Abstract: The medical instrument includes a male instrument connector, which includes at least one male fluid connector arranged on a flat face. A venting bore may also be arranged on the same face and disposed to act as pressure relief by which leaking fluids that accumulate in the instrument can be discharged. A cover cap may be attached to the face. The cover cap allows for sterilization of the instrument, including the male instrument connector.

Abstract: An HF surgical device with an autostart function for cutting and/or coagulating biological tissue with HF current. The device comprises an HF generator for generating HF current, a selected output for connecting a monopolar/bipolar electrode to the HF surgical device, a first measurement device assigned to the output for measuring a first measured value for an impedance of the electrode connected to the output, a first comparator for comparing the first measured value with a first setpoint, for switching-off the first measurement devices and for switching-on a second measurement device if the first measured value is lower than the first setpoint, for measuring a second measured value for the impedance of the connected electrode and a second comparator for comparing the second measured value with a second setpoint and for switching-on the HF current for the output if the second measured value is lower than the second setpoint.

Abstract: A probe for use in the coagulation of biological tissue by plasma discharge comprises a protective device with a mask made of an insulating material. The mask is so constructed and attachable to the probe that parts of the biological tissue that are vulnerable or other parts that likewise should not be coagulated can be shielded by the masking region.

Abstract: A method for coagulating tissue during endoscopic surgery by using argon plasma coagulation is described. An endoscope is used having a flexible, hollow tube inserted through one of the working channels of the endoscope. Inside the tube an electrode is arranged stationarily being offset from the exit opening at the distal end of the tube in such a manner that the electrode cannot come into contact with the tissue. Argon or another inert gas is supplied from a source of gas through the tube to the exit opening with such a low flow rate that gas exiting through the exit opening is a non laminar stream which forms an inert gas atmosphere between the distal end of the tube and the region of the tissue to be coagulated, while the exit is maintained at a distance from the tissue to be coagulated, whereby the area of tissue to be coagulated is positioned sidewardly of the extended longitudinal axis of the protruding end portion of the tube.