Apparatus and methods for ablating, severing, cutting, shrinking,
coagulating, or otherwise modifying a target tissue to be treated. In a
method for treating a target tissue, an active electrode of an
electrosurgical probe is positioned in at least close proximity to the
target tissue in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid. A high
frequency voltage is then applied between the active electrode and a
return electrode, wherein, the high frequency voltage is sufficient to
volumetrically remove (ablate), sever, or modify at least a portion of
the target tissue. The probe comprises a multi-lumen shaft having a
plurality of internal lumens, and a return electrode coil oriented
substantially parallel to the shaft distal end. The active electrode may
be in the form of a metal disc, a hook, or an active electrode coil. In
the latter embodiment, the active electrode coil is typically arranged
substantially orthogonal to the return electrode coil. Methods of making
an active electrode coil, a return electrode coil, and an electrosurgical
probe are also disclosed.