Disclosed herein is a new arthroscopic probe with a concave distal tip which simultaneously constrains and cuts tissue. It is particularly adapted to
cutting ligaments and tendons. Also disclosed is a
thermal energy delivery apparatus which includes (a) a probe means with a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end has a concave tip; (b) a first
electrode means positioned at the distal end of the probe means, wherein the first
electrode means is configured to deliver sufficient
thermal energy to
cut ligaments or tendons; and (c) a cabling means coupled to the proximal end of the probe means. In another embodiment of the invention a controller for controlling the delivery of energy and liquid to a
surgical instrument with a temperature sensor is disclosed. The energy is supplied by an
energy source and the liquid is supplied by a pump. The controller includes a temperature and a flow
regulator. The temperature
regulator is coupled to the
energy source and coupled to the pump. The temperature
regulator is responsive to a first temperature indication from the temperature sensor to determine that the first temperature indication exceeds a
setpoint and to reduce an
energy level from the
energy source. The flow regulator is coupled to the pump and coupled to the temperature regulator. The flow regulator includes responsiveness to the first temperature indication to increase a flow of the liquid from the pump.