Bipolar, fluid assisted coagulator/ablator probe for arthroscopy

Claim 1

A bipolar, fluid assisted coagulator/ablator probe comprising: an insulative housing; an elongated probe having a first longitudinal axis and extending from a proximal end retained within the insulative housing to a distal end extending from the insulative housing, the elongated probe further comprising: a first tubular electrode forming a fluid conduit therethrough and having a first annular distal end face; a second tubular electrode positioned concentrically around said first tubular electrode, and having a second annular distal end face; a first dielectric insulating layer disposed between said first and second tubular electrodes; a second dielectric insulating layer covering the second tubular electrode, wherein said first and second dielectric insulating layers are a high temperature polyethylene; a first bevel face formed at said distal end comprising said first and second annular distal end faces, said bevel face oriented obliquely with respect to said longitudinal axis and forming a first angle between said first bevel face and said longitudinal axis; the distal end of the elongated probe further comprising a first curve having a first radius of curvature; and first and second electrical connections electrically connected to proximal ends of first and second tubular electrodes respectively within the insulative housing and providing connection to a power source.