Structured electrode for vapor pocket ignition

An electrosurgery device comprising:

• a return electrode;
• an active electrode including a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface configured to retain a gas thereon when the active electrode is in a conductive liquid solution and the active electrode has transitioned into an inactive state, the hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface comprises protrusions extending from a surface of the active electrode and spaces between the protrusions that trap the gas in the spaces between the protrusions, the protrusions configured to prevent the liquid from penetrating into the spaces and maintain the gas trapped in the spaces (i) when the active electrode is submerged in the liquid and (ii) after the active electrode transitions from an active state to an inactive state;
• and
• an electrically insulating material situated between the active and return electrodes.

A method for bipolar electrosurgical device operation in a liquid environment, the method comprising:

• providing energy to an electrode in liquid to cause a vapor pocket to form;
• and
• retaining some gas from the vapor pocket at a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface of the electrosurgical device after partial dissipation of the vapor pocket, the hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface comprises protrusions extending from a surface of the electrode and spaces between the protrusions that trap gas in the spaces between the protrusions, the protrusions configured to prevent the liquid from penetrating into the spaces and maintain the gas trapped in the spaces when the electrode is submerged in the liquid;
• and
• retaining the gas from the vapor pocket in the spaces after the electrode transitions from an active state to an inactive state.