Abstract:
A multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory having a handpiece and an extendable probe assembly. The extendable probe assembly has a shaft member, a tube, an electrode, a spacer and a collet. The shaft member and tube each may be formed of a plurality of structures assembled together, each may be of a single unitary design, or both together may be of a single unitary design. The shaft member has an interior channel, a distal end and a proximal end comprised of a neck portion at the distal end of the shaft member, a grip. The elongated portion of the shaft is movable within the spacer between a first position in which a portion of a distal end of the electrode extends out of the tube and a second portion in which the distal end of the electrode does not extend out of the tube.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/983,448 filed by the present inventors on Apr. 23, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/050,584 filed on Sep. 15, 2014. 
         [0002]    The aforementioned provisional patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0003]    None. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0004]    The present invention relates to electrosurgical systems and methods, and more particularly, to a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory. 
       Brief Description of the Related Art 
       [0005]    The standard means for controlling traumatic and surgical blood loss are electrosurgical generators and lasers which respectively direct high-frequency electrical currents or light energy to localize heat in bleeding vessels so as to coagulate the overlying blood and vessel walls. Hemostasis and tissue destruction are of critical importance when removing abnormal tissue during surgery and therapeutic endoscopy. For monopolar electrosurgery electrical energy originates from an electrosurgical generator and is applied to target tissue via an active electrode that typically has a small cross-sectional surface-area to concentrate electrical energy at the surgical site. An inactive return electrode or patient plate that is large relative to the active electrode contacts the patient at a location remote from the surgical site to complete and electrical circuit through the tissue. For bipolar electrosurgery, a pair of active electrodes are used and electrical energy flows directly through the tissue between the two active electrodes. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,429,694 to McGreevy disclosed a variety of different electrosurgical effects that can be achieved depending primarily on the characteristics of the electrical energy delivered from the electrosurgical generator. 
         [0007]    Another method of monopolar electrosurgery via argon plasma technology was described by Morrison U.S. Pat. No. 4,040,426 in 1977 and McGreevy U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,175. This method, referred to as argon plasma coagulation (APC) or argon beam coagulation is a non-contact monopolar thermoablative method of electrocoagulation that has been widely used in surgery for the last twenty years. In general, APC involves supplying an ionizable gas such as argon past the active electrode to target tissue and conducting electrical energy to the target tissue in ionized pathways as non-arcing diffuse current. In U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0296848, Canady et al. described electrosurgical systems and methods using argon plasma during cutting modes of operation. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory. The accessory has a handpiece and an extendable probe assembly. 
         [0009]    In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is an attachment for an electrosurgical system. The attachment comprises an extendable probe assembly that may be connected to an electrosurgical handpiece, housing, connector or other apparatus. The extendable probe assembly has a shaft member, a tube, an electrode, a spacer and a collet. The shaft member and tube each may be forms of a plurality of structures assembled together, each may be of a single unitary design, or both together may be of a single unitary design. The shaft member has an interior channel, a distal end and a proximal end comprised of a neck portion at the distal end of the shaft member, a grip portion and an elongated portion extending toward the proximal end of the shaft member. The elongated portion has a shaft stop member and an alignment feature. The tube has an interior channel and has a proximal end secured within the shaft and a distal end extending from the distal end of the shaft, an electrode within the interior channel of the tube, and spacer and a collet. The spacer is movably connected to the shaft member and is comprises of a body having an interior channel for slidably receiving the elongated portion of the shaft member, the interior channel having an interior alignment feature for aligning the interior channel of the spacer with the alignment feature of the elongated portion of the shaft, a spacer stop member and an outer alignment feature. The collet connects the probe assembly to an electrosurgical handpiece, connector or other apparatus. The collet has an interior ridge for engaging the spacer stop member and having interior threads for engaging with threads on the electrosurgical handpiece. The elongated portion of the shaft is movable within the spacer between a first position in which a portion of a distal end of the electrode extends out of the tube and a second portion in which the distal end of the electrode does not extend out of the tube. The probe assembly may further comprise a heat resistant tube abutting a distal end of the tube surrounding the electrode. Further, the probe assembly may have a stiffening member over the abutment between the heat resistant tube and the distal end of the elongated tube. The shaft stop member may comprise a plurality of tines extending from a proximal end of the elongated portion of the shaft. The alignment feature of the shaft comprises a flat surface on the elongated portion of the shaft and the interior alignment feature of the spacer comprised a flat surface on the interior of the spacer. The outer alignment feature of the spacer may comprise a pair of ridges of different widths spaced on the exterior circumference of the spacer. 
         [0010]    The tube surrounding the electrode may be an assembly comprising insulating tubing, a heat-resistant tip adjacent to a distal end of the insulating tubing, a stiffening element over a joint between the insulating tubing and the heat-resistant tip and shrink wrap over a portion of the insulating tubing, the heat-resistant tip and the stiffening element. In an alternate embodiment, the tube 
         [0011]    The grip may comprise a collar having a plurality of depressions. 
         [0012]    Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description, simply by illustrating a preferable embodiments and implementations. The present invention is also capable of other and different embodiments and its several details can be modified in various obvious respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1A  is a first side view of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1B  is a top view of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 1C  is a bottom view of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 1D  is a second side view of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 1E  is a rear view of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1F  is a front view of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1G  is a perspective view of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2A  is a front perspective view of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a retracted position such that the electrode is exposed at the tip of the probe. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2B  is a front perspective view of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an extended position such that the electrode does not extend outside of the tip of the probe. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2C  is a first side view of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a retracted position. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2D  is a second side view of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a retracted position. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2E  is a front end view of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2F  is a first side view of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an extended position. 
           [0027]      FIG. 2G  is a second side view of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an extended position. 
           [0028]      FIG. 2H  is a rear perspective view of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a retracted position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2I  is a rear perspective view of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an extended position. 
           [0030]      FIG. 2J  is a first cross-sectional view of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a retracted position. 
           [0031]      FIG. 2K  is a close-up view of the proximal end of the first cross-sectional view shown in  FIG. 2J . 
           [0032]      FIG. 2L  is a close-up view of the distal end of the first cross-sectional view shown in  FIG. 2J . 
           [0033]      FIG. 2M  is a second cross-sectional view of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a retracted position. 
           [0034]      FIG. 2N  is a close-up view of the proximal end of the second cross-sectional view shown in  FIG. 2M . 
           [0035]      FIG. 3A  is a first side view assembly drawing of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 3B  is a second side view assembly drawing of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 3C  is a rear perspective view assembly drawing of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 3D  is a front perspective view assembly drawing of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 4A  is a first side view of a shaft of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 4B  is a second side view of a shaft of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 4C  is an end view of a shaft of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 4D  is a front perspective view of a shaft of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 4E  is a rear perspective view of a shaft of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 4F  is a first cross-section view of a shaft of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0045]      FIG. 4G  is a second cross-section view of a shaft of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0046]      FIG. 5A  is a first perspective view of a shaft of a keyed cylinder of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0047]      FIG. 5B  is a second perspective view of a shaft of a keyed cylinder of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0048]      FIG. 5C  is a third perspective view of a shaft of a keyed cylinder of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0049]      FIG. 5D  is a first side view of a shaft of a keyed cylinder of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0050]      FIG. 5E  is a second side view of a shaft of a keyed cylinder of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0051]      FIG. 5F  is a first end view of a shaft of a keyed cylinder of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0052]      FIG. 5G  is a second end view of a shaft of a keyed cylinder of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0053]      FIG. 5H  is a first cross-sectional view of a shaft of a cylinder of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0054]      FIG. 5I  is a second cross-sectional view of a shaft of a cylinder of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0055]      FIG. 6A  is a front perspective view of a collet of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0056]      FIG. 6B  is a rear perspective view of a collet of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0057]      FIG. 6C  is a first side view of a collet of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0058]      FIG. 6D  is a rear end view of a collet of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0059]      FIG. 6E  is a front end view of a collet of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0060]      FIG. 6F  is a second side view of a collet of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0061]      FIG. 6G  is a first cross-sectional view of a collet of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0062]      FIG. 6H  is a second cross-sectional view of a collet of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0063]      FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C  are perspective views of a top portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0064]      FIG. 7D  is a top view of a top portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0065]      FIG. 7E  is a first side view of a top portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0066]      FIG. 7F  is a bottom view of a top portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0067]      FIG. 7G  is a second side view of a top portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0068]      FIG. 7H  is a rear view of a top portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0069]      FIG. 7I  is a front view of a top portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0070]      FIG. 7J  is a top front perspective view of a top portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0071]      FIG. 7K  is a bottom rear perspective view of a top portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0072]      FIG. 7L  is a bottom perspective view of a top portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0073]      FIG. 8A  is a top view of a bottom portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0074]      FIG. 8B  is a side view of a bottom portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0075]      FIG. 8C  is a bottom view of a bottom portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0076]      FIG. 8D  is a front view of a bottom portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0077]      FIG. 8E  is a front perspective view of a bottom portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0078]      FIG. 8F  is a rear perspective view of a bottom portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0079]      FIG. 9A  is a top view of buttons and PCB board of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0080]      FIG. 9B  is a side view of buttons and PCB board of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0081]      FIG. 9C  is a front view of buttons and PCB board of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0082]      FIG. 9B  is a perspective view of buttons and PCB board of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0083]      FIG. 10A  is a side view of a connector of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0084]      FIG. 10B  is a rear end view of a connector of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0085]      FIG. 10C  is a front perspective view of a connector of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0086]      FIG. 10D  is a rear perspective view of a connector of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0087]      FIG. 10E  is a rear perspective view of a metal insert of a connector of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0088]      FIG. 10F  is a side perspective view of a metal insert of a connector of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0089]      FIG. 10G  is a rear end view of a metal insert of a connector of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0090]      FIG. 11A  is a first side view of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0091]      FIG. 11B  is a top view of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0092]      FIG. 11C  is a bottom view of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0093]      FIG. 11D  is a second side view of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0094]      FIG. 11E  is a rear view of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0095]      FIG. 11F  is a front view of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0096]      FIG. 11G  is a perspective view of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0097]      FIG. 12A  is a front perspective view of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention in a retracted position such that the electrode is exposed at the tip of the probe. 
           [0098]      FIG. 12B  is a front perspective view of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention in an extended position such that the electrode does not extend outside of the tip of the probe. 
           [0099]      FIG. 12C  is a first side view of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention in a retracted position. 
           [0100]      FIG. 12D  is a second side view of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention in a retracted position. 
           [0101]      FIG. 12E  is a front end view of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0102]      FIG. 12F  is a first side view of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention in an extended position. 
           [0103]      FIG. 12G  is a second side view of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention in an extended position. 
           [0104]      FIG. 12H  is a rear perspective view of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention in a retracted position. 
           [0105]      FIG. 12I  is a rear perspective view of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention in an extended position. 
           [0106]      FIG. 12J  is a first cross-sectional view of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention in a retracted position. 
           [0107]      FIG. 12K  is a close-up view of the proximal end of the first cross-sectional view shown in  FIG. 12J . 
           [0108]      FIG. 12L  is a close-up view of the distal end of the first cross-sectional view shown in  FIG. 12J . 
           [0109]      FIG. 12M  is a second cross-sectional view of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention in a retracted position. 
           [0110]      FIG. 12N  is a close-up view of the proximal end of the second cross-sectional view shown in  FIG. 12M . 
           [0111]      FIG. 13A  is a first side view assembly drawing of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0112]      FIG. 13B  is a second side view assembly drawing of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0113]      FIG. 13C  is a rear perspective view assembly drawing of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0114]      FIG. 13D  is a front perspective view assembly drawing of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0115]      FIG. 14A  is a first side view of a shaft of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0116]      FIG. 14B  is a second side view of a shaft of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0117]      FIG. 14C  is an end view of a shaft of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0118]      FIG. 14D  is a front perspective view of a shaft of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0119]      FIG. 14E  is a rear perspective view of a shaft of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0120]      FIG. 14F  is a first cross-section view of a shaft of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0121]      FIG. 14G  is a second cross-section view of a shaft of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0122]      FIG. 15A  is a first perspective view of a shaft of a keyed cylinder of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0123]      FIG. 15B  is a second perspective view of a shaft of a keyed cylinder of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0124]      FIG. 15C  is a third perspective view of a shaft of a keyed cylinder of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0125]      FIG. 15D  is a first side view of a shaft of a keyed cylinder of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0126]      FIG. 15E  is a second side view of a shaft of a keyed cylinder of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0127]      FIG. 15F  is a first end view of a shaft of a keyed cylinder of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0128]    m  FIG. 15G  is a second end view of a shaft of a keyed cylinder of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0129]      FIG. 15H  is a first cross-sectional view of a shaft of a cylinder of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0130]      FIG. 15I  is a second cross-sectional view of a shaft of a cylinder of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0131]      FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C  are perspective views of a top portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0132]      FIG. 16D  is a top view of a top portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0133]      FIG. 16E  is a first side view of a top portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0134]      FIG. 16F  is a bottom view of a top portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0135]      FIG. 16G  is a second side view of a top portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0136]      FIG. 16H  is a rear view of a top portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0137]      FIG. 16I  is a front view of a top portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0138]      FIG. 16J  is a top front perspective view of a top portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0139]      FIG. 16K  is a bottom rear perspective view of a top portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0140]      FIG. 16L  is a bottom perspective view of a top portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0141]      FIG. 17A  is a top view of a bottom portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0142]      FIG. 17B  is a side view of a bottom portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0143]      FIG. 17C  is a bottom view of a bottom portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0144]      FIG. 17D  is a front view of a bottom portion of a handpiece of an extendable probe assembly of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0145]    A multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is described with reference the drawings. In  FIGS. 1A-1G  the electrosurgal attachment  100  has a handpiece  700 , a gas supply tube  110  extending from the proximal end of the handpiece  700 , a connector  120  for connecting the gas supply tube  110  to a source of gas (not shown), an electrical line  130  extending from the proximal end of the handpiece  700 , a connector  140  for connecting the electrical line to an electrosurgical generators and an extendable probe  300  connected to the distal end of the handpiece  700 . 
         [0146]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the extendable probe  300 , shown in  FIGS. 2A-6H , has a tip assembly connected to a shaft  400 , a spacer  500  and a collet  600 . The tip assembly has an electrode  370  extending through a tube  340  (see  FIG. 2L ), a heat resistant tip  350 , a layer  342 , such as an adhesion tube or insulating layer, over the heat-resistant tip  350  and the tube  340 , a stiffening element  344  over the joint between the heat-resistant tip  350  and tube  340 , and a shrink tube  346  over the rest of the tip assembly. The stiffening element  344  strengthens the joint between the heat-resistant tip  350  and tube  340  to prevent the tip assembly from bending at that joint. 
         [0147]    The shaft  400 , shown in  FIGS. 4A-4G , has a collar or grip member  410  with a plurality of depressions or grooves  412  for gripping the shaft, a cylindrical neck  420 , and an elongated portion  430  having a plurality of engagement tines  432 . The elongated portion is predominantly cylindrical but has opposing flat sides  434  used for alignment with the spacer  500 . 
         [0148]    The spacer  500 , shown in  FIGS. 5A-5I , has a first cylindrical portion  510 , an annular ridge  520  and a second cylindrical portion  530  having a pair of different-sized ridges  542 ,  544 . The interior of the spacer  500  has a channel for receiving the elongated portion  430  of the shaft  400 . At the end of the second cylindrical portion  530 , the interior of the spacer  500  has a shoulder  532  for receiving metal contact  580 . The channel has two flat sides  512  for aligning with the flat sides  434  in the elongated portion  430  of the shaft  400 . While a shape of two rounded sides and two flat sides is shown here for alignment of the shaft  400  with the spacer  500 , other alignments designs are well-known and may be used with the invention. 
         [0149]    The collet  600 , show in in  FIGS. 6A-6H , has a body  610  having a plurality of depressions or dimples  612  on its exterior for gripping the collet. The interior of the collet  600  has threads  620  for engaging with threads on the handpiece  700 . 
         [0150]    The handpiece  700  has a housing having an upper portion shown in  FIGS. 7A-7L  and a lower portion shown in  FIGS. 8A-8F . The upper portion has a body  710  having a plurality of openings  742 ,  744  and  746  therein for receiving control buttons. The body  710  may have a recessed area  748  for receiving, for example, a product label. The upper portion has a ridge structure  712  along its sides and tabs  730  and  754  for mating with the bottom portion. The upper portion has a threaded neck  720  for mating with the threads on the collet  600 . The interior of the threaded neck  720  has a pair of different grooves  722 ,  724  for engaging with the ridges  542 ,  544  on the spacer  500 . On the interior of the upper portion adjacent each hole  742 ,  744  and  746  there is a part of support elements  743 ,  745  and  747 for supporting a PCB board and buttons for controlling the gas flow and the flow of electricity. The interior of the upper portion additionally has a support  752  for supporting the PCB board. The bottom or lower portion  800  of the handpiece  700  has a body  660  a pair of grip portions  862 , grooves  868  for engaging with tabs  730  in the upper portion, and a ridge structure  864  for engaging with the ridge structure  712  in the upper portion of the handpiece. 
         [0151]    The PCB board/button assembly is shown in  FIGS. 9A-9D .The PCB board  910  is supported in the hand piece by the support elements  743 ,  745 ,  747  and  752  in the handpiece  700 . Each button has an upper portion  922 ,  932 ,  942  that extends through a corresponding hole  742 ,  744 ,  746  in the upper body portion  710 , a flat retention element  924 ,  934 ,  944 , and a biasing element  926 ,  936 ,  946 . 
         [0152]    In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is system and method for connecting a probe assembly to a handpiece of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory. The distal end of the handpiece has a connector portion having external threads for mating with a collet on a probe assembly. The neck of the connector portion of the handpiece has an alignment slot with sides angling in from the open end of the slot. The sides of the slot are substantial straight and parallel to the length of the slot near the closed end of the slot. The angled sides serve to rotationally self-align a guide member on a spacer of the probe assembly to ensure that the probe assembly is properly aligned with the handpiece. The connector in the handpiece has an interior channel with a plurality of beveled shoulders to axially align the spacer with the handpiece. The spacer has a first end for inserting into the connector portion of the handpiece. The first end is beveled to provide initial axial self-alignment. The spacer has a beveled shoulder partially along is length to provide further axial self-alignment of the spacer with the connector portion of the handpiece. The spacer further has a stop member, which will be adjacent the distal end of the connector portion of the handpiece when the probe assembly is fully inserted into the handpiece. The spacer still further has a ridge parallel with its axis for radial alignment of the spacer with the handpiece. The distal end of the ridge is angled to provide tactile radial self-alignment of the probe assembly with the handpiece. 
         [0153]    A multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to  FIGS. 11A-17D . In  FIGS. 11A-11G  the electrosurgical attachment  1100  has a handpiece  1700 , a gas supply tube  1110  extending from the proximal end of the handpiece  1700 , a connector  1120  for connecting the gas supply tube  1110  to a source of gas (not shown), an electrical line  1130  extending from the proximal end of the handpiece  1700 , a connector  1140  for connecting the electrical line to an electrosurgical generators and an extendable probe  1300  connected to the distal end of the handpiece  1700 . 
         [0154]    The probe assembly has a collet  600 , a spacer  1500 , a shaft member  1400 , a heat-resistant tip formed, for example, form ceramic material, an electrode  1370  and a metal contact  1380 . The electrode  1390  has a plastic crimp  1390  near its distal end to hold the electrode in the center of the channel in the shaft  1400 . The shaft member  1400 , shown in  FIGS. 14A-14G  has a unitary design, for example, made of plastic, having a collar or grip member  1410  with a plurality of depressions or grooves  1412  for gripping the shaft, a neck  1420 , and an elongated portion  1430  having a plurality of engagement tines  1432 . The elongated portion is predominantly cylindrical but has opposing flat sides  1434  used for alignment with the spacer  1500 . The neck  1420  has a channel within it for receiving the electrode  1370 . 
         [0155]    The second embodiment has an alternative system and method for connecting a probe assembly  1300  to a handpiece  1600  of a multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory. The handpiece has an upper portion show in in  FIGS. 16A-16L . The lower portion is show in in  FIGS. 17A-D . The distal end of the handpiece  1600  has a connector portion  1620  having external threads for mating with a collet  1600  on a probe assembly  1300 . The neck of the connector portion of the handpiece has an alignment slot  1622  with side portions  1624  angling in from the open end of the slot  1622 . The sides of the slot are substantially straight and parallel to the length of the slot near the closed end of the slot. The angled sides serve to rotationally self-align a guide member on a spacer of the probe assembly to ensure that the probe assembly is properly aligned with the handpiece. The connector in the handpiece has an interior channel with a plurality of beveled shoulders to axially align the spacer  1500  with the handpiece  1600 . The spacer  1500  has a first end for inserting into the connector portion of the handpiece. The first end has a beveled portion  1536  to provide initial axial self-alignment. The spacer has a beveled shoulder  1534  partially along its body  1530  to provide further axial self-alignment of the spacer with the connector portion of the handpiece. The spacer further has a stop member  1520 , which will be adjacent the distal end of the connector portion of the handpiece when the probe assembly is fully inserted into the handpiece. The spacer still further has a ridge  1522  parallel with its axis for radial alignment of the spacer with the handpiece. The distal end of the ridge  1522  is angled to provide tactile radial self-alignment of the probe assembly with the handpiece. 
         [0156]    The bottom or lower portion  1800  of the handpiece  1700  has a body  1860 , a butterfly-shaped grip  1862 , a groove for engaging with tabs  1730  in the upper portion, and a ridge structure  1864  for engaging with the ridge structure  1712  in the upper portion of the handpiece. 
         [0157]    The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto, and their equivalents. The entirety of each of the aforementioned documents is incorporated by reference herein.