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Abstract

A method is disclosed for treating soft tissue lesions located in a patient's oropharynx or larynx. According to the method, a space within the patient's oropharynx and larynx is isolated from the patient's trachea and lungs using an inflatable cuff tracheostomy tube inserted in the patient's trachea. The cuff is inflated to occlude the trachea. The patient is placed in a supine position, whereupon at least a portion of the space within the oropharynx and larynx is filled with saline. An endoscope is then inserted into the space to view the operative site in which the soft tissue lesion is to be treated. An electrosurgical instrument having an active tissue treatment electrode and a return electrode connected to an electrosurgical generator is then inserted into the space, either along side the endoscope or through the endoscope's working channel. The generator is then operated to apply a radio frequency voltage between the active and return electrodes of the electrosurgical instrument, whereby a conduction path is formed between the active and return electrodes, at least partially through the saline, whereupon the active is manipulated to treat the soft tissue lesion.

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First Claim