System and method for electrosurgical cutting and ablation

An electrosurgical system for applying electrical energy to a target site on a structure within or on a patient's body, the system comprising:

• a high frequency power supply;
• an electrosurgical probe comprising a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, an electrode terminal disposed near the distal end, and a connector near the proximal end of the shaft electrically coupling the electrode terminal to the electrosurgical power supply;
• a return electrode electrically coupled to the electrosurgical power supply;
• and
• an electrically conducting fluid supply for directing electrically conducting fluid to the target site such that the electrically conducting fluid generates a current flow path between the return electrode and the electrode terminal.

An electrosurgical system for applying electrical energy to a target site on a structure within or on a patient's body, the system comprising:

• a high frequency power supply;
• an electrosurgical probe comprising a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, an electrode terminal disposed near the distal end, and a connector near the proximal end of the shaft electrically coupling the electrode terminal to the electrosurgical power supply;
• a return electrode electrically coupled to the electrosurgical power supply;
• an electrically conducting fluid supply;
• a fluid delivery element defining a fluid path electrically coupled to the electrode terminal for directing electrically conducting fluid to the target site and the electrode terminal to substantially surround the electrode terminal with electrically conducting fluid and to locate electrically conducting fluid between the electrode terminal and the target site.