Abstract: A disposable wound treatment electrode is disclosed that is usable in combination with a releasable connector for enabling effective delivery of an electrical signal to a patient. The electrode and connector are configured so that the connector provides a readily accessible tool to facilitate disposal of the electrode after use, and a method of utilization for effecting this end is also disclosed. The electrode includes an electrically non-conductive cover sheet, an electrically conductive and preferably non-metallic disperser formed at least in part by carbon and having a portion, preferably integral with the remainder of the disperser, that extends through an aperture in the interior portion of the cover sheet, and a non-adhering wound contact sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating an electrical discharge in a formation of flowing inert gas disposed adjacent the end of an electrode by generating charged particles in the vicinity of said inert gas formation. The charged particles may be generated by various means such as an electron emissive filament, a radioactive material or an auxiliary electrical discharge located adjacent to the electrode but removed from the end thereof. The auxiliary electrical discharge may be in electrical series with the electrode and it may be located inside or outside the flow of inert gas needed to establish the gas formation at the end of the electrode.RELATED APPLICATIONSThis application is related to a first U.S. patent application Ser. No. 649,725 filed on Jan. 16, 1976 by Charles F. Morrison, Jr., Frank W. Harris, and Michael C. Patzer, entitled "Electrosurgical Method and Apparatus for Establishing an Electrical Discharge in an Inert Gas Flow" and a second U.S. patent application Ser. No. 649,682 filed on Jan.