Abstract: An electrosurgical unit for conducting a predetermined ionizable gas in a jet stream to the tissue at a predetermined flow rate sufficient to clear natural fluids from the tissue and to substantially expose the tissue stroma and for exposing the gas to an electrical radio frequency energy to ionize the gas in conductive pathways in the gas jet stream. The unit includes a nozzle which is releasably connected to a handle for easy manipulation by a surgeon with the nozzle including means for supporting an electrode in an optimal position for initiation of the ionization of the gas. Also, a connecting system is disclosed for connecting the hose on which the handle is mounted to a gas delivery apparatus and supply or electrical energy which permits the hose to rotate while maintaining a positive hermetic seal to prevent the hose from kinking during use by a surgeon.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator in an electrosurgical unit (ESU) controls the repetition rate and the energy content of bursts of RF energy delivered to a gas jet supplied by the ESU, in order to maintain RF leakage current within acceptable limits while still achieving a sufficient state of ionization in the gas jet to reliably initiate the conduction of arcs to the tissue. The repetition rate of the RF bursts is substantially reduced in an inactive state when no arcs are delivered. A relatively small number of the RF bursts delivered during the inactive state have an increased or boosted energy content to assure an adequate ionization state in the gas jet.

Abstract: An electrosurgical technique of achieving coagulation involves conducting a predetermined ionizable gas in a jet to the tissue at a predetermined flow rate sufficient to clear natural fluids from the tissue and to substantially expose the tissue stroma. Electrical radio frequency energy is conducted to the tissue in ionized conductive pathways in the gas jet. To achieve fulguration, the electrical energy is conducted as arcs in the ionized conductive pathways. To achieve a non-contact type of electrosurgical desiccation, the electrical energy is conducted as a non-arcing diffuse current in the ionized conductive pathways.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator in an electrosurgical unit (ESU) controls the repetition rate and the energy content of bursts of RF energy delivered to a gas jet supplied by the ESU, in order to maintain RF leakage current within acceptable limits while still achieving a sufficient state of ionization in the gas jet to reliably initiate the conduction of arcs to the tissue. The repetition rate of the RF bursts is substantially reduced in an inactive state when no arcs are delivered. A relatively small number of the RF bursts delivered during the inactive state have an increased or boosted energy content to assure an adequate ionization state in the gas jet.