In an alternative embodiment, shaft 1802 comprises a rigid or flexible electrically insulating material, for example, a tube comprising various plastics, such as a polycarbonate, a polyimide, a fluoropolymer, or a polyurethane. [0231] FIGS. 53A-C schematically represent an active electrode terminal 1912 and a linearly movable return electrode 1970 of an electrosurgical probe of the invention, in r