Systems, apparatus, and methods are provided for promoting
blood flow to a
target tissue. In one aspect, the invention involves canalizing or boring channels, divots, trenches or holes through an avascular
connective tissue, or through a tissue having sparse vascularity, such as a
tendon or a
meniscus, in order to increase
blood flow within the tissue. In one method, an
active electrode is positioned in close proximity to a
target site on a
tendon, and a
high frequency voltage difference is applied between the
active electrode and a return
electrode to selectively ablate
tendon tissue at the
target site, thereby forming a channel or void in the tendon. The
active electrode(s) may be moved relative to the tendon during, or after, the application of electrical energy to damage or sculpt a void within the tendon, such as a hole, channel, crater, or the like. In another aspect of the invention, an electrosurgical probe is used to elicit a
wound healing response in a
target tissue, such as an injured tendon, in order to stimulate vascularization of the
target tissue. The present invention may also be used for vascularization of a torn or damaged tissue in conjunction with a
surgical repair procedure.