Radiofrequency-shaver electrosurgical instrument

A radio-frequency shaver electrosurgical instrument and system comprising an outer shaft 420 and a relatively rotatable inner shaft 450, the outer and inner shafts having cutting windows. The inner shaft comprising a central suction lumen 460. A radiofrequency active electrode located at the distal end of the electrosurgical instrument. A thermal barrier 440 is located between the central suction lumen and an outer surface of the radiofrequency shaver electrosurgical instrument. The thermal barrier being disposed around a major portion of the angular extent of the central suction lumen. The instrument and system comprising an operative shaft having RF electrical connections operably connect to the radiofrequency active electrode.