Abstract: A gas delivery apparatus used in gas-assisted electrocoagulation temporarily reduces a gas flow rate in a flowpath to an application which applies the flow of gas and electrical energy to the tissue during an arc initiation sequence. The reduced gas flow rate enhances the arc initiation capabilities and reduces the possibilities of embolism. After the arc initiation sequence is complete, the gas flow rate returns to a greater rate used during electrocoagulation. The back pressure in the flowpath and a user requested flow rate are control variables used to reduce the flow rate upon the occurrence of back pressure-related conditions and to increase the flow rate after the dissipation of those back pressure conditions.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator system includes an electrosurgical handpiece including an active electrode for receiving electrosurgical power from a generator, and cut and coagulation mode switches and a foot activated switch device also including cut and coagulation mode switches. A signal processor associated with the generator and connected to the handpiece and foot activated switch device monitors the states of the cut and coagulation mode switches so as to detect activation of any of these switches and, responsive to two successive activations of a single switch of the switches being monitored, provides control of the power produced by the electrosurgical generator by further activation of the single switch.