The Design of the PlasmaJet ® Thermal Plasma System and Its Application in Surgery

While cold-plasma discharges may have applications such as disinfection and wound treatment, they have insufficient power to produce a surgical effect. Here we discuss the use of a multi-electrode array designed to deliver an arc discharge with a much higher power density and the construction of the PlasmaJet ® system, which uses low gas flow and can deliver thermal plasma with the ability to cut and coagulate all tissues. In contrast to conven- tional electrosurgery systems that employ an external electrical current, the PlasmaJet system, with an electrically neutral energy source, provides a safer alternative. The results of tissue studies are presented, confirming that this thermal plasma has the ability to cut tissue precisely and with simultaneous coagulation yet acts quickly, with minimal damage to underlying and adjacent tissue. The clinical applications of this new energy source for surgery are discussed, and the first clinical experience suggests that this thermal plasma system has valuable applica - tions in surgery.