Abstract: Volumetrically oscillating plasma flows, the volume of which controllably expands and contracts with time, are disclosed. Volumetrically oscillating plasma flows are generated by providing an energy with a power density that changes with time to the plasma-generating gas to form a plasma flow. The changes in the energy power density result in plasma flow volumetric oscillations. Volumetric oscillations with a frequency of above 20,000 Hz results in ultrasonic acoustic waves, which are known to be beneficial for various medical applications. System for providing volumetrically oscillating plasma flows and a variety of surgical non-surgical applications of such flows are also disclosed.

Abstract: Volumetrically oscillating plasma flows, the volume of which controllably expands and contracts with time, are disclosed. Volumetrically oscillating plasma flows are generated by providing an energy with a power density that changes with time to the plasma-generating gas to form a plasma flow. The changes in the energy power density result in plasma flow volumetric oscillations. Volumetric oscillations with a frequency of above 20,000 Hz results in ultrasonic acoustic waves, which are known to be beneficial for various medical applications. System for providing volumetrically oscillating plasma flows and a variety of surgical non-surgical applications of such flows are also disclosed.

Abstract: Volumetrically oscillating plasma flows, the volume of which controllably expands and contracts with time, are disclosed. Volumetrically oscillating plasma flows are generated by providing an energy with a power density that changes with time to the plasma-generating gas to form a plasma flow. The changes in the energy power density result in plasma flow volumetric oscillations. Volumetric oscillations with a frequency of above 20,000 Hz results in ultrasonic acoustic waves, which are known to be beneficial for various medical applications. System for providing volumetrically oscillating plasma flows and a variety of surgical non-surgical applications of such flows are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasma-generating device, comprising an anode, a cathode and at least one intermediate electrode, said intermediate electrode being arranged at least partly between said anode and said cathode, and said intermediate electrode and said anode forming at least a part of a plasma channel which has an opening in said anode. Further, the plasma-generating device comprises at least one coolant channel which is arranged with at least one outlet opening which is positioned beyond, in the direction from the cathode to the anode, said at least one intermediate electrode, and the channel direction of said coolant channel at said outlet opening has a directional component which is the same as that of the channel direction of the plasma channel at the opening thereof. The invention also concerns a plasma surgical device and use of such a plasma surgical device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasma-generating device, comprising an anode, a cathode and at least one intermediate electrode, said intermediate electrode being arranged at least partly between said anode and said cathode, and said intermediate electrode and said anode forming at least a part of a plasma channel which has an opening in said anode. Further, the plasma-generating device comprises at least one coolant channel which is arranged with at least one outlet opening which is positioned beyond, in the direction from the cathode to the anode, said at least one intermediate electrode, and the channel direction of said coolant channel at said outlet opening has a directional component which is the same as that of the channel direction of the plasma channel at the opening thereof. The invention also concerns a plasma surgical device and use of such a plasma surgical device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasma-generating device, comprising an anode, a cathode and at least one intermediate electrode, said intermediate electrode being arranged at least partly between said anode and said cathode, and said intermediate electrode and said anode forming at least a part of a plasma channel which has an opening in said anode. Further, the plasma-generating device comprises at least one coolant channel which is arranged with at least one outlet opening which is positioned beyond, in the direction from the cathode to the anode, said at least one intermediate electrode, and the channel direction of said coolant channel at said outlet opening has a directional component which is the same as that of the channel direction of the plasma channel at the opening thereof. The invention also concerns a plasma surgical device and use of such a plasma surgical device.

Abstract: Volumetrically oscillating plasma flows, the volume of which controllably expands and contracts with time, are disclosed. Volumetrically oscillating plasma flows are generated by providing an energy with a power density that changes with time to the plasma-generating gas to form a plasma flow. The changes in the energy power density result in plasma flow volumetric oscillations. Volumetric oscillations with a frequency of above 20,000 Hz results in ultrasonic acoustic waves, which are known to be beneficial for various medical applications. System for providing volumetrically oscillating plasma flows and a variety of surgical non-surgical applications of such flows are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cathode assembly and a method for generation of pulsed plasma are disclosed. The cathode assembly comprises a cathode holder connected to multiple longitudinally aligned cathodes, preferably of the same diameter, and different lengths. The method is characterized by forming an electric arc between the cathodes in the assembly and an anode by passing DC current of a predetermined magnitude. Once the arc is established the current is reduced to the magnitude sufficient to sustain an electric arc, or a slightly larger magnitude, thereby reducing the area of arc attachment to a single cathode. Once the area of attachment has been reduced, the current is raised to the operational level of the pulse, while the area of attachment does not increase significantly.

Abstract: A method for sealing fluid-carrying vessels in a living organism using high temperature plasma is disclosed. A flow rate of 0.25-0.5 L/min of room-temperature plasma generating gas and the initial temperature of the discharged plasma of 12.5-15.5 kK ensure a laminar plasma flow and its ability to penetrate into the vessel. The plasma flow is directed into the vessel, where it keeps a portion of the vessel free of liquid. Heat is transferred to the vessel walls, and the denaturing of collagen in the vessel walls causes the walls to contract until complete occlusion occurs. The method may be used with devices adapted for tissue dissection and coagulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasma-generating device comprising an anode, a cathode, and intermediate electrodes. The intermediate electrodes and the anode form an elongate plasma channel that extends from a point between the cathode and the anode and through the anode. The plasma channel has a throttling portion with a throat having the smallest cross-sectional area of the entire plasma channel. As a plasma flow passes through the throttling portion, the plasma flow's speed is increased while its pressure is decreased. By varying the position of the throttling portion in the plasma channel properties of the discharged plasma can be changed. Plasma flows with different properties can be used for various applications, especially, medical procedures.

Abstract: A plasma-generating device comprising an anode, a plurality of intermediate electrodes, an insulator sleeve, and a cathode is disclosed. The plurality of the intermediate electrodes and the anode form a plasma channel. One of the intermediate electrodes forms a plasma chamber. The cathode has a tapering portion that projects downstream the distal end of the insulator sleeve only partially. Also, the distal-most point of the cathode is located some distance away from the plasma channel inlet. Methods of surgical use of the plasma-generating device are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasma-generating device, comprising an anode, a cathode and a plasma channel which in its longitudinal direction extends at least partly between said cathode and said anode. The end of the cathode which is directed to the anode has a cathode tip tapering towards the anode, a part of said cathode tip extending over a partial length of a plasma chamber connected to the plasma channel. The plasma chamber has a cross-sectional surface, transversely to the longitudinal direction of the plasma channel, which exceeds the cross-sectional surface, transversely to the longitudinal direction of the plasma channel, of an opening, positioned closest to the cathode, of the plasma channel. The invention also concerns a plasma surgical device and use of such a plasma surgical device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasma-generating device comprising an anode, a cathode and an elongate plasma channel which extends substantially in the direction from said cathode to said anode. The plasma channel has a throttling portion which is arranged in said plasma channel between said cathode and an outlet opening arranged in said anode.

Abstract: A device and a method for generating a truly pulsed plasma flow are disclosed. The device includes a cathode assembly comprising a cathode and a cathode holder, an anode, and two or more intermediate electrodes, the anode and the intermediate electrodes forming a plasma channel expanding toward the anode. The intermediate electrode closest to the cathode may form a plasma chamber around the cathode tip. An extension nozzle forming an extension channel having a tubular insulator along at least a portion of its interior surface is affixed to the anode end of the device. During operation, a voltage is applied between the cathode and the anode and a current is passed through the cathode, the plasma, and the anode. The voltage and current profiles are selected to cause the rapid development of a plasma flow with required characteristics. A substantially uniform temperature and power density distribution of the plasma pulse is achieved in the extension nozzle.

Abstract: A plasma surgical device for reducing bleeding in live tissue by means of a gas plasma. The device comprises a plasma-generating system having an anode (1), a cathode (8) and a gas supply channel (17) for supplying gas to the plasma-generating system, the plasma-generating system comprising at least one electrode (3, 5), which is arranged between said cathode (8) said anode (1), and the plasma-generating system being enclosed by a housing (12) of an electrically conductive material, which is connected to the anode (1). The device is characterised in that said housing (12) forms said gas supply channel (17).