Abstract: Symmetrical and asymmetrical snares are used for endoscopically controlled methods by which tumors in hollow organs of the gastrointestinal tract can be ensnared and RF-surgically removed from the organ wall for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes. These snares are characterised in that one of the two snare portions, in the case of asymmetrical snares the longer of the two snare portions, is completely electrically insulated or is made from electrically non-conductive material and that the other of the two snare portions is made from electrically conductive material and its surface is not electrically insulated. In one embodiment, the asymmetrical snare is characterised in that the long snare portion is so much flexurally stiffer than the short snare portion that it tensions the short snare portion like the string of a bow.

Abstract: A method for rinsing a field of inspection or operation during an endoscopic procedure includes filling a proximal portion of a conduit with a fluid quantity defining a slug of liquid and accelerating the slug of liquid using gas which is fed into the conduit upstream of the fluid quantity, so as to have the slug of liquid discharged from the conduit at a high speed.

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.