Abstract: This disclosure relates to a surgical tool that employs a jet of inert gas passed through a direct current electric arc which imparts thermal energy to the gas jet which is then ejected from a small orifice at a temperature sufficient to simultaneously incise and cauterize living tissue. The tool includes a tool body having a tubular anode therein with said anode having a cathode and cathode assembly therein, said anode and cathode being concentric with respect to one another and spaced from one another. Said tool body also includes a sheath therein between said anode and said tool body so that coolant is caused to flow in separate paths. In addition, a plunger is also provided to move the cathode longitudinally into contact with the anode so that, upon release and retraction of the cathode, an electrical arc is established so that inert gas flowing through said arc is ejected fron the tool as a hot plasma.