chronic wound, the active electrode being disposed on a distal end of an electrosurgical shaft; applying a high-frequency voltage potential difference across the active electrode and a return electrode sufficient to develop a high electric field intensity associated with a vapor layer proximate the active electrode and in close proximity to the wound tissue; and stimulating an expression of at least one healing mediator.

Abstract: An electrosurgical method for sterilizing chronic wound tissue, comprising: positioning an active electrode in proximity to the chronic wound tissue; delivering an electrically conductive fluid proximate the active electrode; and applying a high frequency voltage between the active electrode and a return electrode in the presence of the electrically conductive liquid sufficient to generate an ionized vapor layer at the active electrode, wherein the ionized vapor layer sterilizes at least a portion of the chronic wound tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical method for treating chronic wound tissue, comprising: positioning an active electrode in close proximity to the chronic wound, the active electrode being disposed on a distal end of an electrosurgical shaft; applying a high-frequency voltage potential difference across the active electrode and a return electrode sufficient to debride and sterilize at least a portion of the chronic wound tissue; and applying a skin graft in the vicinity of the chronic wound tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical method for sterilizing chronic wound tissue, comprising: positioning an active electrode in proximity to the chronic wound tissue; delivering an electrically conductive fluid proximate the active electrode; and applying a high frequency voltage between the active electrode and a return electrode in the presence of the electrically conductive liquid sufficient to generate an ionized vapor layer at the active electrode, wherein the ionized vapor layer sterilizes at least a portion of the chronic wound tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical method for treating chronic wound tissue, comprising: positioning an active electrode in close proximity to the chronic wound, the active electrode being disposed on a distal end of an electrosurgical shaft; applying a high-frequency voltage potential difference across the active electrode and a return electrode sufficient to develop a high electric field intensity associated with a vapor layer proximate the active electrode and in close proximity to the wound tissue; and stimulating an expression of at least one healing mediator.