Abstract: Electrosurgical apparatus for performing at least cutting and coagulation of biological tissue, which comprises a hand operated electrosurgical pencil comprising an electrically insulated housing and an electrode with a distal end defining a tip, means for supplying high-frequency, alternating current, electrical energy from a generator through the electrode to the tissue and means for returning electrical energy from the tissue to the generator to complete an electrical circuit, switching means mounted on the housing for selecting the cut mode or the coagulating mode, which switching means is connected to an isolated low voltage, direct current circuit which provides an appropriate signal to control the generator in the cut mode or coagulating mode, respectively, whereby the generator supplies the desired high-frequency, alternating current, electrical energy to the electrode and current leakage is limited.

Abstract: A device for enhancing the safety and efficiency of a hand-operated electrosurgical pencil having an exposed electrode with a distal end defining a tip for cutting biological tissue, which device comprises a nose piece adapted to be mounted about said electrode and defining at least one pathway for a stream of gas which shrouds the electrode at or near the tip thereof, and electrosurgical apparatus incorporating the device and a method for cutting biological tissue using the apparatus.

Abstract: A device for enhancing the safety and efficiency of a hand-operated electrosurgical pencil having an electrode with a distal end defining a tip for cutting or coagulating biological tissue, which device comprises a nose piece adapted to be mounted about said electrode and containing conduit means defining converging pathways for streams of gas which impinge obliquely on said electrode at or near the tip thereof, and electrosurgical apparatus incorporating said device and a method for coagulating or cutting biological tissue using said apparatus.