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Abstract

The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within the head and neck of a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the ear, nose and throat. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid to remove and/or modify the structure of tissue structures. Depending on the specific procedure, the present invention may be used to: (1) volumetrically remove tissue (i.e., ablate or effect molecular dissociation of the tissue structure); (2) shrink or contract collagen connective tissue; and/or (3) coagulate severed blood vessels. For example, the present invention may be useful for ablation and hemostasis of tissue in sinus surgery (e.g., chronic sinusitis or the removal of turbinates, polypectomies), collagen shrinkage, ablation and/or hemostasis in procedures for treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (e.g., soft palate, such as the uvula, or tongue/pharynx stiffening, and midline glossectomies), for gross tissue removal, such as tonsillectomies, adenoidectomies, tracheal stenosis and vocal cord polyps and lesions, or for the resection or ablation of facial tumors or tumor with the mouth and pharynx, such as glossectomies, laryngectomies, acoustic neuroma procedures and nasal ablation procedures.

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First Claim