- Uses a coaxial flow of argon gas to conduct monopolar current to the target tissue
- the gas allows more accurate placement of the current flow
- can operate only in two modes: pinpoint coagulation or spray coagulation
- does not cut, even the most delicate tissue
- advantages
- allows use of coagulation without contact of the electrode – therefore no buildup of eschar (eschar resistant to current)
- ↓ smoke & odor
- ↓ tissue damage, as the current is more accurately targeted
- improves coagulation and ↓bleeding
- applications: eg liver surgery and endoscopy