Bipolar chondroplasty device

摘要

A system and method for convectively heating tissue to smooth the surface of the tissue. A fluid, such as saline is distributed across a tissue surface. A bipolar tool is placed within the fluid, but not touching the tissue. An RF signal is sent from a generator through the electrodes to rapidly boil the fluid. Heat is then transferred from the boiling fluid to the tissue resulting in minimal heat damage to tissue. An impedance matching system is used to maximize power received at the bipolar from the generator. Additionally, a control system monitors the boiling fluid to limit arcing.