US 7,566,333 B2
Electrosurgical device with floating-potential electrode and methods of using the same
Robert A. Van Wyk, Largo, Fla. (US); Yuval Carmel, Rockville, Md. (US); and Anatoly Shkvarunets, Rockville, Md. (US)
Assigned to Electromedical Associates LLC, Bethesda, Md. (US)
Filed on May 25, 2005, as Appl. No. 11/136,514.
Application 11/136514 is a continuation in part of application No. 10/911309, filed on Aug. 04, 2004.
Claims priority of provisional application 60/648105, filed on Jan. 28, 2005.
Claims priority of provisional application 60/493729, filed on Aug. 11, 2003.
Prior Publication US 2005/0234446 A1, Oct. 20, 2005
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. A61B 18/18 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 606—41  [606/49] 22 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A monopolar electrosurgical probe comprising:
(a) an elongate shaft having an insulated proximal portion forming a handle and an exposed conductive portion disposed in a distal tip region;
(b) at least one lumen disposed along the length of said shaft, said lumen having a first port disposed at the proximal end of said shaft and a second port disposed at the distal end of said shaft;
(c) at least one active electrode located at or near the distal tip of said shaft, said active electrode connected via cabling disposed within said handle to a power supply;
(d) at least one conductive member disposed at the distal end, wherein said conductive member comprises a floating potential electrode that is not connected to any power supply, said floating potential electrode having a first portion mounted in close proximity to said active electrode and a second portion extended a distance from said active electrode and positioned in a region of low electric potential so as to concentrate the power in the vicinity of the active electrode and increase the energy density in the region surrounding the active electrode; and
(e) a dielectric member disposed between each active electrode and floating potential electrode.