An electrosurgical dissection apparatus is disclosed, and includes a thermallyinsulatingbody, a thermally conductive insert, at least one active electrode, and atleast one returnelectrode. The at least one active electrode is disposed on the thermallyconductive insert, andthe at least one return electrode is spaced from the at least one activeelectrode by a portion of thethermally insulating body. The thermally conductive insert is configured tocauterize tissuedissected by radiofrequency energy passing from the at least one activeelectrode to the at leastone return electrode.
