An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue includes an elongated
flexible tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one
aperture located therein. The proximal end of the tube receives a supply
of pressurized ionizable gas and is disposed within a working channel of
the endoscope. At least one electrode ionizes the gas prior to the gas
exiting the aperture of the tube and an agitator causes the gas to exit
the tube with predetermined flow characteristics. In one embodiment, the
agitator includes a helically-shaped baffle disposed within the tube. In
another embodiments, the agitator can include a rotatable baffle having
apertures disposed therethrough for causing the gas to exit the tube in a
swirl-like manner. Alternatively, a pair of elongated ribbons can be
disposed within the tube which, under flow conditions, will cause
turbulence within the gas flow.