Electrosurgical devices with a single conductive tubular element for accessing anatomical structures

A method of gaining access into an anatomical structure, the method comprising:

• delivering an electrosurgical device to a treatment site in a patient, wherein the electrosurgical device includes an elongate tubular member and a conductive tubular element disposed around the elongate tubular member;
• electrically activating the conductive tubular element;
• creating an incision in the anatomical structure by initially cutting the anatomical structure with the electrically activated conductive tubular element while leaving the elongate tubular member outside of the anatomical structure, wherein the incision is sized to allow a drainage device having an outer diameter that is greater than five French (one and two-thirds millimeters) and less than ten French (three and one-third millimeters) to be inserted into and securely maintained within the anatomical structure, and wherein the incision is not created by cutting prior to the initial cutting with the electrically activated conductive tubular element;
• and
• after creating the incision, performing a subsequent act that is related to the purpose of gaining access into the anatomical structure.