Patent ID: 8388618

Claim:
An apparatus for treating mucus membrane bleeding of the aerodigestive and gastrointestinal tracts, comprising: a first electrode configured to receive power from an alternating current power supply, wherein the power supply is configured to supply a voltage of alternating electrical potential to generate a non-thermal plasma in a location proximate to the first electrode, wherein the non-thermal plasma that is generated is capable of being placed in an appropriate location to an area in which a mucus membrane is bleeding; and a dielectric at least partially encapsulating the first electrode, wherein the dielectric is configured to reduce the likelihood of an arc when a plasma is formed; a fiberoptic waveguide to transmit images to a user of the apparatus; and: (a) a vacuum line to provide for a vacuum, configured to remove particles, debris, blood, or any combination thereof; or (b) a pressure line to provide for a source of pressurized gas, configured to provide a positive pressure source to a site in which the mucus membrane is bleeding; or (c) both (a) and (b).