Flow blocking electrode

A method comprising:

• generating a plasma proximate to an active electrode disposed on a distal end of an elongate shaft of an electrosurgical wand, the active electrode mates with a spacer coupled on the distal end of the elongate shaft;
• ablating tissue proximate to the active electrode;
• suctioning portions of fluid proximate to the active electrode through a suction lumen defined within the elongate shaft;
• and
• blocking a flow of fluid between the active electrode and the spacer.

An electrosurgical system comprising:

• an electrosurgical wand comprising:
• a handle that defines a proximal end of the electrosurgical wand;
• an elongate shaft coupled to the handle, the elongate shaft defines a suction lumen therein;
• a spacer coupled on the distal end of the elongate shaft, the spacer defines a suction channel fluidly coupled to the suction lumen, and the spacer electrically insulative;
• an active electrode coupled on the distal end of the spacer, wherein an edge of the active electrode aligns with an edge of the spacer;
• and
• a means for blocking flow between a back side of the active electrode and the spacer;
• and
• an electrosurgical controller electrically coupled to the electrosurgical wand, the electrosurgical controller comprising:
• a processor;
• a memory coupled to the processor;
• an electrical generator operatively coupled to the processor, the electrical generator defines an active terminal coupled to the active electrode, and the electrical generator defines a return terminal;
• the memory storing a program that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to:
• generate a plasma proximate to the active electrode;
• and
• suction portions of fluid proximate to the active electrode by way of the suction lumen.