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Abstract

An electrosurgical instrument includes a roller electrode segmented into conductive and non-conductive portions. When the electrode is rolled over a treatment site, the region of the electrode that contacts the site receives current from an energy source and the non-contacting region of the electrode is isolated from the energy source. The electrode is well suited for use in an isotonic fluid environment, without resulting in significant current dissipation since the non-contacting portion is isolated from the energy source. The roller electrode has a substantially cylindrical shape and is rotatable about a longitudinal axis along which a bore extends. A conductor carrying current from the energy source is disposed through the bore such that, when the electrode is urged against a treatment site, the conductor delivers current to the contacting region of the roller electrode and is isolated from the non-contacting region. Various designs of the segmented roller electrode, as well as both monopolar and bipolar embodiments, are described.

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First Claim