Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's. The present invention positions an electrosurgical instrument, such as a probe or catheter, in close proximity to a first body structure adjacent to a second body structure so that one or more electrode terminal(s) are brought into at least partial contact or close proximity with the first and second body structures. High frequency voltage is then applied between the electrode terminal(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to cut, remove, ablate, contract, coagulate, vaporize, desiccate or otherwise modify the first body structure without clinically damaging the second body structure. The first body structure is typically soft tissue, such as sinus, mucosal, spinal, or brain tissue, and the second body structure typically comprises a structure either having different electrical or molecular properties than soft tissue, such as bone, cartilage, adipose tissue, nerves and the like. The present invention provides a method for automatically discriminating between the two body structures such that the soft tissue is removed or otherwise modified, while the second structure (e.g., a nerve) is left relatively unaffected by the procedure.

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First Claim