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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.

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First Claim