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Abstract

An Rf energy applicator with a working end that carries a bi-polar Rf electrode system for creating a Rf-tissue interaction or ionothermal effect in subsurface tissue (a first ionothermal system) which effect is focused by concurrent actuation of a photonic tissue-sensitizing system or photoconductance system (a second ionothermal system). The photonic energy system is adapted to create a 'lens electrode' in subsurface tissue that enhances the targeted tissue's conductance of Rf current which serves as a means of focusing Rf ionothermal effects at a subsurface level. A dosimetry control system is provided that controls the dose and timing of Rf energy delivery as well as the dosimetry of photonic energy delivery. The ionothermal applicator has a handle portion coupled a tubular extending member. The distal termination of the probe has at least one pair of opposing conductive electrodes in a spaced relationship around a perimeter of the distal termination of the extending member. A remote Rf source (or generator) is connected to the device for delivering bi-polar Rf energy to the paired electrodes. An optical fiber (or fiber optic bundle) is provided in a central channel of the extending member which is capable of delivering a photonic (light) beam from a light source, such as a pulsed laser (or continuous wave (CW) diode laser).

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First Claim