Systems, methods, and devices for generating predominantly radially expanded plasma flow

A plasma generating device, comprising:

• an active chamber having an inlet;
• a gas inlet configured to supply a gas flow to the active chamber;
• an anode and a cathode configured to establish an electric arc in the active chamber in response to being energized by current having a controlled pattern to generate a plasma flow from the gas flow;
• and
• an outlet configured to discharge the plasma flow to control heating of a portion of tissue by:
• discharging, during a first period of time, the plasma flow with a first shape to treat a portion of tissue, the first shape having a first active zone;
• and
• discharging, during a second period of time and after adjusting the controlled pattern of the current, the plasma flow with a second shape, the second shape having a second active zone smaller than the first active zone.

A method, comprising:

• generating a first current pattern configured to generate a first plasma flow from a plasma generating device having a first energy flux and a predetermined shape, the first current pattern including oscillations between a first base level and first pulse level;
• applying the first plasma flow from the plasma generating device to the tissue;
• generating a second current pattern to generate a second plasma flow from the plasma generating device having a second energy flux lower than the first energy flux, the second current pattern including oscillations between a second base level and a second pulse level, the second base level lower than the first base level and the second pulse level lower than the first pulse level;
• and
• applying the second plasma flow from the plasma generating device to the tissue.

A method, comprising:

• generating a first current pattern configured to generate a first output from a plasma generating device having a first energy flux and a predetermined shape, the first current pattern including oscillations between a first set of current levels,
• applying the first output from the plasma generating device to tissue to cause coagulation of the tissue;
• generating a second current pattern configured to generate a second output from the plasma generating device having a second energy flux lower than the first energy flux;
• and
• applying the second output from the plasma generating device to the tissue to prevent overheating of the tissue.