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Abstract

The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to cut or incise structures in a patient's body. The electrosurgical systems and methods are particularly useful for removing tissue or ligaments from a patient's joint, such as the patellar ligament in the knee, in dermatological procedures, i.e., surface treatment of the patient's outer skin, such as the removal of pigmentations, vascular lesions (e.g., leg veins), scars, tattoos, etc., and in procedures for removing tissue in regions of the head and neck. The method of the present invention comprises positioning an electrosurgical probe adjacent the target tissue so that one or more electrode terminal(s) are brought into at least partial contact or close proximity with the target site in the presence of electrically conductive fluid. High frequency voltage is then applied between the electrode terminal(s) and one or more return electrode(s) and the electrode terminal(s) are translated, reciprocated or otherwise manipulated to cut through a portion of the tissue. The present invention volumetrically removes the tissue along the cutting pathway in a cool ablation process that minimizes thermal damage to surrounding tissue.

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First Claim