SYSTEM COMPRISING A POWER SUPPLY UNIT, A PLASMA APPLICATOR AND A READ-WRITE DEVICE AND USE OF THIS SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for generating a cold plasma for the treatment of human, animal, or technical surfaces. The invention further relates to a use of this system.

[0002] Typically, a plasma applicator is connected via a cable to a power supply unit, such as a high-voltage generator, which provides a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a physical plasma. The power supply unit may include a control device that controls, for example, current, voltage, or treatment time.

[0003] A plasma applicator typically has an electrical core. An electrical core comprises a multi-layer system comprising the following layers arranged successively in the layer thickness direction: a first insulation layer, a first electrode structure, a second insulation layer, in particular a dielectric layer, and a second electrode structure. When a plasma applicator with such an electrical core is placed on a surface to be treated, the first insulation layer is assigned as the bottom layer of the surface to be treated. The second electrode structure is typically actively driven by a voltage signal and is often designed as a surface electrode. The first electrode structure generally forms a counter electrode and is connected to ground.

[0004] During operation, a voltage is applied between the second electrode structure and a counter electrode, which can also be formed by a surface to be treated, which voltage can be and typically is modulated.

[0005] The potential of the counter electrode can be a ground potential or a potential different from it. The applied voltage is referred to as the voltage signal, which can be modulated, for example, in a sinusoidal, triangular, or rectangular shape. Furthermore, the voltage signal can also be composed of individual pulses.

[0006] For simplicity, this description will repeatedly refer to a "driven" electrode structure. The voltage—i.e., the voltage signal—is always applied between the driven electrode structure and the counter electrode. Since the counter electrode typically—but not necessarily—is at ground potential, the simplified expression "the voltage signal is applied to the driven electrode structure" is used here to describe the fact that the applied voltage acts between the driven electrode structure and the counter electrode.

[0007] An electrical core typically comprises a ground terminal electrically connected to the first electrode structure and a high-voltage terminal electrically connected to the second electrode structure. At the ground terminal and the high-voltage terminal, the first and second electrode structures are typically connected via a cable to a power supply unit. During operation, the power supply unit provides a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma, which is then transmitted to the second electrode structure.

[0008] The second insulation layer is typically arranged between the first and second electrode structures and electrically insulates the first and second electrode structures from one another. The second insulation layer thus prevents a short circuit between the first and second electrode structures through galvanic isolation. By means of a voltage applied to the second electrode structure in the form of a voltage signal, a supplied gas or gas mixture such as air is ionized and converted into a reactive state in the enclosed gas space formed between the plasma applicator and the surface to be treated. A physical plasma is thus generated. The plasma is distributed evenly in the enclosed gas space and interacts with the surface to be treated.

[0009] Electrotechnical cores are also known that comprise only the second electrode structure and the second insulation layer. The second insulation layer is then located on the side facing the surface to be treated during operation. In particular, the first electrode structure is not provided in such electrotechnical cores; instead, the function of the ground electrode is realized during operation by the human or animal body or the surface to be treated itself. Such an electrotechnical core is described, for example, in DE 10 2017 100 161 A1. In this case, the surface to be treated forms the counter electrode.

[0010] In addition to the three states of matter: solid, liquid, or gas, plasma is referred to as the fourth state of matter. If sufficient energy, for example in the form of electrical energy, is added to a gas or gas mixture, some of the gas's atoms become ionized; this means that electrons are removed from their atomic shells and move around as free particles, leaving behind a positively charged atom. If a gas consists of a sufficiently high proportion of free ions and electrons, the state of matter is referred to as physical plasma. Physical plasma is therefore matter whose constituents are partially charged components, ions and electrons, which move around as free charge carriers.

[0011] Through collision processes, some atoms of the ionized gas or gas mixture are converted into an excited state. Upon de-excitation, these atoms release their energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation, whose spectrum ranges from the UV and visible spectral ranges to the IR range. The excited atoms and the ions can also interact chemically with each other and bond to form new molecules.

[0012] Plasma jets, torches, corona discharges, and dielectric barrier discharges (DBEs) are known for generating plasma. In dielectric barrier discharges (DBEs), plasmas are typically generated at atmospheric pressure, far from thermal equilibrium. An applied alternating voltage causes tiny discharge channels to form with each cycle. Since the discharge channels make up only a fraction of the total discharge volume and the duration of the discharge is severely limited by capacitive coupling, the average gas temperature in the discharge remains close to room temperature. Thus, a cold plasma can be generated at atmospheric or low pressure using dielectric barrier discharges (DBEs). Atmospheric-pressure plasma is the special case of a physical plasma in which the gas pressure in the plasma approximately corresponds to that of the surrounding atmosphere—the so-called normal pressure.If the gas pressure in the plasma is lower than atmospheric pressure, it is referred to as low-pressure plasma. Cold plasma, with a temperature below 40°C, is currently being investigated for applications in plasma medicine and has already found initial applications.

[0013] A primary goal of plasma medicine is therapeutic plasma application, i.e., the direct application of physical plasma to the human or animal body. The primary applications include plasma-assisted modification of biorelevant surfaces, plasma-based biodecontamination / sterilization, and direct therapeutic application to promote wound healing.

[0014] Potential applications include antimicrobial effects and the targeted and controllable modification of mammalian cells and tissue. Medical plasma applications are being discussed, particularly in the context of supporting healing processes, with a particular focus on the treatment of chronic wounds, the treatment of infectious skin diseases, and the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases (dermatitis).

[0015] According to current research, the key active components of cold plasmas are reactive nitrogen and oxygen species, UV radiation, charged particles, and electric fields. Reactive nitrogen and oxygen species are formed temporarily and locally by coupling electrical energy into non-biologically active gases (argon, helium, nitrogen, oxygen, air, and mixtures thereof) and by subsequent interaction with adjacent media (atmospheric air, liquids, surfaces). Electric fields and the signals they elicit play an important role in regulating the body's own healing processes. In the case of injuries, these signals are among the first the body receives about an injury. For example, electrical stimulation of wounds is a recognized treatment method that can specifically reactivate and maintain the body's own and physiological repair processes.

[0016] Of particular medical interest are surface plasma applications that allow human and / or animal surfaces, especially wounds, to be treated completely and homogeneously with a cold atmospheric pressure plasma.

[0017] DE 10 2014 220 488 A1 describes a device for generating a cold atmospheric pressure plasma for the treatment of human and / or animal surfaces. The device comprises a flexible, flat multi-layer system with one side facing the surface to be treated and one side facing away from the surface to be treated. The multi-layer system, which forms an electrotechnical core, comprises the following layers: a first electrode layer on the opposite side of the multi-layer system, a second electrode layer on the opposite side of the multi-layer system, wherein the electrode layer has a plurality of recesses or is formed in a grid-like or meandering manner, a dielectric layer arranged between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, and a spacer layer arranged adjacent to the second electrode layer on the opposite side of the multi-layer system and ensuring, during operation, a distance between the surface to be treated and the second electrode layer arranged at the bottom.

[0018] The device described is intended to enable large-area wound treatment, particularly wounds larger than 200 cm2.

[0019] To generate the cold atmospheric pressure plasma, a device as described in DE 10 2014 220 488 A1 is typically connected to a high-voltage generator via a cable to transmit a high voltage to the first electrode layer. Typically, the cable for transmitting the high voltage to an electrode layer of a device as described in DE 10 2014 220 488 A1 can be connected via a high-voltage-compatible plug-in device.

[0020] DE 10 2015 101 391 B4 describes a plasma generation device comprising an electrode carrier and a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode is arranged on or in the electrode carrier. It further comprises a high-voltage-capable plug-in contact connection for electrically contacting at least one of the electrodes. The plug-in contact connection has a plug and a plug-in socket for receiving the plug. The plug-in socket is fixedly arranged on or in the electrode carrier and is electrically connected to one of the electrodes.

[0021] WO 2016 / 182384 describes a plasma sterilizer with three electrode layers.

[0022] WO 2010 / 094304 A1 describes an electrode arrangement for generating a cold plasma.

[0023] WO 2016 / 055654 A1 describes a device for generating a cold atmospheric pressure plasma for the treatment of human and / or animal surfaces. The device comprises a flexible, planar multilayer system with a side facing the surface to be treated and a side facing away from the surface to be treated. The multilayer system comprises a first electrode layer on the side facing away from the multilayer system and a second electrode layer on the side facing the multilayer system. WO 2016 / 055654 A1 also describes a cable, a generator unit for providing a high voltage, and a system.

[0024] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved plasma applicator.

[0025] According to the first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a system according to claim 1 and by a use of this system according to claim 13.

[0026] The invention is based on the finding that the vertical integration of a conventional plasma applicator can be reduced if an electrical core is already designed to be touch-safe. If an electrical core itself can already ensure touch protection, a touch-safe enclosure, which is complex to manufacture, can be dispensed with and an alternative enclosure can be used that has only a single injection-molded layer and does not itself ensure touch protection.

[0027] The inventors recognized that an electrical core that is already touch-safe in itself can be used as a standalone module. This means that such an electrical core can be inserted into or arranged within various enclosures without requiring any special touch protection requirements.

[0028] The inventors further recognized that if an electrotechnical core comprises a third electrode structure on the side facing away from the surface to be treated, which fulfills the function of a ground electrode, contact protection and EMC shielding can be ensured particularly easily. The third insulation layer is then arranged between the second and third electrode structures and electrically insulates them from one another. Thus, the third insulation layer prevents a short circuit between the second electrode structure, which is subjected to voltage during operation, and the shielding third electrode structure through galvanic isolation. Preferred embodiments of the electrotechnical core according to the first aspect

[0029] As defined in claim 1, the system according to the invention comprises a plasma applicator with an electrotechnical core, wherein the electrotechnical core comprises three electrode structures. The third electrode structure is preferably designed such that it has a shielding effect. The third electrode structure is preferably designed as a surface electrode without large gaps. In contrast, the first electrode structure preferably has a special geometry and is designed such that suitably high electrical field strengths are formed at its electrode sections, preferably on the side facing away from the second electrode structure, so that a generated plasma is distributed as surface plasma on the side of the first electrode structure facing the body. This can be achieved by the first electrode structure having correspondingly large gaps, which, for example,can be formed by appropriate spacing between the electrode sections of the first electrode structure. The first electrode structure is the electrode structure that, in the application, is closest to the surface to be treated. During operation, the plasma forms directly at the first electrode structure, i.e., between the body and the first electrode structure. This works if the first electrode structure has recesses through which—considering the concept of "field lines"—field lines can emerge from the electrical core.

[0030] The first insulation layer is preferably formed from a biocompatible material.

[0031] The second electrode structure may also have a special geometry and in particular be arranged in a defined overlap with the first electrode structure.

[0032] The electrotechnical core can be designed to be flexible enough so that its shape can be adapted to the shape of a surface to be treated for plasma treatment.

[0033] The electrotechnical core can also be rigidly designed in a predetermined shape, which, for example, may already be particularly suitable for plasma treatment of a specific body part or a specific technical surface.

[0034] The basic shape of the electrical core can be, for example, square, round or any polygonal shape.

[0035] In one embodiment, the electrical core comprises a plug-in device, wherein the first and second contacts of the first and second electrode structures, respectively, form a first and second conductor track of the plug-in device. The conductor tracks preferably each protrude from the corresponding electrode structure on the same longitudinal side of the electrical core, from the longitudinal side thereof. The plug-in device preferably further comprises a tab, which is correspondingly connected to the second insulation layer. The first and second conductor tracks are preferably galvanically isolated from one another by the tab.

[0036] In one embodiment, the electrotechnical core further comprises a spacer structure which is arranged adjacent to the first insulation layer on the side of the electrotechnical core facing the surface to be treated, so that the spacer structure is located between a surface to be treated and the first insulation layer during a plasma treatment.

[0037] The spacer structure can be formed from a biocompatible material. The spacer structure can, for example, have a honeycomb shape, or an X-, O-, Z-, M-, E-, or W-shape.

[0038] A contact or an electrode structure of the electrotechnical core can also have at least one feature that changes upon initial use such that a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma can no longer be transmitted to the second electrode structure. This can ensure single-use of the electrotechnical core. Such a feature can, for example, be a tapered portion of an electrode structure, which is destroyed shortly before the end of initial use by a high current pulse that is then provided. The aspect of single-use capability will be discussed in detail below. Further aspects

[0039] In the following, further aspects are described which, each taken individually and independently of the other further aspects, can contribute to an improved plasma applicator without departing from the scope of the invention, which is determined by the claims.

[0040] As defined in claim 1, the plasma applicator of the invention has a feature that changes as a result of use such that a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma can no longer be transmitted to an electrical core. This feature is implemented on the electrical core or connectors of the plasma applicator in combination with, or independently of, the other aspects described herein.

[0041] This aspect, which in itself can contribute to an improved plasma applicator, consists in a contact or an electrode structure having at least one feature that changes as a result of use in such a way that a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma can no longer be transmitted to an electrical core. A feature that changes as a result of use in such a way that a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma can no longer be transmitted to an electrical core serves to ensure the single-use of a plasma applicator.

[0042] In an electrotechnical core, the feature that ensures single use is preferably implemented as a component of an electrode structure that is subjected to a voltage signal during operation.

[0043] In one embodiment of this aspect, the feature is formed by a taper of a contact or an electrode section of an electrode structure, which is destroyed shortly before the end of the first use by a high current pulse then provided.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, a memory can be provided, for example in the form of a memory module, the content of which is changed upon first use and which is read out before each application.

[0045] A plasma applicator having a feature ensuring single use may also have an electrotechnical core formed by a wire mesh, wire cloth or wire mesh.

[0046] Optionally, a plasma applicator having a feature that ensures single use can have an enclosure and / or a spacer structure and / or an access port for supplying or discharging a fluid medium into or from a gas space. Optionally, a plasma applicator having a feature that ensures single use can also have an integrated power supply unit.

[0047] A plasma applicator with at least one feature that serves to ensure single-use of the plasma applicator can also have at least one sensor that is designed to detect and output, during operation, measured variables relevant to plasma treatment and / or wound healing, in particular physiological and / or physical measured variables of a body section covered by the plasma applicator in the application case.

[0048] Another aspect concerns an enclosure with a pocket in which an electrical core can be removably arranged. An enclosure with a pocket can be implemented as a component of various plasma applicators and, among other things, can also be combined with the aspect of single-use.

[0049] According to this aspect, the object is achieved by a plasma applicator having an electrical core and an enclosure with a pocket. The pocket is preferably designed such that an electrical core can be inserted into the pocket and is then at least partially enclosed by the enclosure. An electrical core that can be inserted into the pocket is preferably designed according to at least one of the described embodiments of the first aspect. However, an electrical core that can be inserted into the pocket can also be an electrical core designed differently from the first aspect. Such an electrical core can, for example, be an electrical core that only comprises a second electrode structure and a second insulation layer.It is also conceivable for an electrical core that can be inserted into a pocket to have only a first insulation layer, a first electrode structure, a second insulation layer, and a second electrode structure. A plasma applicator that has an enclosure with a pocket can also have an electrical core that is formed from a wire grid, wire mesh, or wire braid and is inserted into the pocket. Optionally, a plasma applicator that has an enclosure with a pocket can have a spacer structure and / or an access connection for a fluid medium. Optionally, a plasma applicator that includes an enclosure with a pocket can also have an integrated energy supply unit.A plasma applicator having an enclosure with a pocket can also have a contact or an electrode structure with at least one feature that changes as a result of use such that a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma can no longer be transmitted to the second electrode structure. The enclosure is preferably formed from a biocompatible material. In particular, if the electrotechnical core itself ensures contact protection, such as the electrotechnical core according to the first aspect, the enclosure can be single-layered and not itself contact-proof. The enclosure can comprise silicone and / or lacquers and / or a parylene coating. The enclosure can also have a region provided with barbs, in which the plasma applicator can be attached to a textile, for example a bandage.The plasma applicator can also have a separate layer with an adhesive layer on one side and barbed hooks on the other. The side with the adhesive layer can be attached to the plasma applicator, and the plasma applicator can then be attached to a textile with the barbed side of the layer. In principle, such a layer with an adhesive layer on one side and a barbed side on the other side is also suitable for use with any of the other plasma applicators described here that are intended to be releasably attached to a textile.

[0050] A plasma applicator with an electrotechnical core and an enclosure with a pocket can also have at least one sensor which is designed, during operation, to detect and output measured variables relevant to a plasma treatment and / or wound healing, in particular physiological and / or physical measured variables of a body section covered by the plasma applicator in the application case.

[0051] Another aspect relates to a plasma applicator arranged on a bag. The plasma applicator can be implemented in different variants and can, for example, also have an enclosure with a pocket and / or a feature that ensures single-use.

[0052] This aspect therefore relates to a plasma applicator with an electrotechnical core and an enclosure, which is fixed to a bag that is intended to enclose a specific body part, for example a foot, and thus form a closed gas space. The bag can be formed from a thin film. For a plasma treatment, a foot to be treated can be pushed into the bag. The bag can then be fixed, for example, above the ankle, e.g. by means of a rubber band or a strap, in order to form a closed gas space. The bag can have at least one hole, which preferably has a diameter of between 1 cm and 8 cm. The plasma applicator is arranged such that it covers the hole. The plasma applicator is preferably arranged above the hole such that the electrotechnical core is adjacent to the hole.On the side facing the hole, the plasma applicator can be fixed to the bag at the outer edge of the plasma applicator, enclosing the at least one hole. During use, an ignited plasma can enter the bag through the hole and interact with the surface to be treated. This enables large-area treatment, for example, of a foot or at least the underside of the foot.

[0053] Another aspect relates to an access port. An access port can be implemented as a component of various plasma applicators. For example, a plasma applicator having an access port according to this aspect can have an electrical core formed according to the first aspect and / or a pocketed enclosure and / or a feature for ensuring single-use capability.

[0054] According to this aspect, a plasma applicator therefore has an access connection, wherein the access connection is arranged and designed such that a fluid medium can be fed into or discharged from a closed gas space formed by the enclosure between an electrical core and a surface to be treated before, during and / or after a plasma treatment. A fluid medium is a gaseous and / or liquid medium and / or a liquid medium with added solid components in the form of, for example, soluble and / or insoluble microparticles. A plasma applicator with an access connection can be designed in different ways and, in particular, can be realized with different electrical cores. An electrical core of this plasma applicator with an access connection is preferably flexible and can be realized with various basic shapes, for example, round or square.An electrode structure of an electrical core of a plasma applicator with an access connection can have a specific geometry. If the electrical core has at least two electrode structures with a specific geometry, the electrode sections of the two electrode structures can, for example, be arranged in a defined overlap with one another. In particular, an electrical core of a plasma applicator with an access connection can have only a second electrode structure and a second insulation layer, or only a first insulation layer, a first electrode structure, a second insulation layer, and a second electrode structure, or can be designed according to the first aspect described above. An electrical core of a plasma applicator with an access connection can also be formed by a wire grid, wire mesh, or wire braid.A suitable electrical core can be manufactured, for example, by printing an electrode carrier, which represents an insulating layer, with an electrode structure on one or both sides. This can be done using a roller screen printing process. An access connection can further comprise a valve and / or a sleeve or a mating thread for a sleeve.

[0055] A plasma applicator with an access port may also have a contact or an electrode structure with at least one feature which changes as a result of use in such a way that a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma can no longer be transmitted to the second electrode structure.

[0056] Preferably, the enclosure of a plasma applicator with an access port at least partially encloses the electrical core. A plasma applicator with an access port can also comprise an enclosure with a pocket into which an electrical core can be inserted. Preferably, an enclosure of a plasma applicator with an access port is formed from a biocompatible material.

[0057] An enclosure can, for example, comprise silicone, lacquer, textile, and / or a parylene coating. The enclosure can also comprise a VAC film. If the electrical core itself is already designed to be touch-safe, the enclosure can be single-layered and configured such that it does not itself provide touch protection. The enclosure can also have an access port with which a fluid medium can be transported away from the enclosed gas space. A plasma applicator with an access port can also comprise an integrated energy supply unit. A plasma applicator with an access port can also comprise a spacer structure. The spacer structure is preferably formed from a biocompatible material. The spacer structure can, for example, be formed from a VAC foam.A plasma applicator with an access port can also have an adhesion layer, which is preferably arranged as the last layer on the side of the plasma applicator facing a surface to be treated and is designed to fix the plasma applicator to a surface to be treated. A plasma applicator with an access port can also have a plug-in device that can be firmly connected to the electrical core. The plug-in device is preferably tab-shaped. A plasma applicator with an access port can also have at least one sensor that is designed to detect and output measured variables relevant to plasma treatment and / or wound healing, in particular physiological and / or physical measured variables of a body section covered by the plasma applicator during use.

[0058] A plasma applicator with an access port can also be designed to remain on a surface to be treated for a longer period of time, in particular over the period of wound healing. Such a plasma applicator with an access port can be designed to seal a surface to be treated. In such a plasma applicator with an access port intended for sealing, the adhesion layer is preferably formed from a silicone or PU adhesive, and the enclosure from an air-impermeable material. In particular, the adhesion layer can comprise an adhesive that loses its adhesive properties upon exposure to UV light or contact with alcohol.

[0059] Another aspect relates to an integrated power supply unit. A power supply unit according to this aspect can be integrated into various plasma applicators. For example, the power supply unit can be integrated into a plasma applicator that has an access port and / or an electrical core configured according to the first aspect and / or an enclosure with a pocket and / or a feature for ensuring single-use.

[0060] This aspect can be realized by a plasma applicator with an integrated energy supply unit comprising an energy storage device electrically connected to an electrical core of the plasma applicator and configured, during operation, to transmit a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma to an electrode structure of the electrical core. The energy storage device can be, for example, an accumulator, a battery, or a capacitor. A power supply unit of this type integrated into a plasma applicator can be realized in combination with various plasma applicators according to the invention. A suitable electrical core can be produced using a roller screen printing process, in which an electrode structure is printed on one or both sides of an electrode carrier. The insulating layer between the two electrode structures is then realized by the electrode carrier.An electrical core of a plasma applicator with an integrated power supply unit can also be formed from a wire grid, wire mesh, or wire mesh. An insulation layer arranged on the side of the plasma applicator facing a surface to be treated is preferably formed from a biocompatible material. The electrical core of the plasma applicator with an integrated power supply unit is preferably flexible, so that the shape of the plasma applicator can be adapted to the shape of a surface to be treated. The electrical core of the plasma applicator with an integrated power supply unit can have at least one electrode structure with a specific geometry.If several electrode structures of the electrotechnical core have a special geometry, they can be arranged in such a way that the electrode sections of the respective electrode structures have a defined overlap with each other.

[0061] A plasma applicator with an integrated power supply unit can also have a contact or an electrode structure with at least one feature that changes as a result of use such that a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma can no longer be transmitted to the second electrode structure. A plasma applicator with an integrated power supply unit can also comprise an enclosure with a pocket into which an electrical core can be inserted.

[0062] Preferably, a plasma applicator with an integrated energy supply unit has an enclosure that at least partially or even completely encloses the electrical core. In particular, a plasma applicator with an integrated energy supply unit, in which the electrical core is completely enclosed by an enclosure, is suitable for implantation into a human or animal body for plasma treatment. An enclosure of a plasma applicator with an integrated energy supply unit is preferably formed from a biocompatible material. An enclosure of a plasma applicator with an integrated energy supply unit can comprise silicone, lacquer, textiles, and / or a parylene coating.If the electrical core of a plasma applicator with an integrated power supply unit is already designed to be touch-safe, the enclosure can be single-layered and not provide any touch protection itself. A plasma applicator with an integrated power supply unit can also have a spacer structure, preferably made of a biocompatible material, designed to create a defined distance between the plasma applicator and a surface to be treated, at which a plasma can ignite.

[0063] A plasma applicator with an integrated energy supply unit may also have an access connection through which a fluid medium can be added to or removed from a closed gas space formed before, during or after a plasma treatment.

[0064] A plasma applicator with an integrated power supply unit can have an electrical circuit, which is preferably connected between the integrated power supply unit and the electrical core and is designed to convert a voltage signal provided by the power supply unit into a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma during operation and to transmit the converted voltage signal to the electrical core. The electrical circuit is then integrated into the plasma applicator as a component of the plasma applicator. The electrical circuit can also be implemented as part of the power supply unit, so that the power supply unit is designed to provide a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma during operation.The integrated energy supply unit can also have a receiving coil arrangement electrically connected to the energy storage device and be designed such that the energy storage device can be charged by inductively transmitting electrical energy from a transmitting coil arrangement to the receiving coil arrangement in the plasma applicator. A power supply unit with receiving coil arrangements is particularly suitable for a plasma applicator intended to be implanted. In particular, if a plasma applicator with an integrated energy supply unit is not intended to be implanted in a body, it can have a plug-in device that is electrically conductively connected to the integrated energy supply unit and is intended to be connected to an external energy supply unit in order to charge the energy storage device of the integrated energy supply unit.

[0065] A plasma applicator with an integrated energy supply unit can also have at least one sensor designed, during operation, to detect and output measured variables relevant to plasma treatment and / or wound healing, in particular physiological and / or physical measured variables of a body section covered by the plasma applicator during use. Particularly when a plasma applicator with an integrated energy supply unit is intended to be implanted in a human or animal body, it can be advantageous for this plasma applicator to have at least one sensor. The plasma applicator can then remain implanted in the body for an extended period of time, which in particular includes the duration of wound healing, but can also include months or even years.During this period, the at least one sensor of the plasma applicator can detect and output measured variables relevant to plasma treatment and / or wound healing. The condition of a wound and / or the progress of wound healing can then be assessed based on these output measured variables. Particularly when a plasma applicator is intended to be implanted, it is preferred if measured variables detected by a sensor can be wirelessly transmitted and / or read out. For example, the plasma applicator can have an RFID transponder that can access data stored in a memory chip representing the detected measured variables and transmit them to a reader when a corresponding request is sent from a reader to the transponder.

[0066] Even if the plasma applicator with integrated energy supply unit is not intended to be implanted, but is placed or fixed externally onto a surface to be treated during use, it can be advantageous if it remains on a wound to be treated for an extended period of time after a plasma treatment, in particular over the period of wound healing, e.g. even for weeks or months. The plasma applicator with integrated energy supply unit is then preferably designed such that a surface to be treated can be sealed with the plasma applicator. In such a plasma applicator with integrated energy supply unit intended for sealing, the adhesion layer is preferably formed from a silicone or PU adhesive and the enclosure from an air-impermeable material.In particular, the adhesion layer can comprise an adhesive that loses its adhesive properties upon exposure to UV light or upon contact with alcohol. If a plasma applicator with an integrated power supply unit intended for sealing has at least one sensor, this sensor can be used to capture and output relevant measured values for plasma treatment and / or wound healing while the surface to be treated is sealed by the plasma applicator.

[0067] Another aspect relates to a self-contained, mobile power supply unit. The power supply unit according to this aspect can be used to provide a voltage signal to different plasma applicators. Such different plasma applicators can, for example, have an integrated power supply unit and / or an access port, an enclosure with a pocket, and / or a feature for ensuring single-use.

[0068] According to this aspect, the object mentioned at the outset is achieved by a self-sufficient, mobile energy supply unit with a plug-in device and an energy storage device for connection to a plug-in device of a plasma applicator and for providing a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma to a plug-in device plugged together with the plug-in device. The energy supply unit preferably has an electrical circuit designed to convert a voltage provided by the energy storage device into a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma and to transmit this voltage signal to the plug-in device. Such an energy supply unit is preferably designed as a self-sufficient unit only a few cubic centimeters in size, which can be mechanically and electrically connected to a plasma applicator and can be attached together with the plasma applicator, for example, to a patient.In contrast to a power supply unit integrated into a plasma applicator, the self-sufficient, mobile power supply unit according to this aspect is interchangeably connected to the plasma applicator. A plug-in device according to this aspect can be implemented in combination with various plasma applicators and, for example, can be connected to a plasma applicator that has an electrical core with only a second electrode structure and a second insulation layer, or with only a first insulation layer, a first electrode structure, a second insulation layer, and a second electrode structure, or that is designed according to the first aspect described above. A plug-in device according to this aspect can be connected to a plasma applicator that has an electrical core formed by a wire mesh, wire cloth, or wire mesh.A plug-in device according to this aspect can be connected to a plasma applicator having at least one feature that changes as a result of use such that a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma can no longer be transmitted to the plasma applicator. A plug-in device according to this aspect can also include a hose that can be connected or plugged into an access port of a plug-in device or a plasma applicator.

[0069] Another aspect relates to an electrical core comprising at least one insulated electrically conductive wire. The electrical core according to this aspect can be implemented as a component of various plasma applicators. For example, in plasma applicators that have an integrated power supply unit and / or an access port and / or a pocketed enclosure and / or a feature for ensuring single-use.

[0070] This aspect therefore relates to an electrotechnical core comprising at least one insulated electrically conductive wire which is driven during operation by a voltage signal, wherein the counterelectrode is then preferably realized by another insulated electrically conductive wire or by a surface to be treated itself. Preferably, an enclosure is provided to enclose the at least one insulated electrically conductive wire on a surface to be treated in such a way that a gas space that is as closed as possible is formed, in which a plasma can ignite during a plasma treatment. An enclosure can also have a pocket into which the electrotechnical core formed by the electrically conductive wire can be inserted. Such an electrotechnical core can be, for example, a wire grid, a wire mesh, or a wire braid formed by one or more electrically conductive, insulated wires.In particular, an electrode structure driven in the application and formed by one or more insulated, electrically conductive wires and another electrode structure, also formed by one or more insulated, electrically conductive wires, which realizes a counter electrode during operation, can jointly form a wire grid, a wire mesh, or a wire braid, for example by interweaving corresponding insulated wires of both electrode structures. It is also conceivable that an electrically conductive wire forming the driven electrode structure in the application and another wire, which realizes a counter electrode during operation, are arranged together in a cable sheath, but are galvanically isolated from one another.It is also conceivable for a simple electrically conductive, insulated wire to form a simple electrode structure without the wire being arranged in a comparatively complex structure such as a fabric or a grid. In the application, a counter electrode is then preferably realized by a surface to be treated. A plasma applicator with an electrical core in the form of an insulated wire can also be provided with a plug-in device of the type described here. Such a plug-in device can also have a feature that ensures single-use of the plasma applicator. An electrical conductor can also be connected to a mobile energy supply unit which, during operation, transmits a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma to the electrically conductive, insulated wire by switching a switching contact.A plasma applicator with an electrotechnical core comprising at least one insulated electrically conductive wire can also have at least one sensor which is designed, during operation, to detect and output measured variables relevant to a plasma treatment and / or wound healing, in particular physiological and / or physical measured variables of a body section covered by the plasma applicator in the application case.

[0071] A further aspect relates to a plasma applicator comprising an electrical core, an enclosure, a spacer structure, an adhesion layer, and a plug-in device. The plasma applicator according to this aspect can also comprise an integrated power supply unit and / or an access port and / or an enclosure with a pocket and / or a feature for ensuring single-use and / or an electrical core comprising at least one insulated electrically conductive wire or an electrical core configured according to the first aspect. To ignite a plasma, the plasma applicator according to this aspect can also be connected to a mobile power supply unit.

[0072] According to this aspect, a plasma applicator comprises an electrical core, an enclosure, a spacer structure, an adhesion layer, and a plug-in device. The electrical core is preferably flexible. The electrical core can be realized with various basic shapes, for example a round, polygonal, or in particular a square basic shape. The electrical core is preferably an electrical core according to the first aspect, i.e., it has six layers and is touch-safe even during operation. However, the plasma applicator according to this aspect can also be realized with various other electrical cores. At least one electrode structure of the electrical core can have a special geometry.If at least two electrode structures of the electrotechnical core have a specific geometry, the electrode sections of these electrode structures are preferably arranged with a defined overlap with one another. If the electrotechnical core has multiple electrode structures, an insulating layer is preferably arranged between each two of the electrode structures in order to galvanically separate the corresponding electrode structures from one another. Preferably, at least one further insulating layer is arranged on the side of the plasma applicator facing the surface to be treated and is preferably formed from a biocompatible material. The enclosure preferably at least partially encloses the electrotechnical core. The enclosure can be designed such that, during operation, it forms a closed gas space between the electrotechnical core and a surface to be treated.The enclosure is preferably formed from a biocompatible material. In particular, if the electrical core itself is already designed to be touch-safe, the enclosure can be designed as a single layer and not provide any touch protection itself. The enclosure can, for example, comprise silicone, varnish, or a parylene coating. The spacer structure is preferably formed from a biocompatible material. The spacer structure is preferably arranged on the side of the plasma applicator facing the surface to be treated and adjacent to the electrode structure of the plasma applicator facing the surface to be treated, and is designed to create a defined distance between an electrical core and a surface to be treated, and thus a defined gas volume in which a generated plasma can be distributed.The spacer structure can, for example, have a honeycomb shape or an X-, O-, Z-, M-, E-, or W-shape. The adhesion layer is designed to fix the plasma applicator to a surface to be treated and is preferably arranged as the last layer on the side of the plasma applicator facing the surface to be treated. The adhesion layer can, for example, be arranged on the side of the plasma applicator facing the surface to be treated, like a frame along the circumference of the plasma applicator. However, it is also possible for the adhesion layer to be arranged over the entire surface of the side of the plasma applicator facing a surface to be treated. The plug-in device is preferably firmly connected to an electrical core and designed to transmit a voltage signal to a driven electrode structure of the electrical core during operation. Such plug-in devices are described in detail below.The plug-in device is preferably designed in a tab-shaped manner. A tab-shaped plug-in device can be formed by extending the electrode structures and insulation layers of the electrical core onto this tab. The dimensions of the plug-in device are preferably dimensioned depending on the length of the creepage distances so that no partial discharges occur within a plugged-in device and a plug-in device during operation.

[0073] A further aspect relates to an adhesion layer for a plasma applicator, which is designed to simultaneously fulfill the function of a spacer structure. The adhesion layer according to this aspect represents, in particular, a separate product and can be used as a module together with differently designed plasma applicators. Such plasma applicators can, for example, have an integrated power supply unit and / or an access connection and / or an enclosure with a pocket and / or a feature for ensuring single-use and / or an electrical core comprising at least one insulated electrically conductive wire or an electrical core designed according to the first aspect.

[0074] This aspect relates to an adhesion layer for a plasma applicator, which is designed to simultaneously fulfill the function of a spacer structure. An adhesion layer according to this aspect is designed such that it can be used to fix a plasma applicator to a surface to be treated and then, during operation, a defined distance is created between an electrical core of a plasma applicator and a surface to be treated, so that a generated plasma can be distributed over the surface to be treated. Such an adhesion layer can, for example, be formed by an adhesive, in particular a silicone or polyurethane (PU) adhesive. An adhesive forming the adhesion layer can, for example, have a special geometry, for example a honeycomb pattern or an X-, O-, Z-, M-, E-, or W-shape, and can be applied to the side of a plasma applicator facing the surface to be treated.For plasma treatment, the plasma applicator with the applied adhesion layer is placed on the surface to be treated and fixed thereto using the adhesion layer. When in contact with the surface to be treated, the adhesive forming the adhesion layer adheres to the surface to be treated in a special geometry, creating a defined gas volume in the areas without adhesive, in which the generated plasma can be distributed. Alternatively, for plasma treatment, the adhesion layer can be applied to the surface to be treated, preferably around the wound to be treated, and then the side of the plasma applicator facing the wound can be fixed to the side of the adhesion layer fixed to the surface to be treated, facing away from the wound, creating a defined gas volume in the areas without adhesive, in which the generated plasma can be distributed.

[0075] A further aspect relates to an enclosure having insertion slots into which a power supply unit or a plug-in device can be inserted. An enclosure according to this aspect can be implemented in various plasma applicators, which, for example, have an integrated power supply unit and / or an access connection and / or an enclosure with a pocket and / or a feature for ensuring single-use and / or an electrical core comprising at least one insulated electrically conductive wire or an electrical core designed according to the first aspect. The power supply unit, which can be inserted into the insertion slots, can in particular be a self-sufficient, mobile power supply unit.The plug-in device, which can be inserted into the insertion slots, can be connected, in particular via a cable, to a more stationary power supply unit.

[0076] According to this aspect, a plasma applicator with an electrical core has an enclosure with insertion slots. The electrical core can be an electrical core according to one of the embodiments described here. The electrical core is preferably flexible. The electrical core can be designed in any basic shape. However, a square or round basic shape is preferred. The electrical core is preferably a six-layer electrical core, which is already designed to be touch-safe, according to the first aspect. At least one electrode structure of the electrical core can have a special geometry. However, the electrical core can also be four-layered and thus not touch-safe. The electrical core can also have multiple electrode structures with a special geometry.If an electrotechnical core has multiple electrode structures with a specific geometry, the electrode sections of the respective electrode structures can be arranged with a defined overlap. If the electrotechnical core has multiple electrode structures, at least one insulation layer is preferably arranged between each two adjacent electrode structures in order to galvanically separate the two corresponding electrode structures from one another. For example, a suitable electrotechnical core can be produced using a roller screen printing process by printing an electrode structure on one or both sides of an electrode carrier. The electrotechnical core preferably has a further insulation layer, which is arranged on the side of the plasma applicator facing a surface to be treated. This further insulation layer is preferably formed from a biocompatible material.The enclosure can be designed to completely enclose the electrical core. The enclosure can, for example, comprise silicone, lacquer, or a parylene coating. Preferably, the enclosure has insertion slots arranged on the side of the plasma applicator facing away from the surface to be treated and configured such that a power supply unit or insertion device complementary to the insertion slots can be inserted into the insertion slots to then be electrically connected to contacts of the electrical core.

[0077] A further aspect relates to an enclosure with absorbent properties. The enclosure may additionally comprise a pocket into which an electrical core can be inserted and / or insertion slots into which a power supply unit or insertion device can be inserted. An enclosure according to this aspect can be implemented in various plasma applicators, which, for example, have an integrated power supply unit and / or an access port and / or a feature for ensuring single-use and / or an electrical core comprising at least one insulated electrically conductive wire or an electrical core designed according to the first aspect.

[0078] According to this aspect, a plasma applicator can have an electrical core, an enclosure with absorbent properties, an adhesion layer, a spacer structure, and a plug-in device. The electrical core is preferably designed according to one of the variants of an electrical core described here. For example, the electrical core can be designed according to the electrical core of the first aspect and already ensure contact protection itself. A suitable electrical core can be produced using a roller screen printing process, in which an electrode structure is printed on one or both sides of an electrode carrier. The electrical core is preferably flexible. The electrical core can be realized in various basic shapes. The electrical core can have a basic shape that is, for example, round or polygonal, preferably square.At least one electrode structure of the electrotechnical core can have a special geometry. If several electrode structures of the electrotechnical core have a special geometry, these electrode structures in particular can be arranged relative to one another such that the electrode sections of the respective electrode structures have a defined overlap with one another. If the electrotechnical core has several electrode structures, adjacent electrode structures are preferably galvanically separated from one another by an insulating layer. Preferably, a further insulating layer is arranged on the side facing a surface to be treated and, in the application case, is located between a surface to be treated and the electrode structure which, in the application case, has the shortest distance from the surface to be treated.Even if the electrical core comprises only an electrode structure, an insulating layer is preferably arranged adjacent to this electrode structure on the side of the plasma applicator facing a surface to be treated. An insulating layer arranged on the side of the plasma applicator facing a surface to be treated is preferably formed from a biocompatible material.

[0079] The enclosure preferably completely encloses the electrotechnical core and has absorbent properties in at least a partial area. The enclosure can also have a pocket in which the electrotechnical core is removably arranged. The enclosure with absorbent properties preferably consists of at least one layer of liquid-absorbing and / or liquid-draining and / or liquid-distributing materials, such as textiles, gauze, PU foam, distribution layer, wound contact layer, or spacer structure. The spacer structure is preferably formed from a biocompatible material and can be implemented by the enclosure itself. The spacer structure is preferably formed from an air-permeable material. The spacer structure can also comprise gauze, absorbers, textiles, cellulose, or PU foam.The adhesion layer is preferably arranged over the entire surface as the last layer on the side of the plasma applicator facing a surface to be treated and is designed to fix the plasma applicator to a surface to be treated. The adhesion layer can also have larger and / or smaller recesses. The plug-in device can be firmly connected to the electrical core and is preferably designed in the shape of a tab. A tab-shaped plug-in device can be realized by extending the electrode structures and insulation layers of the electrical core in the shape of a tab. The dimensions of the plug-in device are preferably dimensioned depending on the length of the creepage distances so that no partial discharges arise within a plugged-together plug-in device and a plug-in device during operation.

[0080] Another aspect relates to a plasma applicator designed to remain on a surface to be treated for an extended period of time. The plasma applicator according to this aspect may also have an integrated power supply unit and / or an access port and / or a feature for ensuring single-use and / or an electrical core comprising at least one insulated electrically conductive wire or an electrical core configured according to the first aspect and / or an enclosure with absorbent properties and / or a pocket and / or insertion slots.

[0081] This aspect therefore relates to a plasma applicator that is intended to remain on a surface to be treated for an extended period of time and has an electrical core, an enclosure, an adhesion layer, a spacer structure, a plug-in device, and at least one sensor. The plasma applicator can be implemented with various electrical cores. However, the electrical core is preferably an electrical core according to the first aspect, i.e., six-layered and itself designed to be touch-safe. The electrical core is preferably designed to be flexible enough that its shape can be adapted to the shape of a surface to be treated. The electrical core can, for example, have a round, square, or other polygonal basic shape. At least one electrode structure of the electrical core can have a special geometry.If multiple electrode structures of the electrotechnical core have a specific geometry, these electrode structures can, in particular, be arranged relative to one another such that the electrode sections of the respective electrode structures have a defined overlap. If the electrotechnical core has multiple electrode structures, adjacent electrode structures are preferably galvanically separated from one another by an insulating layer. Preferably, a further insulating layer is arranged on the side facing a surface to be treated and, in the application case, is located between a surface to be treated and the electrode structure that is arranged at the smallest distance from the surface to be treated.Even if the electrical core comprises only an electrode structure, an insulating layer is preferably arranged adjacent to this electrode structure on the side of the plasma applicator facing a surface to be treated. An insulating layer arranged on the side of the plasma applicator facing a surface to be treated is preferably formed from a biocompatible material.

[0082] The enclosure at least partially encloses the electrical core. The enclosure is preferably formed from a biocompatible material. The enclosure can, for example, comprise silicone, varnish, or a parylene coating. In particular, if the electrical core of the plasma applicator is already designed to be touch-safe, the enclosure can be designed in a single layer and not itself ensure any touch protection. The spacer structure is preferably arranged adjacent to the electrical core on the side of the plasma applicator facing a surface to be treated. The spacer structure is preferably formed from a biocompatible material. The adhesion layer is preferably arranged as the last layer on the side of the plasma applicator facing a surface to be treated.The adhesion layer can, for example, be guided like a frame along the circumference of the plasma applicator on the side of the plasma applicator facing a surface to be treated and thus form an adhesive edge.

[0083] The plug-in device can be permanently connected to the electrical core. The plug-in device is preferably designed in a tab-shaped manner, in that the electrode structures and insulation layers of the electrical core are extended in a tab-shaped manner. The at least one sensor is preferably designed, during operation, to detect and output measured variables relevant to plasma treatment and / or wound healing, in particular physiological and / or physical measured variables of a body section covered by the plasma applicator during the application. For treating a surface over a longer period of time, which may in particular include the duration of wound healing, the plasma applicator can be designed such that a surface to be treated is sealed by the plasma applicator during the application.The adhesion layer is then preferably formed from a silicone or PU adhesive, and the enclosure from an air-impermeable material. In particular, the adhesion layer can comprise an adhesive that loses its adhesive properties upon exposure to UV light or contact with alcohol, so that the plasma applicator can be removed from a surface to be treated after a prolonged treatment. During the duration of a long-term treatment, measured values output by the at least one sensor can be evaluated, for example, as part of telemonitoring or home monitoring, and the wound healing process can be assessed based on these values.

[0084] A further aspect relates to a spacer structure for a plasma applicator, which is itself a plasma source. A spacer structure according to this aspect represents a stand-alone product and can be used as a module together with variously designed plasma applicators. Such plasma applicators can, for example, have an integrated power supply unit and / or an access port and / or a feature for ensuring single-use and / or an electrical core comprising at least one insulated electrically conductive wire or an electrical core designed according to the first aspect and / or an enclosure with absorbent properties and / or a pocket and / or insertion slots.

[0085] This aspect relates to a spacer structure for a plasma applicator, which is itself a plasma source. The spacer structure therefore fulfills the function of both a spacer structure and a plasma source. Such a spacer structure has at least one electrode structure and is preferably designed with a special geometry. In particular, the spacer structure can have a series of cavities or feedthroughs designed so that a plasma generated during use can interact with a surface to be treated. If the spacer structure only has an electrode structure, a voltage signal is applied to it during use to ignite a plasma. The counter electrode is then preferably realized by the surface to be treated itself. The spacer structure can also have an electrode structure driven during use and a counter electrode.The spacer structure can be formed, for example, by a flat cable that simultaneously serves as a plasma source. The flat cable can also be a two-wire flat cable. The insulation of a flat cable preferably has a thickness between 5 µm and several hundred µm, preferably less than 100 µm, preferably between 40 µm and 60 µm, and more preferably 50 µm.

[0086] At least those areas of the spacer structure which are in contact with a surface to be treated in the application case are preferably formed from a biocompatible material.

[0087] The spacer structure can be connected to a plug-in device. In a spacer structure with a plug-in device, at least one electrode structure of the spacer structure is electrically conductively connected to a conductor track of the plug-in device, so that when the plug-in device is connected to a power supply unit, for example, via a cable, a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma can be transmitted to the at least one electrode structure in the application.

[0088] In the application case, the spacer structure can be fixed to a surface to be treated by means of an adhesion layer. However, it is preferred that the spacer structure for a plasma treatment is fixed to a surface to be treated by means of a film, in particular a film that has adhesive properties on one side. The film is then pulled over the spacer structure and the surface to be treated in such a way that the spacer structure is fixed to the surface to be treated by the film. The applied film preferably forms a closed gas space in which a plasma can be generated in the application case and can interact with the surface to be treated. A film that does not have a surface with adhesive properties can also be used.Such a film, which does not adhere to the surface to be treated, can be fixed to the surface to be treated, for example, by an adhesive layer. Furthermore, such a film can be fixed to the surface to be treated by creating a vacuum in the enclosed gas space. A film can also be used in which, by bringing sections of this film together, an adhesive contact is created between these sections.

[0089] Such a film can be wrapped with an overlap around, for example, a part of a patient's body in order to fix the spacer structure on a surface to be treated and to form a closed gas space.

[0090] Another aspect relates to a plasma applicator designed to be applied in specific three-dimensional shapes to a surface to be treated. A plasma applicator according to this aspect may also have an integrated power supply unit and / or an access port and / or a feature for ensuring single-use and / or an electrical core comprising at least one insulated electrically conductive wire or an electrical core configured according to the first aspect and / or an enclosure with absorbent properties and / or a pocket and / or insertion slots.

[0091] A further aspect relates to a plasma applicator which is designed to be applied to a surface to be treated in a specific shape, for example the shape of a tent or a cone, for a plasma treatment. A plasma applicator according to this aspect has an electrical core, an enclosure, an adhesion layer and a plug-in device. A suitable electrical core can be produced, for example, using a roller screen printing process, in which an electrode structure is printed on one or both sides of an electrode carrier. The basic shape of the plasma applicator can result in particular from the three-dimensional shape into which the plasma applicator is to be brought for a plasma treatment.For example, if the plasma applicator is intended to be conical for plasma treatment, the basic shape of the plasma applicator can correspond to the rolled-out surface of the cone. Such a plasma applicator is preferably flexible in its shape. A flexible plasma applicator can, for example, be wrapped around a tube or cable of an existing patient access for plasma treatment, without the need to remove the existing access to the body to be treated for plasma treatment.

[0092] However, the plasma applicator can also have a rigid shape, for example, the shape of a cone. In particular, such a plasma applicator with a rigid shape can have a hole or slot through which a hose or cable can be passed. Such a hole or slot can be located, for example, at the cone tip or in the outer surface of a conical plasma applicator.

[0093] At least one electrode structure of the electrotechnical core can have a specific geometry. If multiple electrode structures of the electrotechnical core have a specific geometry, the electrode sections of the respective electrode structures are preferably arranged with a defined overlap. An insulating layer is preferably arranged between adjacent electrode structures, which is designed to galvanically separate the two adjacent electrode structures from one another. On the side facing a surface to be treated, the plasma applicator preferably has a further insulating layer, preferably formed from a biocompatible material.

[0094] The enclosure can partially or even completely enclose the electrical core. The enclosure is preferably made of a biocompatible material. If the electrical core itself is already designed to be touch-safe, it may be sufficient for the enclosure to be formed from just one layer and not itself to provide any protection against contact. The enclosure can, for example, comprise silicone, varnish, textiles and / or a parylene coating. The adhesion layer is preferably arranged such that the plasma applicator can be fixed in the shape intended for plasma treatment on a surface to be treated. If, for example, the plasma applicator is intended to be applied in a conical shape to a surface to be treated, the adhesion layer is preferably arranged on the side of the lateral surface facing the surface to be treated.

[0095] A further aspect relates to a plasma applicator that is particularly suitable for the treatment of large-area wounds with an area of several and / or several square decimeters (e.g., burns, and in particular large-area burns). Such a plasma applicator may also have an integrated power supply unit and / or an access port and / or a feature for ensuring single-use and / or an electrotechnical core comprising at least one insulated electrically conductive wire and / or an enclosure with absorbent properties and / or a pocket and / or with insertion slots.

[0096] A further aspect relates to a plasma applicator which is particularly suitable for the treatment of large wounds (e.g., large burns). The plasma applicator is suitable for being attached to a carrier material with the side facing away from the surface to be treated and for use together with this carrier material. A carrier material can be, for example, a rescue blanket, a bandage, or a large film. The plasma applicator according to this aspect has an electrical core, an enclosure, and an adhesion layer. Preferably, the plasma applicator further comprises an integrated power supply unit. A suitable electrical core can be produced, for example, using a roller screen printing process.The electrotechnical core can also have at least one layer in which a plurality of independent electrode structures are arranged and not electrically connected to one another, each forming electrically independent treatment regions. The plurality of electrode structures within a layer can be controlled at different times, i.e. in a cascaded manner. However, the electrotechnical core is preferably an electrotechnical core according to the first aspect and is itself already safe to touch. The electrotechnical core can also be implemented in various basic forms. At least one electrode structure of the electrotechnical core can have a special geometry. If a plurality of electrode structures of the electrotechnical core have a special geometry, these electrode structures in particular can be arranged relative to one another such that the electrode sections of the respective electrode structures have a defined overlap with one another.If the electrotechnical core has multiple electrode structures, adjacent electrode structures are preferably galvanically separated from one another by an insulating layer. Preferably, at least one further insulating layer is arranged on the side of the plasma applicator facing a surface to be treated and is preferably formed from a biocompatible material. The enclosure at least partially encloses the electrotechnical core and is preferably formed from a biocompatible material. If the electrotechnical core itself is already designed to be touch-proof, the enclosure can be a single-layered enclosure and not itself provide any protection against touch. The enclosure can, for example, comprise silicone, lacquers, textiles, and / or a parylene coating.

[0097] The adhesion layer is preferably arranged as the last layer on the side of the plasma applicator facing away from the surface to be treated. The adhesion layer is preferably designed to attach the plasma applicator to a carrier material, for example, a rescue blanket or a film, on its side facing away from the surface to be treated.

[0098] The plasma applicator may also have a plug-in device, preferably in the shape of a tab. The plug-in device may be permanently connected to the electrical core.

[0099] The optional energy supply unit integrated into the plasma applicator comprises an energy source, which can be an accumulator, a battery, or a capacitor. The energy supply unit is preferably connected to an electrode structure of the electrical core and is designed to provide a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma. The energy supply unit can have an electrical circuit designed to convert a voltage signal into a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma. The integrated energy supply unit can also have a receiving coil arrangement electrically connected to the energy storage device and be designed such that the energy storage device can be charged by inductively transmitting electrical energy from a transmitting coil arrangement to the receiving coil arrangement in the plasma applicator.If the plasma applicator has a plug-in device, the plug-in device is preferably electrically conductively connected to the power supply unit, so that the energy source, in particular a rechargeable battery or a capacitor, of the power supply unit can be charged by connecting the plug-in device to an external power supply unit. Preferred designs of a plasma applicator

[0100] In a variant in which a plasma applicator has an enclosure, this can be formed from a biocompatible material, such as medical silicone, a varnish, an adhesive, a film, a textile, a compression textile or organic material such as gauze, cellulose or cotton.

[0101] In an embodiment variant in which a plasma applicator has an enclosure, the enclosure of the plasma applicator can comprise at least one layer of liquid-absorbing and / or liquid-discharging and / or liquid-distributing materials.

[0102] In one embodiment in which a plasma applicator has an access port, the access port is arranged and configured such that a fluid medium can be fed into or discharged from a closed gas space formed by the enclosure between the electrical core and a surface to be treated during a plasma treatment. A fluid medium is a gaseous or liquid medium.

[0103] In a variant embodiment in which a plasma applicator has an enclosure, the enclosure of the plasma applicator can comprise insertion slots which are arranged on the side of the plasma applicator facing away from the surface to be treated and are designed such that a power supply unit or insertion device complementary to the insertion slots can be inserted into the insertion slots in order to then be electrically connected to the contacts of the electrotechnical core.

[0104] A plasma applicator described here and also another plasma applicator may have a part of a hook and loop fastener provided with barbs on a side of the plasma applicator facing a surface to be treated.

[0105] In an embodiment in which a plasma applicator has an integrated energy supply unit, the energy supply unit can comprise an energy storage device which is electrically connected to the contacts of the electrotechnical core in order to transmit a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma to the second electrode structure during operation.

[0106] In one embodiment in which a plasma applicator has an integrated energy supply unit, the integrated energy supply unit can have an electrical circuit which is designed to convert a voltage provided by the energy storage device into a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma and to transmit this voltage signal to the contact of the second electrode structure.

[0107] In a variant embodiment in which a plasma applicator has an energy absorption device electrically connected to at least the contact of the second electrode structure, the energy absorption device can contain one or more receiving coil assemblies. By means of electromagnetic induction, electrical energy can be transferred from a transmitting coil assemblies of an energy delivery device to the receiving coil assemblies in the plasma applicator. Plasma treatment

[0108] A plasma treatment with a plasma applicator is carried out over a specific treatment time. This treatment time is typically 1 to 10 minutes, preferably 2 minutes. If the plasma is provided in pulsed form during the plasma treatment, the cumulative time during which plasma is actually ignited during a plasma treatment corresponds to a comparatively small proportion, for example 10%, of the total duration of a plasma treatment. If the total duration of a plasma treatment is, for example, two minutes and a pulse from plasma on to plasma off is equal to 1 to 9, a plasma is therefore only ignited for a cumulative time period of 12 seconds. The use of the plasma applicator typically ends with the end of the plasma treatment.Although the use of a plasma applicator is limited to the duration of a plasma treatment, a plasma applicator can be applied to a surface to be treated before and after a plasma treatment. For example, it can be beneficial for the treatment success if a plasma applicator is applied over a wound for some time after a plasma treatment. For example, after a one-minute plasma treatment, a plasma applicator can remain over the wound for a further five minutes to improve the treatment success. Wearing a plasma applicator over a longer period of time can be advantageous, as a plasma applicator covers the surface to be treated and seals off a wound area from recolonization by external microorganisms. If a plasma applicator is applied over a longer period of time, e.g.If the plasma is applied to a wound over several days or even several weeks, it is advantageous if a plasma applicator is designed in such a way that a plasma treatment can be carried out several times with the plasma applicator.

[0109] First use of a plasma applicator refers to the first plasma treatment performed with the plasma applicator. Plasma applicator

[0110] A plasma applicator is primarily used for treating human or animal surfaces. A plasma applicator is particularly suitable for treating wounds, such as chronic and / or post-operative wounds. Furthermore, a plasma applicator is also suitable for treating burns, abrasions, etc. Its use for disinfection, wrinkle treatment, scar reduction, and / or other cosmetic treatments is also conceivable. Application in the field of plasma treatment of technical surfaces is also possible. For example, technical surfaces can be refined through plasma treatment. In this context, plasma activation, plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition, and physical vapor deposition are the primary active principles.

[0111] For the plasma treatment of a human, animal or technical surface, a plasma applicator is preferably mounted in such a way that the electrotechnical core is located on or near the human, animal or technical surface to be treated. Further preferred embodiments of a plasma applicator

[0112] A plasma applicator may comprise an electrical core and a connector, an enclosure, and an adhesion layer. The connector is then preferably electrically connected to at least one electrode structure of the electrical core and is suitable for transmitting voltage signals, preferably with an amplitude in the range of several hundred volts up to 10 kV.

[0113] A plasma applicator can have a flat electrical core with at least one electrode structure. Such a plasma applicator preferably comprises a plug-in device that is electrically conductively connected to at least one electrode structure for transmitting a voltage signal to the at least one electrode structure.

[0114] A plasma applicator can be designed in such a way that it can adapt flexibly, particularly in a form-fitting manner, to any curved surface and can thus also be used for plasma treatment of difficult-to-treat skin areas, such as the foot. In such a design variant, the plasma applicator has an electrical core that can be flexibly shaped into a corresponding shape.

[0115] Alternatively, a plasma applicator can be designed not to be flexible and bendable, but rather rigid with a predetermined shape. In this case, an electrical core can have at least one layer or structure that is not flexible and provides the plasma applicator with a rigid shape. The predetermined shape is advantageously adapted for use of the plasma applicator on a specially shaped surface or on a specific body part. A plasma applicator with a rigid shape can be advantageous, for example, for fixation to soft tissue or soft wound structures.

[0116] A plasma applicator can also be designed to be attached conically around a hose or cable. In this case, a plasma applicator is preferably placed around a hose or cable, so that a closed gas space is created under a plasma applicator in the shape of a cone, with the surface to be treated lying beneath the cone and a plasma being ignited in the closed gas space between the interior of the cone and the surface to be treated. Advantageously, it is then not necessary to remove an already established access to the body to be treated in order to perform treatment with a plasma applicator at the access to the body to be treated. If it is known before establishing an access that treatment with a plasma applicator is to take place, it can be advantageous for a plasma applicator to have a hole or a slit, e.g.in a conical tip through which a cable or tube can be passed. This allows access to be established initially and plasma treatment to be performed at a later time without having to remove the access.

[0117] It can be advantageous if a wound contact surface of a plasma applicator or a plasma applicator itself is designed to be scalable. A scalable plasma applicator can have a variety of shapes, such as square, round, figure-8 ( butterfly), or a shape adapted to specific body structures, e.g., the area under the breast or the heel. In particular, the wound contact surface of a plasma applicator can be scalable in the range from a few centimeters to many tens of centimeters. It is preferred that a plasma applicator with an area larger than approximately 20 cm by 20 cm is preferably rectangular or round. A plasma applicator with a smaller area is particularly suitable for having a shape adapted to specific body structures. Electrical engineering core

[0118] For the purposes of this description, a multilayer system consisting of adjacent electrode structures and insulation layers that generates a plasma during operation is referred to as an electrotechnical core. The arrangement of the structures and layers in such an electrotechnical core can vary in different electrotechnical cores. In different variants of an electrotechnical core, the individual structures and layers can be designed with a closed surface or with a special geometry.

[0119] The following describes various preferred embodiments of an electrotechnical core suitable as the electrotechnical core of a plasma applicator described here and / or another. An electrotechnical core comprises a sequence of insulation layers and electrode structures arranged in a stacked sequence of adjacent layers, thus forming a multilayer system.

[0120] In one embodiment of the description, an electrotechnical core is flat and comprises at least one electrode structure, which is preferably driven by a voltage signal during operation, and at least one insulation layer, which, in the application case, is located between the driven electrode structure and a surface to be treated. In the application case, the driven electrode structure is thus located on the side of the electrotechnical core facing away from the surface to be treated.

[0121] Typically, an electrical core is rectangular in shape. In various variants, an electrical core is circular, oval, hexagonal, or another polygonal shape. In various other variants, an electrical core has a three-dimensional shape, such as a cylinder or a cuboid. In other variants, the electrical core has a shape specifically adapted to a certain body part (e.g., a heel, a finger, a breast).

[0122] According to the invention, an electrotechnical core comprises, starting from the side facing the surface to be treated, a first insulating layer, which is preferably biocompatible and thus particularly suitable for treating a human or animal surface. A first electrode structure, which is at ground potential, is arranged on the insulating layer. Following the first electrode structure is a second insulating layer, which is a dielectric layer and serves to galvanically decouple the first electrode structure and a second electrode structure arranged on the second insulating layer. In the application, the second electrode structure is driven by a voltage signal to ignite a plasma.

[0123] Furthermore, a third insulation layer and a third electrode structure are provided, wherein the third insulation layer is designed to galvanically separate the second electrode structure and the third electrode structure from one another, and wherein the third electrode structure is provided with a third contact in order to ground the third electrode structure during operation.

[0124] Advantageously, all layers and / or structures of an electrotechnical core are connected to one another in a form-fitting manner and without air inclusions, foreign bodies or foreign materials, at least by adhesion.

[0125] An electrotechnical core can also be provided with holes or feedthroughs in a partial area or even distributed over the entire surface of the electrotechnical core. The holes or feedthroughs can enable media transport through the electrotechnical core from the side of the plasma applicator facing the surface to be treated to the side facing away from the surface to be treated, or in the opposite direction, from the side of the plasma applicator facing away from the surface to be treated to the side facing the surface to be treated.

[0126] In a variant in which the electrotechnical core has holes or feedthroughs distributed partially or over the entire surface of the electrotechnical core, the holes or feedthroughs have a diameter of between 1 mm and 10 mm.

[0127] In a design variant in which an electrical core has holes or feedthroughs distributed partially or over the entire surface of the electrical core, the holes or feedthroughs are arranged in those areas where there is no electrode structure. The electrode structures are then not damaged when the holes are drilled or punched.

[0128] Preferably, the arrangement and diameter of holes or feedthroughs of an electrotechnical core with holes or feedthroughs take into account the creepage distances in order to enable homogeneous plasma formation on the side of the electrotechnical core facing a surface to be treated.

[0129] An electrical core described within the scope of this description can be produced, for example, using a dispensing process, 3D printing, or screen or roller screen printing. In this case, one or more electrode structures are built up step by step in several process steps. The electrode structures are separated by insulating layers. Conductive and electrically insulating material can then be dispensed or printed alternately. An electrical core described within the scope of this description is preferably produced using roller screen printing. Preferably, at least one insulating layer of the electrical core is formed by a film onto which further layers of the electrical core, i.e. electrode structures and / or further insulating layers formed by lacquers and / or films, are printed one on top of the other using the roller screen printing process.These insulation layers of the electrotechnical core, formed from a film and / or a varnish, preferably have a thickness of between 10 µm and 500 µm. The thickness of an insulation layer is preferably selected such that, in the application case, no breakdowns occur between the electrode structures printed on one side of the film or the varnish. To determine a suitable thickness, the dielectric strength of the varnish or the film from which this insulation layer is formed can be taken into account, among other things, as the size of the voltage that is present between the electrode structures printed on the film in the application case. An insulation layer formed from a film is preferably free of pores. pinholes called.

[0130] An electrotechnical core can be larger in its lateral dimension than an electrode structure of the electrotechnical core. For example, an electrotechnical core can have a footprint of 20 cm x 20 cm or even 30 cm x 30 cm or even larger, whereas the footprint of an electrode structure of the electrotechnical core is only 10 cm x 10 cm.

[0131] An electrical core with a larger area than the electrode structures of the electrical core can be cut to the desired size for plasma treatment. However, the minimum size is determined by the area of the electrode structures. Especially with an electrical core with a larger area than the electrode structures of the electrical core, the electrode structures can be arranged arbitrarily within the base area of the electrical core. Electrode structure

[0132] The following describes preferred embodiments of an electrode structure suitable as an electrode structure of a core described here and / or another electrotechnical core. An electrode structure described here is typically formed by an electrically conductive structure. The electrically conductive structure then represents an electrode structure.

[0133] An electrode structure, or in the case of multiple electrode structures, the electrode structures of an electrotechnical core are preferably flat and form a layer of an electrotechnical core. An electrode structure can be arranged on or in an electrode carrier. An electrode structure can be formed from a conductive material, in particular with a metal, for example in the form of a thin metal layer, foil, grid and / or from a conductive polymer layer. An electrode carrier can, for example, be an unprinted foil. An electrode structure, or electrode structures, can then be printed onto the unprinted foil or an alternative electrode carrier, for example with silver conductive varnish.

[0134] In one embodiment, for example, a 10 µm thick electrode structure made of silver conductive ink is printed directly onto one of the two sides of an insulation layer, in particular a dielectric layer, so that the dielectric layer itself is the electrode carrier.

[0135] An electrode structure of an electrotechnical core can also be formed from electrically conductive threads woven into a textile. In this case, the electrode carrier is realized by the textile, and the electrode structure is arranged in the electrode carrier. It can also be advantageous to form at least one electrode structure of an electrotechnical core from a conductive, preferably flexible material, such as a conductive plastic, a material enriched with conductive particles, a metallic foil, or graphite. An electrode structure designed in this way generally does not require an additional electrode carrier. An electrode structure designed in this way can be produced, for example, using a dispensing process.

[0136] An electrical core of the system of the invention comprises three electrode structures, wherein the second electrode structure is driven in the application case by means of a voltage applied with respect to ground potential in the form of a voltage signal. The first electrode structure and the third electrode structure are grounded. The first electrode structure in the application case faces the surface to be treated. The distance between the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure is preferably less than 1 mm, in particular less than 200 µm, preferably less than 100 µm. Advantageously, a smaller distance requires a lower voltage signal to ignite a plasma.

[0137] An electrode structure of an electrotechnical core can be designed as a layer with a closed surface that extends completely or only partially over the surface of the electrotechnical core. In particular, a second and a third electrode structure are preferably designed as such surface electrodes, since no electric field lines for generating a plasma should pass through these electrode structures during a plasma treatment. An electrode structure, and in particular the first electrode structure, which is located on the side of an electrotechnical core facing the surface to be treated, can also have a special geometry and be arranged within a layer. An electrode structure with a special geometry can, for example,Meandering, spiraling, formed by a surface with holes, square, U-shaped, E-shaped, M-shaped, L-shaped, C-shaped, X-shaped, or O-shaped, and extending laterally within a layer of an electrotechnical core of a plasma applicator. An electrode structure with a special geometry is preferably formed by regularly arranged electrode sections, which preferably form a regular pattern.

[0138] In one embodiment of an electrotechnical core with multiple electrode structures, in particular, a first and a second electrode structure have the same specific geometry, and their electrode sections are offset from one another with a defined overlap, arranged in different layers of an electrotechnical core. In particular, at least one insulating layer, e.g., in the form of a film, an adhesive, or a varnish, is located between two electrode structures. It may also be advantageous if the multiple electrode structures of an electrotechnical core have different geometries.

[0139] The overlap of the electrode sections can have a significant impact on the capacitance of an electrical core and the magnitude of the electric field strength generated by the electrical core during operation. When the electrode sections of a first and a second electrode structure are arranged congruently to one another, so that the electrode sections completely overlap, the field strength is typically small and the capacitance is maximum. Typically, the capacitance is greatest when the electrode sections completely overlap, while the capacitance decreases the less the electrode sections overlap. For plasma ignition, a high electric field strength with a short distance between the two electrode structures is generally advantageous. The greater the distance, the greater the amplitude of the voltage signal required to ignite a plasma.However, a comparatively small capacitance is advantageous because an electrical core then reacts faster and distortions in the voltage signal are weak due to a low capacitive component.

[0140] In an electrotechnical core of a plasma applicator, several electrode structures can also be arranged within one layer of an electrotechnical core. Each of the electrode structures represents an individual electrode structure which, in its lateral extent, extends only over part of the surface of an electrotechnical core. Preferably, the several electrode structures in this layer are evenly distributed over the surface of an electrotechnical core, i.e. over the surface of the wound dressing. The several electrode structures within a layer can all be electrically connected to one another. It is also conceivable that only certain individual electrode structures within the layer are electrically connected to one another, so that groups of electrically connected electrode structures are formed.Furthermore, it may be advantageous if electrode structures within a layer are not electrically connected to one another and each form electrically independent treatment areas. The multiple electrode structures within a layer can be controlled in a staggered manner, i.e., cascaded. Cascaded control can advantageously lead to a reduction in power consumption per time interval and / or to a reduction in treatment time.

[0141] The plurality of electrode structures within a layer of an electrotechnical core of a plasma applicator may be formed from the aforementioned materials and in the aforementioned shapes mentioned with respect to the previously described electrode structures.

[0142] The electrode structures described here preferably have a thickness of a few µm up to a few hundred µm.

[0143] If an electrode structure is not formed over the entire surface, i.e., not as a flat electrode, but has one of the special geometries described above, the thickness and width of the electrode sections of the electrode structure with one of the special geometries are advantageously selected such that the electrode structure is not destroyed by the thermal stress during operation of a plasma applicator, or the plasma applicator does not exceed a temperature of 40°C during operation. Unless the single use of an electrotechnical core is to be ensured.

[0144] The decisive material property here is the electrical resistance or impedance, which, depending on the material and geometry, should not exceed a certain value of generally a few ohms. Depending on the material used and its conductivity, the electrode sections of such an electrode structure advantageously have a correspondingly selected cross-section. Electrode sections with a width of 5 mm and a thickness of 14 µm have proven advantageous. However, these values can deviate from the stated values in various variants and still lead to material properties that are advantageous for special applications. For some applications, for example, it can be advantageous if the electrode sections of an electrode structure have a width of 1 mm and a thickness of 70 µm. For other applications, for example,be advantageous if the electrode sections of an electrode structure have a width of 10 mm and a thickness of 7 µm.

[0145] In one embodiment, an electrode structure is formed from long polymer coils. The interior of a polymer coil produced in this way preferably comprises a conductive polymer, such as silicone enriched with conductive particles such as carbon or carbon nanotubes. Preferably, a biocompatible material (e.g., silicone) is printed or dispensed around the electrode structure. Advantageously, an electrode structure produced in this way can have a variety of different shapes and is not necessarily flat.

[0146] In one embodiment, an electrode structure is formed by a wire grid, a wire mesh, or a wire braid. Such a wire grid, wire mesh, or wire braid can be formed by a single insulated wire or by multiple insulated wires. If the wires are insulated, a separate insulation layer in which the wires are embedded is obsolete. A corresponding wire grid, wire mesh, or wire braid therefore already represents a comparatively simple electrical core. A comparatively simple plasma source can therefore be realized using a wire grid, wire mesh, or wire braid. If a wire grid, wire mesh, or wire braid is formed by a single wire, a counter electrode is realized in the application case by the surface to be treated itself.If a wire grid, wire mesh, or wire mesh is formed by several wires, at least one wire can be driven by a voltage signal in the application and at least one other wire can be grounded, which then represents a counter electrode.

[0147] A wire of a wire mesh, wire cloth, or wire braid represents a comparatively simple electrical conductor. A wire mesh, wire cloth, or wire braid can also be formed from a simple electrical conductor in the form of at least one flat cable. A flat cable in this sense can have a square or rectangular cross-section. A simple electrical conductor preferably has an insulating sheath.

[0148] It is also conceivable for a plasma source to be formed from a single insulated electrical conductor, such as an insulated wire, without arranging it in a comparatively complex structure such as a fabric or grid. If an electrical conductor, such as an insulated wire, is placed over a surface to be treated and current is applied to it, the surface to be treated can act as a counter electrode, igniting a plasma between the surface to be treated and the insulated wire. In this case, an insulated wire is placed over or on the surface to be treated, such as in a loop or in one-dimensional form. Insulation layer

[0149] The following describes preferred embodiments of an insulation layer, which is also referred to as a dielectric layer in this description and is suitable as a component of a core described here and / or another electrical core. An insulation layer described here can be formed by an electrically insulating structure. The electrically insulating structure then represents an insulation layer.

[0150] In order to prevent a current flow between an electrode structure driven in the application and another electrode structure which is at ground potential, at least one insulation layer is located in an electrotechnical core between the respective electrode structures or the at least one electrode structure driven in operation with a voltage signal and a human or animal or technical surface to be treated.

[0151] An insulation layer can be made of plastic or ceramic, for example, or both. Preferably, an insulation layer has a thickness between a few µm and a few hundred µm. As with an electrode structure, the choice of insulation layer thickness depends on the electrical material constants, particularly the dielectric constant and the dielectric strength.

[0152] It can be advantageous if the thickness of an insulation layer is chosen to be comparatively small, for example, in the range of 50 µm. A small thickness generally results in a lower amplitude of a voltage signal being required to ignite a plasma. Furthermore, a small thickness can be advantageous to ensure high flexibility of the plasma applicator.

[0153] Depending on the application, e.g., for a plasma applicator with a rigid shape, a thickness of 200 µm or more may be advantageous. A thickness of at least 200 µm may be advantageous, particularly when using inflexible materials such as ceramics, which cannot be manufactured to any desired thickness.

[0154] Preferably, an insulation layer has a thickness of less than 1 mm, in particular less than 200 µm, preferably less than 100 µm.

[0155] Preferably, an insulation layer is formed as a full-surface layer.

[0156] Preferably, an insulation layer is pore-free, i.e., there are no or very few holes or cavities, so that no discharge channels form through the insulation layer. Preferably, an insulation layer has a dielectric strength of at least 5 kV per mm of thickness. Furthermore, it is preferred that the lateral extent of an insulation layer corresponds to the dimension of an electrode structure in an electrical core plus a projecting edge, wherein the edge is preferably dimensioned to cover at least the length of the creepage distances.

[0157] In one embodiment, the lateral extent of an insulation layer is selected such that no arc discharge occurs between a second electrode structure driven in the application and a first and / or third electrode structure at ground potential or a surface to be treated.

[0158] Advantageously, creepage distances can be reduced by at least partially enclosing an electrical core with an enclosure. In one embodiment in which an electrical core is at least partially enclosed by an enclosure, the lateral extent of an insulation layer can be dimensioned, depending on the enclosure used, such that an edge of the insulation layer projecting beyond an electrode structure is smaller than a creepage distance that would in itself dictate the amplitude of a voltage signal necessary to ignite a plasma.

[0159] A first insulation layer, which in the application case directly faces a surface to be treated, preferably comprises a biocompatible material such as lacquer, silicone, polyurethane, or coatings. Coatings can be applied using wet chemical processes, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PACVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), anodizing, or electroplating, for example. Plug-in device

[0160] Preferred embodiments of a plug-in device are described below. A plug-in device described here can be a component of a plasma applicator described here and / or another plasma applicator and serves, in particular, to connect an electrical core of a plasma applicator to a power supply unit by connecting it to a complementarily designed plug-in device. Since a plug-in device is a component of a plasma applicator, it represents an applicator plug-in contact device.

[0161] A plug-in device is preferably permanently connected to an electrical core, and in particular to a second electrode structure driven in the application—and, if present—to the grounded electrode structures of an electrical core. A plug-in device is preferably suitable for transmitting a voltage signal in the kV range, in particular in the range from a few hundred volts to 10 kV, to a second electrode structure.

[0162] A plug-in device preferably has at least one electrical conductor track, which is an electrically conductive conductor structure, which leads to at least one electrode structure. A conductor track is therefore in electrically conductive contact with an electrode structure, preferably arranged on a long side of the corresponding electrode structure, and preferably extends perpendicularly with respect to the long side of the corresponding electrode structure in a common plane with the electrode structure. If an electrical core comprises several electrode structures, at least one conductor track is generally arranged on each of the electrode structures. In order to electrically insulate the conductor tracks from one another, at least one insulating tab is arranged between each of the conductor tracks. This tab is preferably firmly connected to an insulating layer and made of the same electrically insulating material as the insulating layer.In particular, the tab can be an integral part of the respective insulation layer.

[0163] A plug-in device can be firmly connected to an electrical core, for example, by means of lamination, covering, gluing, soldering, or an alternative material-connecting method. A conductor track of a plug-in device preferably has a comparable thickness and preferably consists of the same material or materials as an electrode structure of a corresponding electrical core, and preferably has a conductance of a comparable magnitude to this electrode structure.

[0164] Preferably, an electrical core and a plug-in device are manufactured in a common manufacturing process. In one manufacturing step, for example, a conductor track and an electrode structure electrically connected to the conductor track are then manufactured simultaneously and directly as an electrode structure with a conductor track. In a further manufacturing step, for example, an insulation layer and a tab are then manufactured simultaneously and directly as an insulation layer with an integral tab, and an electrode structure with a conductor track is applied together on top of this. In such a manufacturing process, an electrical core with a plug-in device is therefore manufactured as a single product. An electrode structure with a conductor track is then made of the same materials and has a uniform thickness. In the same way, an insulation layer with a molded-on tab is made of one material and has the same thickness throughout.Advantageously, an electrical core and a plug-in device do not have to be manufactured in separate production processes and subsequently connected to each other.

[0165] Such an electrotechnical core with a connector differs from the previously mentioned basic forms of an electrotechnical core without a connector in that the basic form is supplemented by a tab-shaped connector, for example. Preferably, the electrode structures and insulation layers of the electrotechnical core are extended to this tab.

[0166] At the transition from the plug and socket to the electrical core, or at the point where a plug and socket is connected to an electrical core, a perforation can be provided between the electrical core and the plug and socket. The function of the perforation is to reduce the strength between the plug and socket and the electrical core. The perforation represents a predetermined breaking point. At this perforation, the plug and socket can be torn off or removed from the electrical core after plasma treatment. This allows a plasma applicator to remain on a surface to be treated for an extended period of time, from days to weeks, independent of a power supply unit, since the plug and socket that is no longer required can be removed.

[0167] A plug-in device preferably has the shape of a chip card, i.e. it has a length of approximately 5 cm to 16 cm, a width of 1 cm to 3 cm and a height of between approximately 0.2 mm and 1 mm. The dimensions of a plug-in device can also deviate from the stated values and are dimensioned in particular as a function of the length of the creepage distances as a function of the amplitude of a voltage signal for igniting a plasma. The lateral extent of a plug-in device is preferably selected such that no arc discharge occurs between the second electrode structure driven in the application and a further electrode structure at ground potential, for example a first or third electrode structure, or a surface to be treated.

[0168] In a preferred embodiment, a plug-in device or a plug-in device is designed as a plug-in device with reinforcement, with a height of between 0.2 mm and 1.5 cm, a length of between 5 cm and 20 cm, and a width of between 1 cm and 3 cm. A corresponding plug-in device is designed to complement the receptacle for the plug. By giving the plug-in device a chip card-like shape, i.e. a low height and a relatively long length, creepage distances in particular can be maintained in such a way that no partial discharges arise within the plugged-together plug-in device and the plug-in device. The specified dimensions for the length, width, and height can advantageously also be implemented independently of one another in such a way that the creepage distances are still maintained.Furthermore, it is preferred that the plug-in device has an insulating sheath to reduce the emitted electromagnetic waves, taking the creepage distance into account. With the specified dimensions, creepage distances of several centimeters can be achieved between applied conductor tracks. The decisive factor here is the applied voltage for generating the plasma. The higher the intended voltage to be applied to generate a plasma, the larger the creepage distances typically must be. Also crucial are the properties, in particular the dielectric properties, of the material used and the degree of contamination of the material used. Even with a contaminated surface of the material used, creepage distances typically have to be designed to be comparatively large.

[0169] A plug-in device with stiffening in the form of a chip card preferably has a fixed connection to an electrical core, which can be realized, for example, by lamination, gluing, soldering, or as a direct extension of the electrical core in the form of a tab. The plug-in device is preferably partially enclosed with the material of an enclosure of a plasma applicator, for example, by being overmolded with silicone. The plug-in device can furthermore have printed, vapor-deposited, or etched conductor tracks. A plug-in device can furthermore have a stiffening, which is preferably applied above and / or below the tab and mechanically reinforces the plug-in device. The conductor tracks can also be designed as a coil wire with an insulating sheath of the wire. Optionally, a plug-in device can also have a data line, for example as a conductor track or as a flat cable. It can, for example,It may be advantageous to incorporate a memory into a plasma applicator or into a corresponding coupling or into a power supply unit in order to collect data on the use of the plasma applicator.

[0170] With a suitable data cable with coupling, an RFID transponder or a non-volatile electronic memory module, which is located, for example, in a plug-in device, can also be read by a reader integrated in a complementary plug-in device in order to ensure single use.

[0171] Advantageously, data relating to a plasma applicator itself can also be stored in a corresponding memory chip. If the plasma applicator is connected to a power supply unit with a memory chip via a corresponding data cable, the power supply unit can read the stored data and automatically provide a specific voltage, a specific pulse pattern, a specific treatment time, or other treatment parameters for operating the specific plasma applicator. Preferably, the parameters used are stored in the power supply unit specifically for different plasma applicator shapes and sizes, or a specific structure of the electrical core of a plasma applicator, and are retrieved and used by the power supply unit according to the connected plasma applicator.

[0172] Preferably, a plug-in device is mounted on a longitudinal side of an electrical core and is electrically connected to at least one electrode structure of the electrical core. It is also conceivable for a plug-in device to be mounted in the form of an insertion slot on the upper side of an electrical core, i.e., the side of an electrical core facing away from the side to be treated, and to be connected to at least one electrode structure.

[0173] Preferably, the plug-in device is designed as a plug-in device with stiffening having a height between 0.5 mm and 1.5 cm, a length between 5 cm and 20 cm and a width between 1 cm and 3 cm, and a corresponding insertion device complementary to the plug-in device is designed as a receiving socket for receiving the plug-in device.

[0174] For example, to transmit a voltage signal to a second electrode structure via a power supply unit, a plug-in device complementary to a plug-in device can be connected to the plug-in device. The plug-in device can be connected to a cable that is connected to a predominantly stationary power supply unit. A corresponding power supply unit can be, for example, a high-voltage generator with a control unit. Single use

[0175] Various means and features are described below with which the single use of an electrotechnical core and in particular of a plasma applicator can be ensured. The means and features that ensure single use are preferably implemented as a component of a plasma applicator, in particular as a component of a plug-in device described here and / or another, or as a component of an electrotechnical core of a plasma applicator described here and / or another.

[0176] In one embodiment of a plasma applicator, an electrical core has at least one feature that changes upon initial use such that a sufficiently strong electric field for igniting a plasma can no longer be formed between the electrode structure driven during use and the grounded electrode structure. This advantageously ensures a single use of a plasma applicator. A feature of an electrical core that ensures a single use of the plasma applicator can be, for example, a self-destructing device such as an electrical fuse.Such an electrical fuse can, for example, be provided by a taper in an electrode section of an electrode structure in the electrotechnical core, which is destroyed at the end of the treatment by a high current pulse then applied, since it has a higher resistance than the rest of the electrode structure and therefore heats up more quickly. Such a taper is preferably located in the electrode structure driven in the application.

[0177] The means and features described below with reference to a plug-in device, which ensure single-use of a plasma applicator, can also be implemented as features of an electrode structure, in particular as a component of an electrode section of an electrode structure of an electrotechnical core. Preferably, an electrode structure driven by a voltage signal during operation has at least one feature or means as described with reference to a plug-in device, to ensure single-use of an electrotechnical core, in particular as a component of a plasma applicator.

[0178] In one embodiment of a plasma applicator, a plug-in device has at least one feature that changes upon initial use such that the plug-in device can no longer transmit a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma to an electrode structure of an electrical core, or the electrical core can no longer generate a sufficiently strong electric field to ignite a plasma. This advantageously ensures a single use of the plasma applicator. A feature of a plug-in device that ensures a single use of the plasma applicator can be, for example, a self-destructing device such as an electrical fuse.Such an electrical fuse can, for example, be a tapered conductor track, which is destroyed at the end of the treatment by a high current pulse then provided, since it has a higher resistance than the rest of the conductor track and therefore heats up more quickly.

[0179] In one embodiment, a plasma applicator for generating a cold plasma for the treatment of human, animal, or technical surfaces comprises a flat electrical core with at least one electrode structure and an insulation layer. The plasma applicator further comprises a plug-in device that is electrically conductively connected to at least one electrode structure for transmitting a voltage signal to the at least one electrode structure.The plug-in device is preferably designed to ensure a one-time use of the plasma applicator in that the plug-in device has at least one mechanical and / or electrical component which is designed such that, as a result of the first use of the plasma applicator, it changes its technical properties such that, after the first use, the plug-in device can no longer transmit a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma to the at least one electrode structure.

[0180] Ensuring single use can therefore be achieved, for example, by an electrical component being destroyed due to the flow of current as a result of the first use or by a mechanical or electrical component being destroyed when the plug-in device is mechanically separated from a complementary plug-in device.

[0181] The fact that the mechanical and / or electrical component changes its structure upon initial use of the plasma applicator in such a way that the plug-in device can no longer transmit a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma to the at least one electrode structure after initial use ensures that the plasma applicator can only be used once. This advantageously prevents multiple use of a previously used plasma applicator that no longer meets certain hygiene requirements as a result of the initial use. Accordingly, it is ensured that a wound is treated exclusively with an unused plasma applicator.

[0182] The use of a plasma applicator refers to the performance of a plasma treatment. This means that a voltage signal is first provided by a power supply unit, which is then transmitted to an electrode structure to ignite a plasma.

[0183] A corresponding single-use feature can also be realized by a chemical reaction with atmospheric oxygen or nitrogen or an electrochemical reaction induced by an applied voltage signal during a plasma treatment. For example, an applied voltage signal can trigger an electrochemical reaction in the conductor tracks of a plug-in device, e.g. made of conductive silver varnish, which accelerates the oxidation of a conductor track, particularly at exposed contact surfaces, and thus increases the resistance at this point. An increased or decreased resistance significantly changes a voltage signal for operating a plasma applicator. This change can be detected in a power supply unit and thus prevent the release of the voltage signal. In general, it is therefore conceivable that, for example,oxidation or nitriding of the conductor track in air reduces its conductivity and thereby changes a voltage signal in such a way, for example in terms of amplitude, frequency and / or signal characteristic (e.g. because a pure sinusoidal oscillation is no longer present), that it can be detected as a false signal by a power supply unit and leads to an automatic termination of the energy output by the power supply unit. Another possibility is to use an electrochemical reaction induced by a voltage signal to change the conductor track of the plug-in device, which leads to the voltage signal being changed in such a way, for example in terms of amplitude, frequency and / or signal characteristic (e.g. because a pure sinusoidal oscillation is no longer present), that it can be detected as a false signal by a power supply unit and leads to an automatic termination of the energy output by the power supply unit.

[0184] A plug-in device is preferably designed such that it can be electrically and mechanically connected to a plug-in device that is complementary to the plug-in device. The mechanical component of the plug-in device can be designed such that, upon mechanical separation of the plug-in device from the plug-in device, it changes its structure such that, after separation, no electrically conductive connection of the plug-in device to the plug-in device for transmitting a high voltage is possible.

[0185] Such mechanical alteration may include breaking off terminals of a terminal contact or locking elements and / or scratching and / or cutting the conductor structure of the plug-in device.

[0186] A plug-in device may have at least one locking element which is designed and arranged such that it locks with the plug-in device when the plug-in device is connected to the plug-in device and becomes irreversibly unusable when the plug-in device is separated from a plug-in device.

[0187] By connecting a plug-in device to the plug-in device, a mechanically stable connection is preferably established that can only be separated again by the active application of force by a person. The force required for this is typically between 5 and 50 N, preferably between 10 and 30 N. To prevent a mechanical component of the plug-in device from changing its structure as a result of the first use of the plasma applicator in such a way that the electrical core can no longer generate a sufficiently strong electric field to ignite a plasma, it can be provided, for example, that locking elements of the plug-in device break off or are destroyed. Accordingly, a stable mechanical connection between the plug-in device and the plug-in device can then no longer be established.The electrical core connected to the plug-in device is therefore no longer able to generate a sufficiently strong electric field to ignite a plasma after it has been disconnected, i.e. as a result of the first use.

[0188] In one embodiment of a plasma applicator, a plug-in device or an electrical core comprises an electrical component that changes its structure upon initial use of a plasma applicator such that the plug-in device or the electrical core can no longer generate an electric field sufficient to ignite a plasma after initial use. For example, the plug-in device may comprise a conductor track provided for transmitting a voltage signal to an electrode structure, which is destroyed by a high current pulse at the end of initial use of a plasma applicator. Thereafter, the plug-in device can no longer transmit a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma to an electrode structure.

[0189] In one embodiment of a plasma applicator, a second electrode structure of an electrotechnical core has a region that is destroyed by a high current pulse at the end of the initial use of a plasma applicator. After this time, the electrotechnical core can no longer generate a sufficiently strong electric field to ignite a plasma.

[0190] In one embodiment, a plasma applicator comprises a plug-in device that can be electrically and mechanically connected to a plug-in device configured to complement the plug-in device. Upon mechanical separation of the plug-in device from the plug-in device, a mechanical component of the plug-in device changes its technical properties such that, after separation, electrically conductive connection of the plug-in device to the plug-in device for transmitting a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma is no longer possible. Changing the technical properties of the mechanical component preferably includes breaking off terminals of a terminal contact, scratching, or cutting.

[0191] Preferably, a plug-in device or an electrotechnical core of a plasma applicator are designed such that, as a result of a current flow at the end of a first use, they are modified such that, after the first use, the plug-in device can no longer transmit a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma to an electrode structure of the electrotechnical core.

[0192] A power supply unit can be designed to provide a high current pulse at the end of a plasma treatment, which changes or destroys parts of a conductor track in the plug-in device, so that when a power supply is reconnected, the transmission of a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma to the at least one electrode structure in the electrical core is no longer possible. Preferably, the power supply unit combined with the plasma applicator automatically emits an excessive current pulse at the end of the plasma treatment, preferably for well under one second, preferably in the millisecond or even microsecond range. To ensure that corresponding parts of a conductor track in the plug-in device are destroyed, the current intensity of the provided current pulse is preferably selected such that the melting point of the conductor track of the plug-in device is significantly exceeded and the conductor track is destroyed.This advantageously ensures that a plasma applicator can be used only once.

[0193] Preferably, a plug-in device has a conductor track that leads from a contact surface in the plug-in device to at least one electrode structure, wherein this conductor track can be destroyed at least at one point by a current with a current intensity that is greater than a current intensity occurring during operation for generating the plasma. The at least one point preferably has a higher electrical resistance than the rest of the conductor track and / or the at least one point has a lower thermal resistance than the rest of the conductor track and / or the at least one point has a taper with a smaller conductor track cross-section than the rest of the conductor track. A corresponding conductor track preferably consists, for example, of silver conductive varnish, metal, metal foil, a polymer enriched with conductive particles or a conductive polymer.

[0194] In particular, the at least one location has a higher electrical resistance than the rest of the conductor track. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one location can also have a lower thermal resistance than the rest of the conductor track. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one location can also have a taper with a smaller cross-section than the rest of the conductor track. At the location of the conductor track with a higher electrical resistance than in the rest of the conductor track, the increased current intensity can lead to significant heating of the conductor track and thus to its destruction. This ensures that the plasma applicator can only be used once.

[0195] A plasma applicator with a plug-in device and a corresponding conductor track can also be made single-use by providing a location on the conductor track with the same resistance as the rest of the conductor track but with lower thermal resistance. If a current pulse with increased current strength is applied, preferably at the end of a plasma treatment with a duration significantly less than approximately 1 second, the thermal load on the conductor track is increased. The location with lower thermal resistance can be designed to melt due to the applied current pulse, thereby ensuring single-use of a plasma applicator.

[0196] The single-use nature of a plasma applicator can also be ensured by tapering the corresponding conductor. This taper increases the resistance at this point, so that the increased current provided at the end of the treatment leads to melting of the conductor at this point. The overvoltage thus leads to a temperature increase at the point of the taper and thus to melting of the conductor. For example, the dimensions of the conductor can be calculated according to the material used so that, with a certain current flow over a defined period of time, the material rises to a temperature that is preferably significantly above the melting point of the material, causing the conductor to melt at this point.

[0197] Preferably, a conductor track has a height of less than 0.8 mm and a width of less than 1 cm. Such conductor tracks can be produced, for example, by screen printing with a conductive material, by targeted etching of conductor tracks, or by printed conductor tracks (e.g. printed electronics) be realized.

[0198] A plug-in device can have a non-volatile electronic memory chip that can be read by a corresponding contact in the plug-in device when the plug-in device and the plug-in device are connected to one another, wherein the non-volatile electronic memory chip provides information that causes a connected energy supply unit to prevent energy from being delivered to a connected plasma applicator during operation.

[0199] In one embodiment, a plug-in device has an RFID transponder. The RFID transponder is designed such that it can be read by a reader integrated into a plug-in device when the corresponding plug-in device and the plug-in device are connected to each other.

[0200] The RFID transponder preferably provides information that prevents a high voltage from being released by a power supply unit. It is conceivable that a plasma applicator is assigned an identity that can be read by a reader integrated into a plug-in device. In a control unit of a power supply unit, for example, unique and individual identifiers can be stored for each plasma applicator that was connected to the power supply unit. A reader can thus recognize whether a plasma applicator has already been used or not. Additionally or alternatively, a read / write device can also be provided to change or set a value stored in the RFID transponder - e.g. a flag - that indicates that the plasma applicator has been used.

[0201] According to the invention, the plasma applicator is designed to store a special code or hash value in a memory. In a first variant of the invention, a power supply unit is designed to set specific values for treatment parameters depending on a read code or hash value and, during operation, to output a corresponding voltage signal to a plasma applicator connected to the power supply unit. Preferably, a power supply unit is designed to read values of the treatment parameters for the size of a plasma applicator or the type of illness to be treated with the connected plasma applicator from a list stored in the power supply unit. In a second variant of the invention, the power supply unit is additionally or alternatively designed to check whether a read plasma applicator has already been used or is suitable for a specific plasma treatment.According to the invention, a read / write device is configured to destroy the chip containing the value after a plasma treatment. In one embodiment, which is not part of the invention, the read / write device is configured to write a new value to the memory. The new value contains, for example, only zeros, so that the special plasma applicator can no longer be used for a plasma treatment, since a connected power supply unit is preferably configured to refuse to release a voltage signal if invalid numbers are used.

[0202] An RFID transponder can also be integrated not into a plug-in device, but into the rest of the plasma applicator.

[0203] In one embodiment, a plug-in device has a non-volatile electronic memory module, e.g. an EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory), which can be read by a corresponding contact in the plug-in device when the plug-in device and the plug-in device are connected to one another. Similar to an RFID transponder, a value can be written into the non-volatile electronic memory module upon first use, which value, when read out later, indicates that the plasma applicator has already been used. After first use, a high voltage can no longer be released by a power supply unit. In conjunction with an appropriate control unit, multiple use can thus be prevented.

[0204] Instead of a plug-in device, a non-volatile electronic memory module can also be integrated into the rest of the plasma applicator. Insertion device

[0205] Embodiments of a plug-in device are described below. A plug-in device represents a unit complementary to a plug-in device and is designed to establish a fixed mechanical and electrical connection with a plug-in device.

[0206] Accordingly, a plug-in device represents a complementary plug contact device designed to complement a plug-in device. A plug-in device therefore represents a counterpart to a plug-in device. A plug-in device can preferably be arranged at one end of a cable or be part of a power supply unit.

[0207] Preferably, a plug-in device is provided which is designed to transmit a voltage signal to a plug-in device of an electrotechnical core, in particular a plasma applicator, which plug-in device is connected to the plug-in device.

[0208] A plug-in device is preferably designed such that it can be electrically connected to a complementary plug-in device. By bringing together a plug-in device and a plug-in device, an electrical and a mechanical connection is established simultaneously. The conductor tracks of the plug-in device and the plug-in device are electrically insulated from the outside when joined together.

[0209] A plug-in device can be connected to a cable. A plasma applicator, which is connected to a corresponding plug-in device, can be connected to a predominantly stationary energy supply unit via the cable. A predominantly stationary energy supply unit can also comprise a control unit. A plug-in device can be disconnected from a plug-in device at any time, so that a user of a plasma applicator can move with the plasma applicator independently of the energy supply unit and the plug-in device. In the event that a plug-in device is designed in the form of a plug, in particular in the form of a chip card, a plug-in device is designed as a corresponding coupling for receiving the plug-in device.

[0210] A plug-in device can also be designed as part of a mobile energy supply unit, which preferably has an energy storage device, e.g., a battery, an accumulator, or a capacitor. A plug-in device is then typically electrically connected to an energy storage device in order to—when connected to a plug-in device—transfer electrical energy provided by the energy storage device to an electrical core. Advantageously, a plug-in device then does not need to be connected to a comparatively long cable to connect the plug-in device to a predominantly stationary energy supply unit.

[0211] To supply a plasma applicator with a voltage signal, a plug-in device of a mobile power supply unit can be connected to a plug-in device and then disconnected again after plasma treatment. In the combined state, a DC voltage provided by an energy storage device is then transformed into a voltage signal sufficient to ignite the plasma by an electrical circuit integrated into the mobile power supply unit. This signal is then transmitted to the plug-in device via the plug-in device.

[0212] Since a battery or accumulator typically provides a direct voltage of several volts, an electrical circuit can be provided in a plasma applicator or in a mobile energy supply unit that transforms the direct voltage provided by the battery or accumulator of the compact and mobile energy supply unit into a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma, which is transmitted to at least one electrode structure for igniting a plasma. Advantageously, a mobile energy supply unit forms a small and compact unit compared to the plasma applicator, which can be carried over long distances and for long periods of several weeks, even if it remains connected to the plasma applicator.

[0213] When combined, the plasma applicator and the mobile energy supply unit, which is relatively small compared to the plasma applicator, form a single unit that is easy to carry by a patient during a plasma treatment. A mobile energy supply unit thus represents an autonomous energy supply that eliminates the need to connect a predominantly stationary energy supply unit, such as a high-voltage generator, to the plasma applicator via a cable and a plug-in device in order to transmit a voltage signal to at least one electrode structure and ignite a plasma.

[0214] This makes a user of a mobile energy supply unit independent of a larger, predominantly stationary energy supply unit, which is connected to a local power supply, such as a high-voltage generator, and is typically only transported over short distances, e.g., within a hospital. In particular, a user of a mobile energy supply can decide for themselves where and when they want to perform a plasma treatment. A user of a mobile energy supply is therefore independent of local infrastructure, such as the power grid and available power outlets.This is particularly advantageous if a user is staying in an area for a longer period of several weeks where the nearest hospital is far away and only limited luggage can be carried, or generally for homecare purposes, i.e. use outside of a clinic or in a non-clinical environment.

[0215] A voltage signal provided by a mobile power supply unit can be transmitted from a plug-in device to a plug-in device, for example, by establishing a galvanic coupling.

[0216] In a further embodiment, a plasma applicator does not have a plug-in device and therefore cannot be connected to a predominantly stationary or mobile power supply unit by means of a plug-in device. To provide a voltage signal, an energy storage device, e.g., a battery or accumulator, can be integrated into the plasma applicator itself and electrically connected to at least one electrode structure of an electrical core via a suitable electrical circuit, e.g., a blocking oscillation circuit, for generating a voltage sufficient to ignite a plasma.

[0217] If a rechargeable battery or a capacitor is integrated into a plasma applicator with a plug-in device, the rechargeable battery or capacitor can be charged by connecting the plug-in device to a power supply. Here, too, the rechargeable battery or capacitor is electrically connected to at least one electrode structure of an electrical core via a suitable electrical circuit, e.g., a blocking oscillation circuit, for generating a voltage sufficient to ignite a plasma. By switching a switching contact, the energy stored in the rechargeable battery or capacitor can then be transferred to at least one electrode structure at a later time. Inductive energy transfer

[0218] In one embodiment, a plasma applicator does not have a plug-in device, but rather an energy absorption device, each of which contains one or more receiving coil assemblies. By means of a mobile energy supply unit containing one or more transmitting coil assemblies, electrical energy can be transferred from the transmitting coil assemblies in the mobile energy supply unit to the receiving coil assemblies in the plasma applicator by electromagnetic induction. It is also conceivable for a transmitting coil assembly to be contained in an energy delivery device. The energy delivery device is preferably connected to a cable and can be connected to a stationary energy supply unit.The electrical energy provided by a stationary energy supply unit can be transmitted by electromagnetic induction from a transmitting coil arrangement in the energy delivery device to a receiving coil arrangement in the plasma applicator. Advantageously, in this embodiment, the energy delivery device can be completely enclosed, for example, by a silicone or a varnish, and freely accessible electrical contacts both in or on the energy delivery device and in or on the plasma applicator can be dispensed with. A plasma applicator or energy delivery device designed in this way can be relatively easily cleaned, disinfected, sterilized, or autoclaved.

[0219] In contrast to the previously described variants of a plasma applicator with a plug-in device that can be combined with a plug-in device, energy transfer in the variant of a plasma applicator described here does not take place via galvanic coupling, but via electromagnetic induction. Preferably, either the plasma applicator or a mobile power supply unit, or both, contains an electrical circuit designed to generate a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma. For example, a mobile power supply unit can contain an electrical circuit that transforms a direct voltage of a few volts, typically provided by accumulators and / or batteries, into an alternating voltage signal suitable for inductive transmission.An electrical circuit can then be integrated in the plasma applicator, which transforms the voltage signal induced in the receiving coil arrangements contained in the plasma applicator into a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma.

[0220] In a further embodiment, a plasma applicator does not have a plug-in device but does have an integrated energy storage device, e.g. a rechargeable battery or a capacitor, and an integrated coil arrangement for charging the rechargeable battery or the capacitor. In this embodiment, an electrical circuit can additionally be integrated in the plasma applicator, which transforms the current induced in the coil arrangement in the plasma applicator into a current-voltage signal sufficient to charge a rechargeable battery or capacitor. A corresponding plasma applicator does not require a plug-in device and can be designed without freely accessible electrical contacts. A plasma applicator designed in this way can be cleaned, disinfected, sterilized or autoclaved relatively easily. Furthermore, such a plasma applicator can, for example, be implanted in the human or animal body.In one embodiment, a plasma applicator is coated or equipped with one or more pharmacologically and / or non-pharmacologically active agents in the form of individual molecules, agglomerates or tablets (e.g., morphines, coagulants, cytokines, hydrocolloids).

[0221] In embodiments of a plasma applicator without a plug-in device, an electrical core can be formed with the aforementioned features, in particular with the features mentioned with regard to the electrode structure and the insulation layer. Even in these embodiments without a plug-in device, it is possible to ensure the single-use nature of the plasma applicator by modifying electrical or mechanical components. For example, an electrical component provided for transmitting a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma to at least one electrode structure can be modified as a result of initial use in such a way that, after initial use, a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma can no longer be transmitted to an electrode structure. Enclosure

[0222] A plasma applicator for the treatment of human or animal surfaces preferably has an enclosure, in particular made of a biocompatible material, such as medical-grade silicone, a varnish, an adhesive, a film, a textile, a compression textile, or an organic material such as gauze, cellulose, or cotton. An enclosure comprising a combination of the aforementioned materials may also be advantageous for some applications. In particular, an electrical core of a plasma applicator can be completely or at least partially enclosed by an enclosure.

[0223] Typically, an enclosure comprises multiple silicone overmoldings. On the side facing the side to be treated, a first silicone overmolding is provided, which fulfills the function of electrical insulation. On the side facing away from the side to be treated, the first silicone overmolding is followed by a second silicone overmolding, which comprises an electrically conductive silicone. This second silicone overmolding is connected to ground potential and fulfills the function of contact protection, so that a plasma applicator can be touched without an electrical breakdown occurring between the electrical core and the ground potential applied directly to the outside or a virtual ground potential in the form of the surface to be treated. A third silicone overmolding made of an electrically insulating silicone is applied to the second silicone overmolding.The production of such an enclosure requires a comparatively high level of vertical integration.

[0224] Enclosure can be implemented, for example, using injection molding, dipping, or painting. Other coating methods such as plasma coating or parylene coating are also conceivable. Enclosure can be complete or partial. For example, it may be advantageous if the side facing the wound is not enclosed or only partially enclosed, while the side facing away from the wound is completely enclosed.

[0225] In a preferred embodiment, an electrical core comprises a first insulation layer, a first electrode structure that is grounded during operation, a second insulation layer that is designed to galvanically isolate the first electrode structure and a second electrode structure from one another, a second electrode structure that is driven during operation by a voltage signal provided by a power supply unit and sufficient to ignite a plasma, a third insulation layer that is designed to galvanically isolate the second electrode structure and a third electrode structure from one another, and a third electrode structure that is grounded during operation. Such an electrical core already provides contact protection per se. Contact protection therefore does not need to be subsequently ensured by an applied enclosure.An electrotechnical core according to this preferred embodiment can preferably be realized by an enclosure in the form of just a single silicone layer, which can advantageously be comparatively thin and thus flexible. In particular, the enclosure no longer has to ensure contact protection, since this function is fulfilled by the first and third electrode structures. Such an enclosure is therefore comparatively simple and can be applied in just one manufacturing step. This significantly reduces the vertical integration in the manufacture of a plasma applicator compared to a plasma applicator with a conventional enclosure as described above, since an enclosure typically has to be applied separately to each electrotechnical core.An electrotechnical core designed as described here, however, can be produced comparatively easily in large quantities by using laminating machines and subsequent punching.

[0226] An electrotechnical core according to this preferred embodiment can be integrated into various enclosures in a modular manner without any special requirements being placed on the enclosure used. A possible enclosure can, for example, be realized by a conventional plaster without overmolding into which the electrotechnical core is integrated. A possible enclosure can also be realized by an absorbent compress into which the electrotechnical core is integrated. A possible enclosure can also be realized by a compression stocking. The electrotechnical core can also be sewn into a pocket or glued with its back to a blanket, cloth, thermal film, etc., or integrated into a negative pressure wound therapy (VAC) system.

[0227] An enclosure can be structured, e.g. in the form of a grid or diamond-shaped or with cutouts. An enclosure structured in this way is particularly advantageous if it is implemented on a body-facing side of an electrical core, e.g. using an adhesive silicone (not fully vulcanized silicone) or another adhesive, e.g. based on acrylate or polyurethane. Furthermore, an enclosure can be designed such that an enclosure is present in certain areas around an electrical core (the shape can then be, for example, round, square, L-, M-, E-, X-, or O-shaped) and no enclosure is present in other areas.

[0228] An enclosure can also be designed in such a way that, outside of an area in which a plasma is generated, at least a dielectric strength and thus a contact safety is guaranteed between the at least one electrode structure, which in the application is driven by a voltage signal, and a ground potential potentially directly applied to the outside or a virtual ground potential in the form of the surface to be treated. To ensure this, the electrical properties of an enclosure material and its thickness must be matched to the electrical potential present in an electrical core. An additional safety factor is advantageously taken into account. For example, medical-grade silicone typically has a dielectric strength of approximately 20 kV per mm. If a corresponding enclosure made of medical-grade silicone has a thickness of 1 mm, for example,A voltage of 20 kV can be applied without causing material damage or breakdowns. However, dielectric strength varies from material to material. There are special coatings that have a significantly higher dielectric strength than medical-grade silicone. Assume that a voltage signal used to drive at least one electrode structure has an amplitude of 5 kV, i.e. 10 kV from peak to peak. Then the dielectric strength of a silicone layer with a thickness of 250 µm would be sufficient to prevent breakdowns in the material. The safety factor is typically specified as a factor of 2. In the case where an enclosure is made of medical-grade silicone and the amplitude of the voltage signal used to drive an electrode structure is 5 kV, the enclosure must have a thickness of at least 500 µm. For enclosures made of other materials, such asPaints and / or polyurethane, it is advantageous to adapt the thickness to the material properties of the material used for the enclosure.

[0229] An enclosure can also be made of a textile, for example, in the form of a pocket. An electrical core can be inserted or sewn / embossed into this pocket. Such a pocket with an inserted or sewn / embossed electrical core can be attached directly to the surface to be treated.

[0230] A pocket with an inserted or sewn / embossed electrical core can also be part of another textile. The pocket can be firmly attached to the other textile, for example, by sewing or riveting, or by means of adhesive, Velcro, or adhesive tape.

[0231] An enclosure of an electrotechnical core can also be designed to have absorbent properties. An enclosure with absorbent properties preferably consists of at least one layer of fluid-absorbing and / or fluid-draining and / or fluid-distributing materials, such as textile, gauze, PU foam, distribution layer, wound contact layer, or spacer structure. Such an enclosure with absorbent properties is preferably located on the body-facing side of a plasma applicator.

[0232] An enclosure can also be formed from a combination of the materials mentioned above (e.g. textiles, silicone, varnishes, adhesives, parylene coating, plasma coating, gauze, compress). This combination can be a mixture of materials (e.g. textile and silicone as a composite matrix) or in a stacked form (e.g. different textiles on top of each other on silicone, gauze, PU foam, distribution layer, wound contact layer) or next to each other or on different sides. For example, on the side facing away from the patient, an enclosure can be formed from a thin film, while on the side facing the patient, an enclosure consists of one or more layers of textile and / or one or more absorbers. Depending on the application, an electrotechnical core can also be attached to a surface to be treated by an enclosure in the form of a bandage.In this case, an electrotechnical core is applied and fixed with a fixing bandage by wrapping several times around the electrotechnical core lying on the surface to be treated and the surface to be treated.

[0233] The above-mentioned textiles for enclosure can consist of both organic and inorganic material as well as a mix of both materials.

[0234] If a plasma applicator has a plug-in device, the plug-in device and an electrical core are preferably enclosed in a form-fitting manner and without air pockets. If the enclosure is formed from a textile or a material with absorbent properties, a form-fitting enclosure without air pockets is not necessary. The enclosure of a plug-in device is advantageously designed taking into account a corresponding plug-in device and the type of coupling between them. If, for example, a galvanic coupling is provided between a plug-in device and a plug-in device, at least the electrical contact surfaces of the plug-in device should be freely accessible for the electrical contact surfaces of the plug-in device. However, if an inductive coupling by means of electromagnetic induction is provided, a plasma applicator can also be completely enclosed by an enclosure.

[0235] In the event that a plasma applicator does not have a plug-in device and an energy storage device is integrated directly into the plasma applicator, the plasma applicator can also be completely enclosed with an enclosure.

[0236] The enclosure of a plasma applicator can be enriched and / or coated with one or more pharmacologically or non-pharmacologically active ingredients in the form of individual molecules, agglomerates, or tablets (e.g., morphine, coagulants, cytokines, hydrocolloids). Enrichment with a pharmacologically active ingredient can be particularly advantageous when a plasma applicator is to be integrated into a human or animal body.

[0237] A plasma applicator can be enclosed in pure gauze or cellulose or comparable materials. In a corresponding embodiment, a plasma applicator is not enclosed in a biocompatible material such as silicone, but rather an electrical core of a plasma applicator is woven, sewn, or embossed into a gauze bandage or medical pad or into cellulose. It is particularly advantageous if the electrical core itself has contact protection, for example, by two grounded electrode structures (a first and a third electrode structure) between which an operatingly driven electrode structure (second electrode structure) is arranged.

[0238] In a variant embodiment in which a plasma applicator has an electrical core with holes or feedthroughs arranged in a partial area of the electrical core or distributed over the entire surface of the electrical core, an enclosure can be designed such that the enclosure allows or even enables media transport through the electrical core from the side of the plasma applicator facing a surface to be treated to the side of the plasma applicator facing away from the surface to be treated. For example, a suitable enclosure can be formed from a media-transporting material or can also have holes and feedthroughs.

[0239] In a design variant in which a plug-in device can be separated from the electrical core at a perforation, the perforation can be designed as part of an enclosure. The function of the perforation is to reduce the strength of the enclosure at this point; it is intended to represent a predetermined breaking point. The plug-in device can be torn off or removed at this perforation after treatment.

[0240] This allows a plasma applicator to remain on a surface to be treated, for example over a longer period of time, which can range from a few days to weeks, and the plug-in device that is no longer required can be removed.

[0241] An enclosure can be significantly larger in its lateral dimension than an electrode structure of an electrical core. For example, an enclosure can have a footprint of 20 cm x 20 cm or even 30 cm x 30 cm or larger, whereas the footprint of an electrode structure is 10 cm x 10 cm.

[0242] In one embodiment variant in which an enclosure of a plasma applicator has a larger base area than an electrode structure of an electrotechnical core, a user can cut the plasma applicator to a desired size before a plasma treatment, which may, for example, correspond to the area of a wound, whereby the minimum size is determined by the size of the electrode structure. Adhesive layer

[0243] It can be advantageous if a plasma applicator has an adhesion layer as the last layer on the side facing the surface to be treated in order to fix a plasma applicator on or above an area to be treated and to create a closed gas space between the plasma applicator and the surface to be treated. An adhesion layer preferably consists of a biocompatible material, such as silicone or an acrylate-based adhesive, and has a preferred thickness of between a few µm and several hundred µm. The adhesion force can be directly adjusted via the thickness of an adhesion layer. The thickness of an adhesion layer is preferably below 150 µm, in particular below 60 µm, in particular below 20 µm.

[0244] Preferably, an adhesion layer has sufficient adhesion force for a plasma applicator to adhere to a surface to be treated without additional aids or fastening material. In particular, it can be advantageous if an adhesion layer establishes an adhesive contact between a surface to be treated and a plasma applicator that lasts for several days or even several weeks.

[0245] An adhesion layer can also be formed from a material or comprise a material that is photoactive. Photoactive in this context means that the adhesive force of the material can be influenced by photons. Before irradiation, the adhesion material is suitable for establishing adhesive contact with another surface. After irradiation with photons of a specific wavelength, the adhesion material loses its adhesive force and is no longer suitable for establishing adhesive contact. A plasma applicator with a photoactive adhesion layer is particularly suitable for use over extended periods of several days to weeks.

[0246] An adhesion layer can be applied, for example, using a screen printing or injection molding process. It is also conceivable for an adhesion layer to be implemented as a roll, for example, using a transfer tape or a double-sided adhesive tape. Transfer or double-sided adhesive tape can be designed to be elastic and thus flexible, allowing a corresponding plasma applicator to be flexibly adapted and applied to various surfaces.

[0247] For example, an adhesion layer can cover the edge of a plasma applicator enclosure, so that adhesive contact between a surface to be treated and a plasma applicator is established only at this edge. An adhesion layer can also cover the entire side of a plasma applicator facing the surface to be treated, so that a flat adhesive contact is established across the entire contact area between the plasma applicator and the surface to be treated.

[0248] An adhesion layer can also be perforated or have larger recesses, e.g., in the form of circles or other geometric shapes. Advantageously, a full-surface adhesion layer with perforations or larger recesses can ignite a plasma in the holes or recesses. At the same time, holes and recesses provide opportunities for the diffusion of the active components of a plasma. Furthermore, the adhesive force can be adjusted by adjusting the number and size of the holes or recesses.

[0249] In the case where multiple electrode structures are arranged within a layer, an adhesion layer can be formed as a negative image of the distribution of the electrode structures in that layer. This keeps the gas space in which a plasma can spread as large as possible.

[0250] It may be advantageous if an adhesion layer comprises a fabric or textile or if an adhesion layer is applied to a fabric or textile.

[0251] In another embodiment, an adhesion layer is applied to the side of a plasma applicator facing away from the surface to be treated. This is particularly advantageous when a plasma applicator is to be secured, with the side facing away from the surface to be treated, to, for example, blankets, cloths, or thermal blankets in emergency care, to prevent slipping. In this case, a sealed gas space is created between the blanket, cloth, or thermal blanket and the surface to be treated, in which a plasma is ignited during operation.

[0252] In a further preferred embodiment, an actively adhesive part of a hook-and-loop fastener with barbs is attached (e.g., glued, sewn) to the side of a plasma applicator facing the surface to be treated. Such an actively adhesive part of a hook-and-loop fastener can be used particularly advantageously for applying a plasma applicator to a surface connected or covered with textile (e.g., clothing, wound dressing, fixation bandage, compression garment), since the barbs of the hook-and-loop fastener then adhere to the textile and thus enable the plasma applicator to be fixed over a wound. Distance structure

[0253] It may be advantageous if a plasma applicator described here has a spacer structure on the side facing the surface to be treated. A spacer structure serves to create a defined distance between a plasma applicator and the surface to be treated, thus creating a defined gas volume in which a plasma can ignite.

[0254] A spacer structure can be connected to a plasma applicator either permanently or loosely. A permanent connection can be achieved, for example, by adhesive bonding and / or injection molding. With a loose connection, there is no mechanically and / or chemically strong connection between a plasma applicator and a spacer structure.

[0255] Since a spacer structure is in direct contact with a wound during plasma treatment, a spacer structure preferably consists of a biocompatible material (e.g. silicone, textile / silicone composite matrix, gauze, absorber, cellulose, wound gauze, PU foam) and / or a combination of the above-mentioned materials.

[0256] Preferably, a spacer structure is not formed over the entire surface. Preferably, a lateral extension of a spacer structure is comparable to a lateral extension of an electrode structure of an electrotechnical core.

[0257] In one embodiment of a plasma applicator with a spacer structure, the spacer structure can have recesses in which a plasma can be ignited. Such recesses can, for example, have a honeycomb shape or be formed by holes of different sizes or by a grid structure. In further preferred embodiments, a spacer structure is formed by an X-, O-, Z-, M-, E-, or W-shaped structure.

[0258] In one embodiment of a plasma applicator with a spacer structure, the spacer structure can also be formed by thin webs or beads with a width of a few 100µm up to a few mm and with a height of a few 100µm up to a few mm.

[0259] A spacer structure is preferably designed such that it covers only a comparatively small part of a side of a plasma applicator facing the surface to be treated, so that a plasma can be ignited distributed over a comparatively large area.

[0260] A spacer structure which can be detachably arranged on a plasma applicator can be designed as a separate component independent of a plasma applicator.

[0261] A spacer structure that can be detachably attached to a plasma applicator can be implemented using one or more adhesive pads. These adhesive pads typically have a smooth or flat side coated with an adhesive material. This adhesive side can be applied to the side of the plasma applicator facing the surface to be treated, thereby adhering the adhesive pad to the plasma applicator.

[0262] An adhesive pad can have different shapes and sizes. The shape can be a hemisphere, a cuboid, a pyramid, an L-shaped, an O-shaped, an M-shaped, an E-shaped, an X-shaped, or a combination of typical 3-dimensional geometric shapes. The diameter of an adhesive pad is preferably between 1 mm and 6 cm. The height of an adhesive pad is preferably between 100 µm and 8 mm.

[0263] An adhesive pad can be made of silicone, felt, gauze, a cured polymer foam, textiles, PE, PP, PET or similar materials as well as combinations of materials.

[0264] An adhesive pad is preferably made of a biocompatible material.

[0265] An adhesive pad can also be frame-shaped. The inner diameter of the frame can be on the order of magnitude of the lateral extent of an electrode structure of an electrical core. For example, if an electrode structure spans an area of 10 cm x 10 cm, the inner diameter of the frame can also be in the cm range. However, the inner diameter is preferably larger than one long side of an electrode structure, i.e., in this case, larger than 10 cm. The web width of the frame is preferably between 3 mm and 6 cm. The height of the frame is preferably between 100 µm and 8 mm.

[0266] A spacer structure designed as an adhesive pad in frame form is preferably designed such that the electrode structure is not covered by the spacer structure and the plasma formation at the plasma applicator is not hindered by the applied spacer structure.

[0267] A spacer structure designed as an adhesive pad in the shape of a frame is preferably coated with an adhesion material on both the side of the spacer structure facing the side to be treated and the side of the spacer structure facing away from the side to be treated. With the side of the spacer structure facing the side to be treated, the spacer structure can be applied to a surface to be treated for plasma treatment, and a plasma applicator can be arranged on the spacer structure on the side of the spacer structure facing away from the side to be treated. The spacer structure can also comprise the adhesion material itself or be formed by it. The spacer structure with an adhesion layer or adhesive properties can form a product independent of a plasma applicator and can be arranged on various plasma applicators and used with them for plasma treatment.

[0268] In one embodiment of a plasma applicator with a spacer structure, the spacer structure can be equipped with or enriched with one or more pharmacological and / or non-pharmacological active ingredients (e.g. morphine, coagulants, cytokines, hydrocolloids). Such an equipment can be implemented, for example, by coating the surface of a spacer structure with the active ingredients and / or by enriching the material of a spacer structure with the active ingredients. For a coating and / or enrichment of the material of a spacer structure with one or more pharmacological or non-pharmacological active ingredients, it can be advantageous if additional materials and / or agents are mixed into the coating and / or enrichment. This can, for example, delay (e.g. retardation) or accelerate the stability and / or release kinetics of the pharmacological or non-pharmacological active ingredients.

[0269] In one embodiment of a plasma applicator with a spacer structure, a spacer structure can be configured as a plasma source. Advantageously, at least one electrode structure is located within the spacer structure, which, during use, is supplied with a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma. In this configuration, with an electrode structure as part of the spacer structure, a surface to be treated represents a counter electrode during operation.

[0270] In one embodiment of a plasma applicator with a spacer structure, the spacer structure can simultaneously be an electrode structure. Such an electrode structure thus additionally fulfills the function of a spacer structure. A suitable electrode structure can be a simple electrical conductor formed by a wire with a round or oval cross-section. A simple electrical conductor can also be formed by a flat cable. A flat cable in this sense can have a square or rectangular cross-section. In this case, the spacer structure simultaneously serves as a plasma source. In this embodiment, too, a counter electrode is preferably realized during operation by the surface to be treated itself.

[0271] In one embodiment, a plasma applicator with a spacer structure designed as a plasma source, which therefore either comprises an electrode structure or is itself an electrode structure and is supplied with a voltage signal to ignite a plasma, has a further electrode structure. The further electrode structure can be arranged, for example, as a surface electrode between the spacer structure and the rest of the plasma applicator. A further electrode structure designed in this way is preferably grounded so that a plasma can be ignited between a spacer structure designed as a plasma source and the further electrode. In a variant of this embodiment, a further electrode structure is not designed over the entire surface, but has recesses, for example in the form of honeycombs, holes of different sizes, or polygonal shapes.

[0272] In one embodiment of a plasma applicator with a spacer structure, the spacer structure can have at least two electrode structures. A preferred arrangement of the electrode structures is in layers one above the other in relation to a surface to be treated. Preferably, one of the electrode structures is connected to ground potential, and at least one further electrode structure is supplied with a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma during operation. Preferably, a grounded electrode structure is arranged closer to a surface to be treated than an electrode structure that is driven during operation. The distance between an electrode structure that is supplied with a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma during operation and a surface to be treated is therefore preferably greater than the distance between a grounded electrode structure and a surface to be treated.During operation, a plasma preferably ignites essentially on two opposite longitudinal sides of a spacer structure.

[0273] In a preferred embodiment of a plasma applicator with a spacer structure configured as a plasma source and a further electrode structure within and / or between the spacer structure and the rest of the plasma applicator, the plasma applicator does not have an electrical core configured as a multilayer system, since a plasma source is already realized by the spacer structure configured as a plasma source. In this case, a plasma applicator comprises, for example, an enclosure and a spacer structure configured as a plasma source.

[0274] In a preferred embodiment, a spacer structure configured as a plasma source comprises a plug-in device. The plug-in device can be galvanically connected to a plug-in device in order to transmit a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma to an electrode structure of the spacer structure. A spacer structure configured as a plasma source can comprise a first electrode structure within the spacer structure and a second electrode structure inside or outside the spacer structure, or only a single electrode structure within the spacer structure.

[0275] In a preferred embodiment, a spacer structure designed as a plasma source is formed independently without further components of a plasma applicator. For a plasma treatment, a closed gas space in which a plasma is to be ignited can then be created, e.g. by placing or gluing a film over the spacer structure. This allows the spacer structure to be attached above the surface to be treated. A spacer structure designed as a plasma source can have a first electrode structure within the spacer structure and a second electrode structure inside or outside the spacer structure, or only a single electrode structure within the spacer structure. At least one of the electrode structures can be galvanically connected to a plug-in device. Access connection

[0276] A plasma applicator described here may additionally have an access port, for example, for a suction device. The access port is then preferably integrated into this plasma applicator. An access port can be used for several functions: Irrigating a wound while a plasma applicator is applied to a surface to be treated, suctioning any exudate that may be escaping from a wound while a plasma applicator is applied to a surface to be treated, performing VAC therapy while a plasma applicator is applied to a surface to be treated, and a combination of the above functions before, after and / or during plasma treatment.

[0277] The access connection is preferably designed as a nozzle or nipple, so that a hose can be connected to such a nozzle or nipple, which is connected, for example, to a vacuum pump in such a way that a negative pressure generated by the vacuum pump can be guided via the hose to a nipple or nozzle on a plasma applicator, whereby the above-mentioned functions (rinsing, suction, VAC therapy as well as the combination of the individual functions with each other before, after and / or during a plasma treatment) can be fulfilled in the closed gas space between a plasma applicator and a surface to be treated.

[0278] A nozzle or nipple is preferably tubular and hollow inside. One end of this tubular device is preferably located in the enclosed gas space between a plasma applicator and a surface to be treated, and the other end is located outside the plasma applicator, so that when a plasma applicator is positioned on a surface to be treated, one or more media can be added to or removed from the enclosed gas space through the tubular nozzle.

[0279] A nozzle or nipple can be round, oval, rectangular or polygonal in cross-section.

[0280] In a preferred embodiment, an inner and outer diameter of a nozzle or nipple is selected so that a hose can be pushed onto and attached to the nozzle.

[0281] In one embodiment, a tubular grommet comprises a male thread or a female sleeve for attaching a hose with a complementary thread for adding and / or transporting media into or out of a closed gas space to the tubular grommet via a screw connection. In one variant of this embodiment, this tubular grommet is guided through an electrical core. In an electrical core, a hole or recess can be specifically provided for this purpose, the diameter of which corresponds to the outer diameter of the tubular grommet. In one variant, this tubular grommet is guided through an enclosure. In an enclosure, a hole or recess can be specifically provided for this purpose, the diameter of which corresponds to the outer diameter of the tubular grommet.

[0282] In a preferred embodiment, a grommet or nipple is integrated into a plug-in device. A complementary plug-in device then preferably contains a counterpart to the grommet, so that when the plug-in device and plug-in device are joined together, the counterpart in the plug-in device forms a watertight and airtight connection with the grommet in the plug-in device.

[0283] In a preferred embodiment, a tubular nozzle or nipple has an integrated valve, allowing the flow of the media(s) through the tubular nozzle to be regulated and stopped. Such a valve can be manually, mechanically, or electronically controlled. Plasma applicator with sensors

[0284] All plasma applicators described here or conventional ones can be provided with a sensor as described below and, if appropriate, a corresponding sensor system. Some preferred embodiments of a plasma applicator with one or more, in particular different, sensors are described below purely by way of example.

[0285] In one embodiment, a plasma applicator comprises an electrotechnical core designed as a plasma source, an enclosure through which a closed gas space can be created between a body section to be treated and the plasma applicator, and at least one sensor designed to detect and output measured variables relevant to plasma treatment and / or wound healing, in particular physiological measured variables of a body section covered by the plasma applicator in the application.

[0286] A plasma applicator with a sensor can be used particularly advantageously when a plasma applicator is to remain on a body section to be treated for an extended period of time, for example, from a few days to several weeks, in order to seal it against external influences. For example, if a plasma treatment is performed at the beginning of a wound treatment, it can be beneficial for wound healing if a plasma applicator is permanently attached to a corresponding body section for an extended period of time, typically several days to several weeks, for example, until the corresponding wound has healed, and seals the wound, thereby advantageously preventing recontamination of the wound.Particularly after a plasma treatment, characteristic measured variables for a closed gas space and / or for a wound to be treated can be recorded and read out using at least one sensor. Recording involves measuring a measured variable and converting it into a data signal representing the measured variable. This allows the healing process of a wound to be tracked using the read-out measured variables without having to remove a plasma applicator from the body part being treated during the healing process. A wound can therefore remain permanently sealed during the healing process.

[0287] The at least one sensor is preferably designed to detect a measured variable, for example, a gas pressure, a temperature, an oxygen saturation of the blood (SpO2 value), conductivity of a wound secretion, bacterial colonization, a pH value, a wound size, etc. Detected measured variables can then be stored, for example, as data representing the measured variables in a memory module of a sensor system with at least one sensor. The data can then be read out at a later time by an external reader. For example, a sensor system comprising the at least one sensor can use an RFID (radio-frequency identification) transpon which can access data stored in a memory chip and transmit it to a reader when a corresponding request is made by a reader to the transponder.

[0288] A data signal representing the measured variables can also be transmitted, preferably wirelessly, from a transmitter unit of a sensor directly to a complementary receiver unit of a portable or stationary data processing device.

[0289] By reading out measured variables recorded by a sensor, the success of a plasma treatment and / or the progress of wound healing can be assessed in a particularly advantageous manner without a plasma applicator arranged on a body section to be treated having to be removed from the body section to be treated. This is particularly advantageous if a plasma applicator is to remain applied to a body section to be treated for a longer period of time. A longer period is preferably a period of several days or several weeks. A period of several days can also correspond to a period of several weeks when added together. A longer period preferably comprises a period in which a wound has at least largely healed. During this period, a wound to be treated is largely isolated from the surrounding atmosphere. During this period, a wound is therefore permanently sealed.

[0290] Advantageously, recorded measurements can be read and interpreted directly by a physician or hospital staff. Based on the read measurements, for example, the need for further plasma treatment can be assessed or a suitable time to remove a plasma applicator can be determined.

[0291] It can also be advantageous if the measured values are read out by the patient themselves. For example, a patient can read out the data representing the measured values at home and make them available to a physician via a network, allowing the physician to assess treatment success without having to consult the patient in person. A plasma applicator with at least one sensor is therefore particularly advantageous for telemonitoring, sometimes also home monitoring called, of a patient by a doctor.

[0292] It is also conceivable that an amplitude of a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma is regulated as a function of measured variables detected by one or more, in particular different, sensors. For this purpose, for example, data representing the measured variables or a data signal representing the measured variables can be transmitted, preferably wirelessly but also via cable, to a corresponding interface of a power supply unit, so that an amplitude of a voltage signal to be provided can be modulated accordingly. In one embodiment, a plasma applicator has an electrical circuit that modulates a voltage signal provided for igniting a plasma, in particular an amplitude of the voltage signal, as a function of at least one detected measured variable.

[0293] An electrical circuit configured to modulate a voltage signal provided for igniting a plasma, in particular an amplitude of the voltage signal, as a function of at least one detected measured variable can also be integrated into a power supply unit. A power supply unit can then, for example, be configured to receive and process a data signal representing the detected measured variables via cable or wirelessly, either directly from one or more sensors of a plasma applicator or from a data processing device on which data representing the detected measured variables are stored, and to transmit a corresponding output signal to the electrical circuit.

[0294] Accordingly, a power supply unit is provided which is designed to provide a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma and comprises an interface for receiving a data signal representing the detected measured variables and an electrical circuit, wherein the electrical circuit is designed to modulate a voltage signal provided to ignite a plasma, in particular an amplitude of the voltage signal, as a function of the received data signal.

[0295] A sensor can, for example, be a gas pressure sensor designed and arranged to measure a gas pressure in a closed gas space, or a pressure sensor designed and arranged to measure the pressure of a compression bandage, or a temperature sensor designed and arranged to measure a temperature, in particular in a closed gas space, or a pH sensor designed and arranged to measure a pH, in particular of a wound, a humidity sensor designed and arranged to measure a humidity of a wound environment, or a metabolite sensor designed and arranged to detect metabolites that are characteristic of wound healing. Such metabolites can, for example, be proteins such as fibrin or lactates.Metabolic products characteristic of wound healing can also be those released by bacteria from a bacterial coating of a wound.

[0296] A sensor system can also comprise multiple, particularly different, sensors and be designed, for example, as a microelectromechanical system (MEMS). Such microsystems represent a compact unit that can be particularly advantageously integrated into a plasma applicator.

[0297] In one embodiment, a plasma applicator has a sensor system comprising a plurality of, in particular different, sensors. The sensors are preferably designed to detect and output different physiological measured variables of a body section covered by the plasma applicator during use. The plurality of sensors of a sensor system are preferably arranged at different locations on a plasma applicator. Preferably, one of the plurality of sensors is arranged at a location that is particularly suitable for detecting a corresponding measured variable. A sensor that is provided to measure a gas pressure is preferably arranged on the plasma applicator at a distance from the wound and accessible to a gas space. A temperature sensor that is provided to measure conductances of a wound secretion is preferably arranged such that it is in contact with a wound to be treated during use.

[0298] A sensor system with multiple, particularly different, sensors can also be designed as a microfluidic system, also called a lab-on-a-chip system, which can be configured, for example, to detect bacterial growth on the wound or the type and concentration of pathogens in the blood or wound secretion. In one embodiment, a plasma applicator has a sensor system designed as a microfluidic system, wherein the sensor system is arranged on the plasma applicator in such a way that, during use, it is in contact with a wound to be treated, for example, to be able to collect and analyze wound secretion or blood.

[0299] A sensor is preferably arranged on the plasma applicator in such a way that it can detect particularly physiological measured variables relevant to plasma treatment and / or wound healing. In one embodiment, a sensor is arranged in such a way that it is located in a closed gas space at a distance from a body section to be treated during a plasma treatment. A sensor arranged in such a way can particularly advantageously measure measured variables specific to the closed gas space, such as temperature or gas pressure. In one embodiment, a sensor is arranged in such a way that it is in direct contact with a body section to be treated during a plasma treatment. A sensor arranged in this way can particularly advantageously measure measured variables specific to the body section to be treated, such as bacterial plaque or oxygen saturation of the wound.It may also be advantageous to arrange a sensor in such a way that characteristic measured values for an electrical core can be recorded.

[0300] In one embodiment, a plasma applicator comprises an electrical core, an enclosure with a pocket, wherein the electrical core can be inserted into and removed from the pocket, and at least one sensor designed to detect and output, in particular, physiological measured variables relevant to plasma treatment and / or wound healing. The enclosure is preferably at least partially transparent or optically transparent to such an extent that a person can visually assess the condition of a wound when the plasma applicator is applied to a body section to be treated, i.e., over the wound to be treated. A plasma treatment can then be carried out first. After the plasma treatment, the electrical core can be removed from the pocket, allowing a view of the wound through the enclosure.If a further plasma treatment is to be performed, an electrical core can be inserted back into the pocket of the enclosure as a module. This allows the progress of wound healing to be assessed visually, in addition to interpreting measured variables recorded by a sensor. In one embodiment, a plasma applicator has an enclosure with a pocket in which the electrical core is removably arranged. The enclosure is designed such that when the electrical core is removed and the plasma applicator is arranged on a body section to be treated, the body section can be seen through the enclosure.

[0301] A visual assessment of a wound located beneath an applied plasma applicator can also be enabled by providing an enclosure for a plasma applicator with a viewing window arranged in that region of the enclosure that allows a person to assess the condition of a wound to be treated through the viewing window without having to remove a plasma applicator for this purpose. In one embodiment of a plasma applicator, an enclosure therefore has a viewing window arranged such that, when the plasma applicator is arranged on a body portion, the body portion can be seen through the viewing window.

[0302] In one embodiment, a plasma applicator comprises an electrical core, an enclosure with a viewing window, the viewing window being arranged such that a body portion to which the plasma applicator is attached can be visually inspected through the viewing window, and at least one sensor configured to detect and output, in particular, physiological measured variables relevant to plasma treatment and / or wound healing. A viewing window is preferably arranged in an enclosure such that a view of a wound is not obstructed by an electrical core. For this purpose, it can be advantageous if an electrical core has a feedthrough in the center, above which the viewing window is arranged.

[0303] In one embodiment, a plasma applicator comprises an electrical core, an enclosure, at least one sensor, and a gel layer, wherein the gel layer is arranged on the side of the plasma applicator facing a body portion to be treated. When a plasma applicator is arranged on a body portion to be treated, the gel layer preferably ensures that a contact pressure exerted by the plasma applicator on the body portion to be treated is evenly distributed over a surface of the body portion to be treated. This is particularly advantageous when a plasma applicator is to remain on a body portion for an extended period of time.

[0304] In one embodiment, a plasma applicator comprises an electrical core, an enclosure, at least one sensor, and an air cushion, wherein the air cushion is arranged on the side of the plasma applicator facing a body portion to be treated. An air cushion is preferably annular and filled with air. The annular air cushion has an inner diameter that corresponds to the diameter of the opening of the annular air cushion and an outer diameter that corresponds to the diameter of the entire circumference of the air cushion. The inner diameter preferably corresponds to at least one lateral extension of an electrode structure of the electrical core. The outer diameter preferably corresponds to the outer dimensions of the plasma applicator.When a plasma applicator is positioned on a body portion to be treated, the air cushion preferably ensures that the pressure exerted by the plasma applicator on the body portion to be treated is evenly distributed. This is particularly advantageous when a plasma applicator is intended to remain on a body portion for an extended period of time.

[0305] In one embodiment, a plasma applicator comprises an electrotechnical core, an enclosure, at least one sensor, and a layer enriched or coated with pharmacologically and / or non-pharmacologically active agents. This layer is located directly on the body portion to be treated during a plasma treatment. Such a layer can be particularly advantageously implemented as a spacer structure. Particularly when sealing a wound over a longer period of time, preferably until the wound heals, active agents can then be delivered to the wound to be treated during this period to support wound healing and to treat specific and / or additional indications.

[0306] In one embodiment, a plasma applicator comprises an electrical core, an enclosure, at least one sensor, and an adhesion layer, wherein the adhesion layer is designed to ensure adhesive contact between the rest of the plasma applicator and a surface to be treated over a period of several days, in particular until a wound has healed successfully. Such a period may under certain circumstances also comprise several weeks. The adhesion layer is preferably self-adhesive. A self-adhesive adhesion layer can, for example, be formed from a suitable adhesive, e.g., silicone. An adhesion layer preferably ensures firm adhesive contact between a plasma applicator and a body section to be treated.Preferably, an adhesion layer is designed in such a way that it degrades within a certain period of time, preferably several days, or dissolves by adding solvents, for example alcohol.

[0307] In one embodiment, a plasma applicator comprises an electrical core, an enclosure, at least one sensor, and an access port arranged such that, when the plasma applicator is placed on a body portion to be treated, a fluid medium can be supplied into a sealed gas space or discharged from the gas space. If a plasma applicator remains on a body portion to be treated for an extended period of time, a fluid medium can be either supplied or discharged in a targeted manner at various stages of wound healing, thereby supporting wound healing. Advantageously, an access port enables the implementation of VAC therapy. VAC therapy can be controlled, for example, by fluid sensors.If a plasma applicator has an access port, exudate can advantageously be removed from the gas space even if the body section to be treated is sealed. An access port advantageously makes it possible to create an aerobic or anaerobic air climate in the gas space.

[0308] In one embodiment, a plasma applicator comprises an electrical core, an enclosure, and at least one sensor, wherein the enclosure is formed from a water-repellent material or coated with a water-repellent coating. This advantageously prevents liquids from penetrating the gas space while a plasma applicator is positioned on a body portion to be treated for several days.

[0309] A method for permanently sealing a wound with a plasma applicator, wherein the plasma applicator has an enclosure, an electrotechnical core and at least one sensor, comprises at least the following steps: Applying a plasma applicator to a body section to be treated so that a closed gas space is formed between the plasma applicator and the body section to be treated, carrying out a plasma treatment, wherein the carrying out comprises applying an electrical voltage suitable for igniting a plasma to an electrode structure of the electrotechnical core, leaving the plasma applicator on the body section to be treated so that the closed gas space remains beyond the plasma treatment, and while leaving the plasma applicator on the body section to be treated, detecting and outputting a physiological measurement variable of a body section covered by the plasma applicator by means of the at least one sensor.

[0310] The retention step preferably extends over a period of time corresponding to the healing period of a wound to be treated. This step can therefore extend over several weeks. During this period, physiological parameters relevant to wound healing are recorded and output using a sensor. Individual steps of the method are preferably performed multiple times during retention. For example, it can be advantageous if plasma treatment is performed multiple times during retention.

[0311] To seal a body part, especially a wound, a plasma applicator that has neither a sensor nor a sensor system can also be used. Such a method comprises the following steps: Applying a plasma applicator, which comprises an electrotechnical core and an enclosure, to a body section to be treated so that a closed gas space is formed between the plasma applicator and the body section to be treated, carrying out a plasma treatment, wherein the carrying out comprises applying an electrical voltage suitable for igniting a plasma to an electrode structure of the electrotechnical core, leaving the plasma applicator on the body section to be treated so that the closed gas space remains for several days beyond the plasma treatment.

[0312] Such a method can be carried out using the plasma applicators described in this description and other conventional plasma applicators. By leaving the plasma applicator on the body section to be treated, the body section to be treated is sealed and thus isolated from external influences. Leaving it in place for a period of several days particularly extends over a period in which a wound has largely healed. Preferably, a plasma applicator is placed on the body section to be treated, a plasma treatment is carried out, and the plasma applicator is left on the body section to be treated until the wound has healed. Such a period typically comprises several days, which in total may also amount to a period of several weeks. Ignition of a plasma

[0313] To ignite the plasma, a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma is provided to at least one electrode structure of an electrotechnical core by means of a power supply unit.

[0314] Preferably, a power supply unit is configured to provide a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma as a rectangular, sawtooth, or sinusoidal voltage. Preferably, a power supply unit is configured to provide individual repetitive pulses; for example, an alternating voltage can be provided in pulsed form.

[0315] It can be advantageous for plasma treatment to provide a sinusoidal voltage of 9 kV peak-to-peak, pulsed at 20 µs on, 180 µs off, 5 times per second (5 Hz). This advantageously keeps the temperature of an ignited plasma low. Advantageously, a plasma is ignited for a total time of approximately 10% of the treatment time.

[0316] In alternative variants, it may be provided to use a voltage signal of a few hundred V up to 5 kV peak-to-peak. In further variants, it may be provided to provide a different pulse pattern. For example, it may be advantageous to use a number of short pulses in order to achieve a corresponding concentration of an active species and then not to ignite any more plasma for a few seconds after the sequence of short pulses. Such a plasma treatment can lead to improved treatment results for specific clinical pictures. At the same time, the energy consumption can be specifically adjusted via the duration of the pulses and the pauses between the pulses. A short ignition of a plasma with a comparatively long pause is particularly advantageous for operation with a mobile energy supply unit, as this significantly reduces the energy requirement and enables a longer treatment duration with a comparatively small energy storage.

[0317] If a first electrode structure is provided in an electrical core, it is preferably at ground or mass potential and thus forms an electrical counterpole for the second electrode structure driven by the voltage signal. An electric field is then present between the two electrode structures, or at least the second electrode structure, and the surface to be treated. A short circuit between the electrode structures is prevented or suppressed by the insulation layer arranged between the electrode structures. Instead, a large-area, dielectrically impeded plasma forms.Since the plasma properties depend heavily on the gas space thickness, particularly on the gas volume between a grounded electrode structure and a surface to be treated, especially a human or animal surface, a spacer structure can be provided that allows a reliable and reproducible provision of a sufficient amount of gas in the enclosed gas space between the plasma applicator and the surface to be treated to generate a plasma with consistently consistent effective properties. The gas or gas mixture to be ionized is a supplied working gas and / or the ambient or outside air.

[0318] Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the figures. These are not necessarily intended to represent the embodiments to scale; rather, the figures are presented in a schematic and / or slightly distorted form. Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments and from the figures.

[0319] In detail: Fig. 1: a plasma applicator with a plug-in device that is combined with a plug-in device, Fig. 2A: a side view of a section along the width through a plug-in device that is combined with a plug-in device, Fig. 2B: a side view of a section along the height through a plug-in device that is combined with a plug-in device, Fig. 3: a side view of a section along the width of a plug-in device in the form of a plug that is electrically connected to an electrode structure, Fig. 4: a mechanism for a secure connection between a plug-in device and a plug-in device, Fig. 5A: a plasma applicator with an electrotechnical core and with a plug-in device that is combined with a plug-in device, Fig. 5B: a side view of a section along the width through the plug-in device that is combined with the plug-in device, Fig.6: a plug-in device in chip card format with a taper in a conductor track, Fig. 7: an exploded view of a known device for generating a cold atmospheric pressure plasma for the treatment of surfaces, Fig. 8A a plasma applicator which is combined with a mobile energy supply unit having a plug-in device, Fig. 8B a plasma applicator with an integrated mobile energy supply unit and a plug-in device, Fig. 8C a plasma applicator with an integrated mobile energy supply unit without a plug-in device, Fig. 8D a plasma applicator with a plug-in slot for a mobile energy supply unit, Fig. 8E a plasma applicator with an integrated receiving coil arrangement and with a plug-in slot into which a mobile energy supply unit with a transmitting coil arrangement can be pushed, Fig.8Fine plasma applicator with an integrated energy supply unit with an accumulator that can be inductively charged by means of a likewise integrated charging device, Fig. 9A plasma applicator with a scalable treatment area, Fig. 10Aa spacer structure that is simultaneously designed as a plasma source for generating a dielectric barrier discharge (DBE), Fig. 10Ba cross section of the device shown in . Fig. 10A shown spacer structure, Fig. 11 a closed circuit consisting of a two-wire cable, Fig. 12 a plan view of the patient-facing side of an electrotechnical core, Fig. 13 a plan view of the patient-facing side of the Fig. 12 shown electrotechnical core, Fig. 14 a plan view of the side facing away from the patient of the Fig. 13shown electrotechnical core, Fig. 15 a plug-in device with a voltage connection and a ground connection, Fig. 16 indicates how a mechanically tight fit can be created between a plug-in device and a plug-in device indicated by snap-in elements, Fig. 17 an electrotechnical core that is pushed into an absorbent compress, Fig. 18 an electrotechnical core that is pushed into an existing flap of a dressing, Fig. 19 a cross-section through a plasma applicator with an electrotechnical core, each with three electrode structures and three insulation layers, Fig. 20 a plan view of the side of an electrotechnical core that is facing away from the surface to be treated during a plasma treatment, Fig.21 a plan view of the side of an electrical core facing away from the surface to be treated during a plasma treatment, wherein in particular the third insulation layer can be seen, Fig. 22 a plan view of the side of an electrical core facing away from the surface to be treated during a plasma treatment, wherein in particular the third electrode structure can be seen, Fig. 23 a plan view of the side of an electrical core facing away from the surface to be treated during a plasma treatment, wherein the electrical core comprises a third electrode structure and a stiffener, Fig. 24 a plug-in device plugged together with a plug-in device, Fig. 25 a plasma applicator with an electrical core, an enclosure and an access connection, Fig.26 a plug-in device with an access connection and a plug-in device designed to be complementary to the plug-in device, Fig. 27 a plug-in device with an access connection and a plug-in device designed to be complementary to the plug-in device, Fig. 28 a plasma applicator having an enclosure, an electrotechnical core and a plug-in device with an access connection, Fig. 29 a plasma applicator with a sensor system, Fig. 30A a plasma applicator with an electrotechnical core having a number of feedthroughs distributed over its surface, Fig. 30B an enlarged partial area of the section shown in . Fig. 30Ashown plasma applicator, Fig. 31 a plasma applicator with an electrotechnical core and a plug-in device, wherein a perforation is formed at the transition between the electrotechnical core and the plug-in device, Fig. 32 a plasma applicator attached to a bag, Fig. 33 a plasma applicator attached to a bag, wherein the plasma applicator is arranged over a hole in the bag.

[0320] Figure 1shows a preferred embodiment of a plasma applicator 100 with an electrical core 50 and a plug-in device 70 configured as a chip card-like plug. The plug-in device 70 is connected to a plug-in device 60 configured as a complementary receptacle. The plug-in device 60 and the plug-in device 70 have electrically conductive conductor tracks that, when connected together, are galvanically coupled at corresponding contact surfaces. In particular, the conductor track of the plug-in device 70 has a conductor that leads from a contact surface in the plug-in device to at least one electrode structure 10.

[0321] The electrode structure 10 is part of the electrical core 50, which in the embodiment shown further comprises an insulation layer 20. The edge of the insulation layer 20 projects laterally beyond the electrode structure 10 by the length of the creepage distances at a voltage typical for the application.

[0322] In the embodiment shown, the electrode structure 10 consists of a comb-shaped silver conductive varnish. In various variants of the embodiment shown, an electrode structure can also be formed in the form of thin metal layers, foils, grids, and / or with conductive polymer layers. A variant is also conceivable in which an electrode structure of a corresponding electrotechnical core is formed by electrically conductive threads woven into a textile. In a further variant, an electrode structure of a corresponding electrotechnical core is formed as an electrically conductive structure made of a conductive, flexible material, such as a conductive plastic, a material enriched with conductive particles, a metallic foil, or graphite.

[0323] The electrode structure 10 of the embodiment shown is electrically connected to a conductor track of the plug-in device 70. The plug-in device 60 is connected to a cable 80. At the other end of the cable 80, the cable 80 is typically connected to a predominantly stationary power supply unit (not shown), such as a high-voltage generator. The power supply unit (not shown) provides a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma and can include a control unit and a reader for digital data. For operation, the plug-in device 70 of the plasma applicator 100 is connected to the plug-in device 60. A voltage signal provided by the power supply unit (not shown) is transmitted to the electrode structure 10 via the cable 80 and the plug-in device 70 connected to the plug-in device 60 to ignite a plasma.

[0324] The electrode structure 10 of the electrotechnical core shown functions as an electrode structure driven by the voltage signal and is preferably flexible. Typically, a further electrode structure is required that functions as a ground electrode. In the embodiment shown, the electrotechnical core 50 has only one electrode structure 10, and the counterelectrode, when the plasma applicator is attached to or on a human, animal, or technical surface, is realized by the human or animal body or the technical surface itself. In a variant of the exemplary embodiment shown, the counterelectrode, as a further electrode structure, is a component of the flexible, flat electrotechnical core and is located on the side facing the surface to be treated.In this variant, the driven electrode structure and the grounded electrode structure are made of the same material and have the same specific geometry. However, the electrode sections of the driven electrode structure and the grounded electrode structure are offset from one another with a defined overlap. In the embodiment shown and in the described variants, an electrode section of a corresponding electrode structure preferably has a width of 5 mm and a thickness of 14 µm.

[0325] The cross-sectional shape of the electrode sections of an electrode structure has proven to be a relevant parameter. The conductivity in combination with the cross-sectional shape of the electrode sections of an electrode structure is preferably dimensioned such that a conductor track forming a respective electrode section has a resistance in the single-digit ohm range. This results in only a few volts of voltage dropping between the beginning and end of a conductor track of an electrode structure, thus enabling a homogeneous discharge across the entire surface of an electrode structure. A resistance of 2 ohms is currently preferred in the electrode structure. Higher resistance values, for example up to 50 ohms, are also conceivable. However, at higher resistances, a large voltage drop is observed, and the electrode structures heat up considerably.

[0326] For some applications, however, it may also be advantageous if an electrode section of an electrode structure of an electrotechnical core has a width of 1 mm and a thickness of 70 µm. For other applications, it may be advantageous if an electrode section of an electrode structure of an electrotechnical core has a width of 10 mm and a thickness of 7 µm.

[0327] To generate a planar plasma, in particular a cold plasma, the electrical core 50 contains an insulation layer 20 which is arranged between the driven electrode structure 10 and the surface to be treated.

[0328] In the embodiment shown, the insulation layer 20 consists of an electrically non-conductive plastic. However, the insulation layer 20 can also consist of a ceramic or a plastic-ceramic mixture or of a natural fiber composite or other natural materials. The insulation layer 20 preferably has a thickness ranging from a few µm to a few 100 µm. The insulation layer 20 is preferably pore-free, i.e. it has no or very few holes or cavities. The insulation layer 20 also has a dielectric strength of at least 5 kV per mm of thickness. The lateral extent of the insulation layer 20 corresponds to the dimension of the electrode structure 10 in the electrical core 50 plus a projecting edge, wherein the edge is dimensioned such that it covers at least the length of the creepage distances to the plasma igniter at typical applied voltage values.

[0329] In a variant of the embodiment shown here (not shown), the lateral extent of an insulation layer is selected such that no arc discharge occurs between an electrode structure driven in the application and another electrode structure at ground potential or the surface to be treated. Typically, the creepage distances can be reduced by using special insulation mechanisms (e.g., overmolding) without causing a fault. Depending on the enclosure of an electrical core, the lateral extent of an insulation layer can also be designed such that the edge of the insulation layer protruding beyond an electrode structure is smaller than the amplitude of the voltage signal required to ignite a plasma, which specifies the creepage distance.

[0330] In a further variant of the illustrated embodiment (not shown), in which the electrical core has a first and a second electrode structure, the electrical core preferably has a further insulation layer arranged between the grounded electrode structure and the surface to be treated. The further insulation layer preferably consists of a biocompatible material such as lacquer, silicone, polyurethane, or a coating. The coating can be applied by means of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PACVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), anodizing, or electroplating.

[0331] In the illustrated embodiment, the plasma applicator 100 is partially enclosed with a biocompatible material 45, such as medical-grade silicone or a varnish. The underside of the electrotechnical core 50, i.e., the side facing the surface to be treated, is not enclosed, and the top side of the electrotechnical core 50, i.e., the side facing away from the surface to be treated, is completely enclosed. The enclosure is designed to ensure at least a dielectric strength between the driven electrode structure 10 and a ground potential applied directly to the outside.

[0332] The plug-in device 70 is also partially enclosed. In particular, the enclosure of the plug-in device 70 and the electrical core 50 is form-fitting and free of air pockets. To enable galvanic coupling between the plug-in device 70 and the plug-in device 60, the electrical contact surfaces of the plug-in device 70 are freely accessible to the electrical contact surfaces of the plug-in device 60, i.e., they are not enclosed.

[0333] In the embodiment shown, an adhesion layer 40 is applied along the edge of the enclosure 45 on the side facing the surface to be treated. The adhesion layer 40 allows the plasma applicator 100 to be fixed to a human, animal, or technical surface to be treated. The adhesion layer 40 is preferably made of a biocompatible material, such as silicone or an acrylate-based adhesive, and has a preferred thickness of between a few µm and a few hundred µm. When the plasma applicator is attached to a surface to be treated by means of an adhesion layer, the adhesion layer generates an adhesion force sufficient for the plasma applicator to adhere to the surface to be treated without additional aids. The adhesion layer can be applied, for example, using a screen printing process or an injection molding process.It is also conceivable for the adhesion layer to be realized with a transfer tape or a double-sided adhesive tape. The transfer or double-sided adhesive tape can be designed to be elastic and thus flexible, allowing a corresponding plasma applicator to be flexibly adapted and attached to various surfaces.

[0334] To ignite the plasma, a voltage signal is applied to the driven electrode structure of the electrotechnical core. If another electrode structure is provided in the electrotechnical core, this is then at ground or mass potential and thus forms a counter electrode for the electrode structure driven by a voltage signal during operation. An electric field then exists between the two electrode structures or the electrode structure driven during operation and the surface to be treated, whereby a short circuit between the electrode structures is prevented or suppressed by the insulation layer between the two electrode structures. Instead, a large-area, dielectrically impeded plasma forms.

[0335] In an embodiment not shown here, an electrical core comprises an electrode structure driven during operation and a counter electrode. The counter electrode is configured to generate a voltage offset during operation by means of a DC voltage applied to the counter electrode and to accelerate charged particles from a plasma toward a wound. In an embodiment not shown here, a counter electrode is configured to generate a voltage offset by means of a DC voltage. In this case, the counter electrode is configured to be connected to a corresponding voltage source.

[0336] The plasma applicator 100—when applied to a surface in the application—defines an enclosed space, the treatment area 30, in which a plasma is generated. The treatment area 30 is advantageously hermetically sealed. The treatment area 30 is preferably located at a distance of a few millimeters from the surface to be treated, so that a cold plasma is distributed evenly over the human, animal, or technical surface to be treated. A typical duration of a plasma treatment is a few minutes.

[0337] Figure 2A shows a preferred embodiment of a plug-in device 70, which is designed as a plug and is connected to a plug-in device 60 designed as a receiving socket. The illustration shows a side view of a section along the width through a plug-in device connected to a plug-in device.

[0338] The insertion device 60 has a width B1 of 30 mm. A cable 80 is connected to the insertion device 60 via a connector. A power supply unit (not shown) can be connected to the other end of the cable 80, which provides the voltage signal for igniting a plasma during operation. The connector 65 has an insulating structure made of polyethylene, which is externally provided with an electromagnetic shield (EMC shield). The shield can be used to prevent the increased emission of interference waves that could potentially disrupt other electrical devices, for example, in a hospital. Furthermore, this shield can be used to minimize sensitivity to external interference from other radiation sources.

[0339] In various variants, the insulating structure can also consist of other flexible and non-porous insulators (e.g., plastics or ceramics). The cable 80 is encased in a silicone grommet. The insertion device 60 further comprises sealing plugs 66, which are intended to completely fill the housing with an insulator (e.g., epoxy or silicone). A first sealing plug 66 serves as the inlet for the epoxy or silicone, and a second sealing plug 66 serves as the air outlet, allowing air to escape from the housing during filling.

[0340] Furthermore, inductors 67 are provided, which serve as filters for specific interference frequencies. For comparatively good EMC shielding, the housing 68 of the plug-in device 60 is metallized. The entire housing 68 is preferably made of an electrically conductive material. Alternatively, the housing 68 can also be metallized on the inside, for example, or shielded with a grid. In both variants, the shielding of the housing 68 is connected to PE, thus electrically shielding the housing 68 (Faraday cage).

[0341] The interior 69 of the plug-in device 60 is encapsulated with silicone or another material with high dielectric strength (e.g., epoxy resin) to ensure dielectric strength and prevent partial discharges. A further advantage is that the mechanical and electrical components in the plug-in device can be constructed small and compactly. Furthermore, moisture penetration, e.g., during steam sterilization, is prevented.

[0342] The plug-in device 60 shown has a high-voltage connection (HV connection) 71 and a ground connection (GND connection) 72. The width B2 of the plug-in device is 24 mm in the variant shown here. When the plug-in device 70 is fully inserted into the plug-in device 60, the length L2 of the system comprising the two plugged-together devices in the variant shown here is 124 mm. In the variant shown here, the plug-in device 70 protrudes from the plug-in device 60 with a length L3 of 36 mm. The part of the plug-in device 70 that protrudes from the plug-in device can preferably be enclosed with the enclosure, e.g. made of silicone, and then serves to fasten the plug-in device 70 to an electrical core (not shown).

[0343] In an embodiment not shown, a plug-in device has a round shape. Other plug shapes are also conceivable, although the prevention of partial discharges and, as a rule, shielding must be taken into account.

[0344] It should be noted that the size and shape of a suitable system consisting of a plug-in device and a plug-in device typically depend on the amplitude of the voltage signal intended for operation. In the case where a voltage signal of 1 kV is provided for igniting a plasma during operation by means of a power supply unit, the Fig. 2A The size specifications described are significantly smaller, so that a corresponding plug-in device is designed to be smaller and more compact.

[0345] The plug-in device has a latching device 64, which, when joined together, is received by a complementarily designed plug-in device. This mechanically connects the plug-in device and the plug-in device.

[0346] Figure 2B shows a side view of a section along the height through the Fig. 2Ashown plug device combined with the insertion device. The insertion device 60 is connected on one side to a cable 80 and has a height H1 of 14 mm. On the opposite side, the insertion device 60 has an opening for receiving the plug device 70. The plug device 70 has a maximum height H2 of 6.8 mm. When the plug device 70 is fully inserted into the insertion device 60, the minimum creepage distance on the patient side has a length L1 of 85 mm. In the combined state, the plug device 70 and the insertion device 60 are mechanically connected by means of the latching device 64.

[0347] Figure 3shows a preferred embodiment of a plug-in device 70. The illustration shown is a plan view of a section along the width of the plug-in device 70. The plug-in device 70 is electrically conductively connected to an electrode structure 10 via at least one conductor track 71, wherein the conductor track 71 leads from the contact surface of the voltage connection (HV connection) 77 to the electrode structure 10. In the embodiment shown, the maximum width B3 of the plug-in device 70 is 21 mm. In the embodiment shown, the plug-in device 70 has an optional stiffener 75, which can consist, for example, of a polyethylene (PE) film and which can, for example, have a height of approximately 0.2 mm to 1 mm. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the stiffener has the function of increasing the modulus of elasticity. This prevents bending ora change in shape due to the effect of external mechanical forces is reduced and the plug-in device can be easily and simply pushed into the plug-in device.

[0348] Furthermore, the plug device 70 has a bore 76 with a latching function, which is designed to mechanically lock the plug device to a plug-in device (not shown here). On the side facing away from the electrode structure 10, the plug device 70 has a narrower width than the maximum width B3 of the plug device 70 over a length L4 of 58 mm. The described shape is selected, in particular due to the creepage distances and the avoidance of partial discharges, so that no arc discharge occurs in the coupling, which is connected to a power supply unit via a cable and is subjected to voltage, when no plug device is inserted. On the side facing away from the electrode structure 10, the plug device 70 has a contact surface 77 for connecting the plug device 70 to an HV connection (not shown here).In the illustration of the connector 70 shown, the minimum creepage distance K1 between the HV terminal (not shown) and the GND terminal (not shown) is 53 mm and the total length L5 of the connector 70 is 119 mm.

[0349] By giving the plug-in device a chip-card-like shape, i.e., a low height and a relatively long length, creepage distances can be maintained in such a way that no partial discharges occur within the plugged-in device and the plug-in device. The specified dimensions for length, width, and height can advantageously also be implemented independently of one another in such a way that the creepage distances for the voltage amplitude required to generate the plasma are still maintained. Accordingly, the length, width, and height may deviate from the stated values in variants of the described embodiment.

[0350] Figure 4shows a mechanism for a secure connection between a plug-in device 70 and a plug-in device 60 by means of a clamping contact 78 located on the plug-in device 70. By plugging the plug-in device 70 and the plug-in device 60 together, a secure plug-in connection is established by the engagement of terminals serving as locking elements in the plug-in device 70. In an embodiment not shown here, a secure connection between a plug-in device and a plug-in device can be ensured by expanding tongues on the plug-in device serving as locking elements.

[0351] To ensure single-use, a plug-in device is preferably designed such that, upon mechanical separation from the plug-in device following initial use, it is modified in such a way that reconnection to a plug-in device is no longer possible, as a sufficiently strong mechanical connection is no longer possible. In various variants, single-use of a plug-in device can be achieved by breaking terminals, snap-in elements breaking off, locking elements becoming unusable, or the conductor tracks of the plug-in device being scratched or cut upon mechanical separation from the plug-in device.

[0352] In another embodiment not shown here, a sufficiently tensile-strength connection between a plug-in device and a plug-in device can be ensured by magnetic contacts. In this case, at least one magnet is located in each of the plug-in device and the plug-in device. Advantageously, the magnets in the plug-in device have opposite polarity to the magnets in the plug-in device.

[0353] Preferably, the plug connection between the plug-in device and the plug-in device is designed such that the plug-in device connected to a cable can be used multiple times. In an embodiment not shown here, a kink protection device is provided between the plug-in device and a cable.

[0354] Figure 5Ashows a plasma applicator 100 with an electrical core 50 and a plug-in device 70. The electrical core 50 comprises a second electrode structure 10 and a first electrode structure 10'. The second electrode structure 10 is preferably driven during operation by an applied voltage signal, and the first electrode structure 10' is preferably grounded. The electrode sections of the second electrode structure 10 and the first electrode structure 10' are arranged one above the other with a defined overlap. Advantageously, electrode sections of the grounded

[0355] The electrode structure and the electrode structure driven during operation are arranged offset from one another in such a way that an electric field advantageous for plasma ignition is formed. The electrode sections of corresponding electrode structures preferably overlap in a comparatively small area. This means that the remaining area of the electrode sections that does not overlap with an electrode section of another electrode structure is significantly larger than the overlapped area. Due to a comparatively small overlap, a substantially homogeneously distributed plasma is generated between the electrode structures.

[0356] The plug-in device 70 is permanently connected to the electrical core 50 and has a first conductor track 79' and a second conductor track 79. The first conductor track 79' is electrically conductively connected to the first electrode structure 10', and the second conductor track 79 is electrically conductively connected to the second electrode structure 10. The first and second conductor tracks can, for example, be designed as simple conductors. The first and second conductor tracks are preferably made of the same material as the electrode structures. The plug-in device 70 preferably has a width of 3 cm, a height of 1 mm, and a length of 10 cm. In the illustration shown, the plug-in device 70 is connected to a plug-in device 60. The plug-in device 60 is connected via a cable 80 to a primarily stationary power supply unit (not shown here), such as a high-voltage generator.On the side facing the insertion device 60, the cable 80 has a kink protection 81. Figure 5B shows a side view of a section along the height through the plug-in device.

[0357] Figure 6shows a plug-in device 70 with a second conductor track 79, which is electrically connected to an electrode structure (not shown) that is driven during operation, and a first conductor track 79', which is electrically connected to a grounded electrode structure (not shown). The second conductor track 79 has a taper 63 at one point. The smaller diameter of the conductor track at the taper 63 results in a higher electrical resistance than in the rest of the conductor track 79. The taper 63 shown can, in principle, be integrated both in the plug-in device 70 and in the electrical core 50. To ensure single-use of a plasma applicator 100, a current pulse can be applied to the conductor track 79 at the end of a treatment. The current intensity of the pulse is such that the conductor track 79 heats up at this taper 63 to the point where it melts.For example, at the end of the plasma treatment, an energy supply unit combined with the plasma applicator can automatically emit an excessive current pulse with a corresponding current intensity for well under 1 second.

[0358] Figure 7 shows an exploded view of a previously known device 1 for generating a cold atmospheric pressure plasma for the treatment of surfaces with a multi-layer system 2. The multi-layer system 2 forms a plasma applicator and comprises the following layered structures, namely (starting from the bottom): a first insulating structure 11, a first electrode structure 12, a dielectric layer 13, a second electrode structure 14, a second insulating structure 15, a spacer structure 16, and an adhesion layer 17.

[0359] The first insulating structure 11, the first electrode structure 12, the dielectric layer 13, the second electrode structure 14, and the second insulating structure 15 each form a layer of the electrotechnical core of the plasma applicator. The first insulating structure 11 is arranged on the side 4 of the multi-layer system 2 facing away from the surface to be treated and has a height of between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm, preferably 2 mm. The first insulating structure 11 essentially serves to insulate the first electrode structure 12, which is preferably formed as a high-voltage layer, i.e., an electrode structure to which a high voltage is applied.

[0360] The dielectric layer 13 is arranged between the first electrode structure 12 and the second electrode structure 14, wherein the second electrode structure 14 is preferably formed as a ground electrode layer. The dielectric layer 13 essentially prevents a short circuit between the first and second electrode structures, in particular in the form of an arc.

[0361] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, a second insulating structure 15 is arranged on the second electrode structure 14, which has a thickness between 50 µm and 300 µm.

[0362] The spacer structure 16 is then arranged above the second electrode structure 14 or the second insulating structure 15, i.e. on the side 3 of the multilayer system 2 facing the surface to be treated, and ensures that sufficient gas volume is provided so that a plasma can ignite.

[0363] Finally, an adhesion layer 17 is arranged on the side 3 of the multilayer system 2 facing the surface to be treated and above the spacer structure 16. The adhesion layer 17 has a thickness of between 100 µm and 300 µm, preferably 200 µm, and is in direct contact with the surface to be treated. The adhesion layer 17 is preferably formed from a skin- and / or wound-compatible material, preferably with antiseptic and / or atraumatic properties.

[0364] In the present case, as in the Fig. 7 As shown, the second electrode structure 14 is formed with a plurality of recesses, in particular in a grid-like manner. In further embodiments, however, the recesses can also be formed in the form of holes, stripes, meanders, honeycombs, circles, and / or squares.

[0365] Furthermore, the spacer structure 16 can also be honeycomb-shaped, wherein the spacer structure 16 can also be realized by projections or webs. Possible materials for the spacer structure 16 are polymers, elastomers and / or silicones or the like. In principle, a variety of possible materials can be used, such as inorganic or organic materials, in particular natural and / or synthetic materials, such as thermoplastics, thermosets and / or elastomers. For further possible materials, reference is also made to the book "Kunststoff-Taschenbuch" (28th edition) by Karl Oberbach and Hansjürgen Saechtling. In a preferred embodiment of the Fig. 7 In the device shown, the spacer structure is formed with projections and / or webs having a height between 0.5 mm and 5 mm.

[0366] Overall, the Fig. 7The multi-layer system shown has a thickness of 2 mm to 4 mm. The layers in direct contact with the surface to be treated are made of a heat-resistant, biocompatible, and chemically resistant plastic.

[0367] Figures 8A , 8B and 8Cshow a plasma applicator with a mobile energy supply, which is provided by a relatively small energy supply unit compared to the plasma applicator. Due to the mobile energy supply unit, it is not necessary to connect a predominantly stationary energy supply unit, such as a high-voltage generator, to the plasma applicator via a cable in order to transmit a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma to the electrode structure and ignite a plasma. The energy required to ignite a plasma is provided by an energy storage device included in the mobile energy supply unit. Such an energy storage device can be, for example, a battery, an accumulator, or a capacitor.

[0368] The one in the Figures 8A to 8FThe plasma applicator shown comprises at least a first electrode structure and a second electrode structure. At least one insulation layer is arranged between each of the electrode structures. The insulation layer can be, for example, a polymer with dielectric properties. The distance between the electrode structures is preferably less than 1 mm. Advantageously, the small distance means that a lower amplitude of the voltage signal is necessary to ignite a plasma. Instead of the meandering shape of the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure shown, the electrode structures can also have a spiral shape, can be continuous, or can have holes. In the embodiment shown, the electrode structures are made of a metal. In various variants of the embodiment shown, electrode structures made of a conductive plastic or of a textile with conductive wires are provided.The plasma applicator shown has an insulating layer made of a polymer, preferably made of a biocompatible material, as a protective layer on the side facing the surface to be treated.

[0369] Optionally, the plasma applicator shown can also have a spacer structure. A corresponding spacer structure can be made, for example, from a polymer, textile, hydrogel, or starch-based material, e.g., corn flakes, standard wound dressing or gauze, as well as an absorber, and can be electrically insulating and, in particular, biocompatible. A spacer structure can also be formed from a combination of the aforementioned materials. A spacer structure can also be designed in the form of a flat cable for igniting a plasma. In particular, the spacer structure can be designed as a flat cable that simultaneously serves as a plasma source.

[0370] Optionally, the plasma applicator shown has at least one insulating layer as a protective layer on the side facing away from the surface to be treated.

[0371] The plasma applicator shown may have an adhesive layer or a sticker on the side facing the surface to be treated for fixing the plasma applicator above or on the surface to be treated.

[0372] In addition to the rectangular shape shown, the electrical core of the plasma applicator can also have alternative geometries. In various variants, the electrical core of the plasma applicator has a circular shape, a shape that is specifically adapted to a certain body part (e.g., a foot), or is cylindrical. In one variant, the plasma applicator is designed to be attached conically around a hose or cable. In this case, the plasma applicator is placed around a hose or cable, creating an enclosed gas space beneath a conical plasma applicator. Advantageously, such an access point does not have to be removed to enable treatment with a plasma applicator.If it is known before establishing an access that treatment with a plasma applicator will be performed, it may be advantageous if the plasma applicator has a hole or slot through which a cable or tube can be passed. This allows an access to be established first and a plasma treatment to be performed later without having to remove the access.

[0373] The following with reference to the Figures 8A to 8FThe variants of a mobile energy supply for a plasma applicator described above, or the variants of those features intended to ensure single-use of a plasma applicator, can be combined with electrotechnical cores of any of the aforementioned or other geometries to form various variants of a plasma applicator. In particular, an electrotechnical core can have a first insulation layer, followed by a first, grounded electrode structure, followed by a second insulation layer, followed by a second electrode structure driven during operation, followed by a third insulation layer, followed by a third, grounded electrode structure, and thus already ensure contact protection.

[0374] Figure 8Ashows a plasma applicator with a plug-in device 70, which is combined with a plug-in device 60 of a mobile energy supply unit 110. The relatively small mobile energy supply unit 110 comprises an energy storage device and a plug-in device. In contrast to the devices described with reference to Figures 1 , 2 , 3 and 5In the described variants of a plug-in device, it is not necessary for the plug-in device of a mobile energy supply to be arranged at the end of a longer cable, which is intended for connection to a predominantly stationary energy supply unit, such as a voltage generator. The mobile energy supply unit 110 can be mechanically and electrically connected to the plug-in device 70 of a plasma applicator by means of the plug-in device 60. The plug-in device 70 shown and / or the electrotechnical core 50 can have variants of those features that ensure single-use, as is the case, for example, with regard to Figures 4 and 6 When connected, the plasma applicator and the mobile energy supply unit form a compact unit that can be easily carried by a patient, even during operation.

[0375] The energy storage device of the mobile energy supply unit 110 typically does not supply a voltage signal in the kV range, but rather a voltage signal of several volts, e.g., between 5 and 20 volts. The supplied voltage signal can, for example, be on the order of magnitude of a voltage supplied by a commercially available battery, e.g., 9V from a 9V block. However, since igniting a plasma generally requires a voltage signal with an amplitude of several hundred volts up to 10 kV, the voltage signal supplied by the energy storage device of the mobile energy supply unit must be transformed into a voltage signal of several hundred volts up to 10 kV.

[0376] For this purpose, the plasma applicator in the embodiment described here further comprises an electrical circuit (not shown) that transforms a voltage signal provided by the mobile energy supply unit 110 into a (pulsed) alternating voltage in a voltage range of preferably several hundred V to 10 kV. An electrical circuit designed for this purpose comprises, for example, an inverter or a VDC-VAC inverter in combination with a voltage transformer and a pulser with, for example, a duty cycle of 1 s "on" and 9 s "off." Depending on the application, a plasma applicator not shown here may have a different duty cycle. The electrical circuit is electrically connected to at least one electrode structure of the plasma applicator and is suitable for delivering a voltage signal to the electrode structure with a sufficiently high amplitude to ignite a plasma.

[0377] Alternatively, the electrical circuit for transforming a 5-20V voltage signal into a voltage signal with an amplitude of several hundred V to 10 kV can also be integrated into the mobile energy supply unit together with the energy storage device and the plug-in device. The energy storage device of the mobile energy supply unit delivers a voltage signal, which is transformed by the corresponding electrical circuit integrated into the energy supply unit into a voltage signal with the appropriate amplitude sufficient to ignite a plasma. If the plug-in device of the mobile energy supply unit is connected to the plug-in device of a plasma applicator, the voltage signal can be transmitted via conductor tracks of the plug-in device to at least one electrode structure for igniting a plasma.The plasma applicator itself then does not require an electrical circuit to transform a voltage signal into a voltage signal with an amplitude in the kV range.

[0378] In an embodiment not shown here, an electrical circuit is integrated into both a mobile energy supply unit and a plasma applicator. When a plug-in device of the plasma applicator is plugged into a plug-in device of the mobile energy supply unit and an electrical and mechanical connection is established, the two electrical circuits form a circuit system. The circuit system then transforms a DC voltage from the energy storage device of the mobile energy supply unit into a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma and transmits the voltage signal to at least one electrode structure in the electrical core.

[0379] If the energy storage device in the mobile energy supply unit 110 is a rechargeable battery, it is preferred that the rechargeable battery be as flat as possible and, for example, have a length of 9 cm, a width of 9 cm, and a height of 0.2 cm. A corresponding rechargeable battery preferably has a high capacity, preferably more than 4000 mAh, and a high current output of more than 500 mA, in particular between 1 and 2 A. Alternatively, a number of smaller rechargeable batteries can be connected in parallel in order to generate a sufficiently high current.

[0380] When transforming a direct current into a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma, the voltage is typically increased by a factor of 100 or more. This, in turn, means a reduction of the current delivered to a secondary coil of a transformer by a factor of 100. With an energy storage device formed by several accumulators connected in parallel, it may be possible to deliver a comparatively high current in a short period of time without the energy storage device becoming too hot. Using such an energy storage device, which can deliver a high current in a short period of time without becoming too hot, can be advantageous because currents in the milliampere range up to the ampere range can briefly occur during a plasma discharge.

[0381] The energy storage device of the mobile energy supply unit 110 can also be a capacitor. The size or weight and capacitance of the capacitor used are particularly crucial here. The capacitor used preferably weighs a few grams, is compact in size, a few centimeters, has a capacitance in the range of µF to mF, and has a discharge half-life of effectively a few seconds. The capacitor can be charged via the plug-in device of the mobile energy supply unit by connecting it to a power supply, for example, a charger.If the plug-in device is connected to a plug-in device, the energy stored in the capacitor can be converted into a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma by means of an electrical circuit integrated into the plug-in device or the plug-in device, which is delivered to an electrode structure of the plasma applicator via conductor tracks in the plug-in device. Advantageously, at least one electrical component, preferably an electrical resistor, is connected in series or parallel between the capacitor and the conductor track in the plug-in device to limit the discharge current from the capacitor.

[0382] By connecting the mobile power supply unit to a plasma applicator and transferring the resulting voltage to at least one electrode structure of the plasma applicator, a patient can ignite a plasma at any location at any time after applying a plasma applicator over the wound. The patient is thus independent of a predominantly stationary power supply dependent on a local power supply and can use the plasma applicator for plasma treatment at any location with the help of the mobile power supply unit.

[0383] Advantageously, a Fig. 8A The mobile energy supply unit 110 shown is reusable, especially when the plasma applicator itself can only be used once.

[0384] Figure 8Bshows a plasma applicator with an integrated energy supply unit 110' and a plug-in device 70. In the embodiment shown, the mobile energy supply unit 110' is integrated into the plasma applicator. The electrical core 50 of the plasma applicator is electrically connected to the integrated energy supply unit 110' by means of a contact 112. The plasma applicator further comprises a plug-in device 70. If the mobile energy supply unit comprises a rechargeable battery or a capacitor, these can be connected to a mobile or stationary energy supply and charged via the plug-in device. When the rechargeable battery or capacitor is sufficiently charged, the connection to the energy supply can be severed.A patient can then move independently of a stationary energy supply and ignite a plasma independently of a stationary energy supply at any location and at a later time.

[0385] The single-use capability of the plasma applicator shown can be ensured by the plug-in device or the electrotechnical core having variants of the features that ensure single-use capability, as they are, for example, in relation to Figures 4 and 6 be described. An electrotechnical core can, in particular, have a first insulation layer, followed by a first, grounded electrode structure, followed by a second insulation layer, followed by a second electrode structure driven during operation, followed by a third insulation layer, followed by a third, grounded electrode structure, and thus already ensure contact protection.

[0386] Figure 8C shows a plasma applicator with an integrated energy supply unit 120' and without a plug-in device. The integrated energy supply unit 120' is electrically connected to the electrotechnical core 50 of the plasma applicator. The plasma applicator shown comprises a mobile energy supply unit 120' with an energy storage device integrated into the plasma applicator. In contrast to the Fig. 8A and 8B In the embodiments shown, the plasma applicator shown does not have a plug-in device.

[0387] The energy storage device can be, for example, a battery with a capacity between 0.5 and 20 Ah, e.g., a standard 9V block. The DC voltage provided by the energy storage device is transmitted to an electrical circuit integrated into the plasma applicator, where it is transformed into a voltage signal, preferably with an amplitude in the kV range. A voltage signal with an amplitude of several hundred volts may also be sufficient to ignite a plasma. The transformed voltage signal is then transmitted to the at least one electrode structure for igniting a plasma.

[0388] A power supply unit integrated into the plasma applicator with a limited-charge energy storage device that is not rechargeable can also ensure single-use of the plasma applicator.

[0389] A single use of the shown plasma applicator with integrated energy supply unit 120' can be ensured by a conductor track for transmitting a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma to an electrode structure having a taper, as is the case, for example, with respect to Fig. 6 described. In the area of the taper, the conductor track has a higher electrical resistance than in the rest of the conductor track. At the end of a treatment, the power supply unit can deliver a current pulse whose current intensity is such that the conductor track at the taper heats up sufficiently that it melts in the taper area.

[0390] The energy stored in the energy storage device, e.g., a battery, of the integrated power supply unit can also be just sufficient for a single treatment. A single treatment typically lasts a few minutes.

[0391] The plasma applicator shown also has a spacer structure 122.

[0392] Figure 8Dshows a plasma applicator with an insertion slot 130 for a mobile energy supply unit 110'. In the embodiment shown, the plasma applicator has an insertion slot 130 on the top side, i.e., the side facing away from a wound, with which a mobile energy supply unit 110' can be attached to the plasma applicator. The plasma applicator has contacts 112 that connect an electrode structure of the electrotechnical core 50 to the top side of the plasma applicator. In particular, the contacts 112 have free contact areas on their surface, through which a galvanic coupling with the energy storage device of the mobile energy supply unit 110' can be established when the mobile energy supply unit 110' is inserted into the insertion slot 130 of the plasma applicator.

[0393] In the embodiment shown, the energy storage device of the mobile energy supply unit is a rechargeable battery. Advantageously, the mobile energy supply unit can be used multiple times to supply energy to a plasma applicator by charging an empty rechargeable battery. The mobile energy supply unit further comprises an electrical circuit configured to transform a direct voltage provided by the rechargeable battery into a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma. In the embodiment shown, the mobile energy supply unit does not comprise a plug-in device. Therefore, a charging device integrated into the mobile energy supply unit is provided for charging the rechargeable battery. In the embodiment shown, the charging device comprises a receiving coil arrangement for inductively charging the rechargeable battery.

[0394] It is also conceivable that an energy storage device of a power supply unit can be charged via contacts. For example, a mobile power supply unit can be inserted into a designated slot of a stationary power supply unit, and the energy storage device of the power supply unit can be charged via contacts. It is also conceivable that a charger has slots into which a power supply unit can be inserted to establish electrical contact between the energy storage device and a power supply of the charger.

[0395] Figure 8Eshows a plasma applicator with an integrated receiving coil arrangement 140 and with an insertion slot 130 into which a mobile energy supply unit 110" is inserted. The insertion slots 130, into which a mobile energy supply unit 110" is inserted, are located on the side of the plasma applicator facing away from the surface to be treated. On the side of the mobile energy supply unit facing away from the surface to be treated, the mobile energy supply unit has a transmitting coil arrangement 150, which transmits the electrical energy provided by an energy storage device (not shown) integrated into the mobile energy supply unit 110" to the receiving coil arrangement 140 of the plasma applicator by means of inductive coupling.The mobile energy supply unit 110" thus has an energy storage device (not shown) which provides energy which is transmitted by means of inductive coupling from the transmitting coil arrangement 150 to the receiving coil arrangement 140.

[0396] It is also conceivable that the energy supply unit 110" is not a mobile energy supply unit and does not have an energy storage device. Such an energy supply unit can, for example, be connected to a cable which is connected at the other end to a stationary energy supply unit. In this case, energy is provided via a stationary energy supply unit, which is transmitted from the transmitting coil arrangement 150 to the receiving coil arrangement 140 by means of inductive coupling.

[0397] The electrical core 50 is located on the side of the plasma applicator facing the surface to be treated and is electrically connected via contacts to a flat receiving coil arrangement 140 located above it. The receiving coil arrangement 140 is located on the side of the plasma applicator facing away from the surface to be treated and is completely covered by a plasma applicator enclosure 45. The plasma applicator enclosure 45 can be manufactured, for example, by injection molding.

[0398] Advantageously, the plasma applicator of the illustrated embodiment can be completely overmolded with an enclosure 45. In particular, there are no exposed electrical contacts. Thus, the plasma applicator is easy to clean, disinfect, and / or sterilize.

[0399] Figure 8Fshows a plasma applicator with an integrated energy supply unit 120" with an energy storage device that can be charged by means of a likewise integrated, inductive charging device 160.

[0400] In the embodiment shown, the electrical core 50 is located on the side of the plasma applicator facing the surface to be treated and is electrically connected to a rechargeable energy storage device integrated into the plasma applicator via contacts 112. The rechargeable energy storage device can be, for example, an accumulator or a capacitor.

[0401] On its upper side, the energy storage device has two separate contacts 114, which electrically connect the energy storage device to the charging device 160, in particular a receiving coil arrangement. By means of inductive coupling, electrical energy can be sent from a commercially available charging station to the charging device 160 to charge the energy storage device. An electrical circuit is integrated into the energy storage device, which is designed to transform a DC voltage signal provided by the energy storage device into a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma. The transformed voltage signal is then transmitted to the at least one electrode structure in the electrical core 50 by means of the electrical contacts 112.

[0402] Figure 9shows a plasma applicator with an electrotechnical core 50, which can be combined with variants of the features that ensure single-use and with the described variants for a mobile energy supply. The electrotechnical core 50 can, in particular, have a first insulation layer, followed by a first, grounded electrode structure, followed by a second insulation layer, followed by a second electrode structure driven during operation, followed by a third insulation layer, followed by a third, grounded electrode structure, and thus already ensure contact protection.

[0403] The plasma applicator shown has a scalable spacer structure 122'. The scalable spacer structure 122' can be made of silicone, plastic, or textile, for example, and has a supporting function for a wound covering 910 in order to create a defined distance between the surface to be treated and the side of the plasma applicator facing the surface to be treated. Using a scalable spacer structure, a plasma applicator can be adapted to different wound sizes, for example by tearing or cutting a spacer structure. In principle, all mechanical cutting tools or methods available in hospitals or outpatient care can be used to adapt the size of a spacer structure to a wound size. The plasma applicator itself remains unaffected by the scaling method. In the embodiment shown, the spacer structure is gas-permeable and flexible.A user can adjust the size of a spacer structure to a final shape by cutting or an alternative method.

[0404] Optionally, a plasma applicator can be attached to a spacer structure via a defined connection, by clips or adhesive, or by adhesive points provided on the surface of a spacer structure. A spacer structure is preferably designed in the shape of a grid and has a central region in which the electrical core is arranged or can be attached. A larger number of grid structures are preferably provided in this region so that the plasma applicator has a sufficiently firm hold on the spacer structure. Using, for example, a wound plaster, an adhesive film, a shower plaster, a gauze bandage, or other dressing material, the spacer structure connected to a plasma applicator and adapted to the size of the wound can be fixed above or on the wound, so that a closed gas space is created around the plasma applicator and the spacer structure between the surface to be treated and the wound covering 910.

[0405] In Figure 10A A spacer structure 200 is shown, which simultaneously serves as the dielectric barrier discharge (DBE). The spacer structure has the shape of several adjacent honeycombs. As shown with reference to a section 210 of a honeycomb of the spacer structure, an ignited plasma 220 (indicated by the hatched area) spreads along the edges of a honeycomb 210. A spacer structure can be made, for example, from a 2-wire flat cable. Figure 10B A cross-section of the spacer structure 200 is shown. Here, the driven electrode structure 230 and the counter electrode 240, which is typically at ground potential, are visible. A plasma 220 then burns to the right and left of the cable, and inside and outside the honeycomb.

[0406] In Figure 11shows a closed circuit 300 comprising a two-wire cable. The closed circuit 300 has connection points 310, which can be, for example, glued, welded, or soldered. At the connection points 310, the sheaths of the two cables are firmly connected to each other. Fig. 11 The circuit 300 shown represents one possibility for constructing a spacer structure made of flat cables. The cable sections are positioned vertically, so the plasma burns to the right and left of the cable, as shown in Fig. 10Bshown. The cable sections are curved in a wave-like manner; a closed circuit 300 is completely independent of other closed circuits, e.g., 300' and 300", each formed by a different cable. All cables are electrically connected to one another on one long side of the electrode structure formed by the cables. The shape is chosen to be as simple as possible and require little manufacturing effort.

[0407] Figure 12 shows a plan view of the side of an electrotechnical core 50 facing a surface to be treated, comprising an insulation layer 20 arranged between a driven electrode structure 10 and a counter electrode 10'. Each of the conductor tracks 79, 79' is electrically connected to the driven electrode structure 10 and the counter electrode 10' and are conductor tracks of a chip card-shaped plug-in device.

[0408] Figure 13shows a plan view of a side of the device facing away from the surface to be treated. Figure 12 shown electrotechnical core 50 with an insulation layer 20 arranged between an electrode structure 10 driven by a voltage signal during operation and a counter electrode 10'. Each of the conductor tracks 79, 79' is electrically connected to the driven electrode structure 10 and the counter electrode 10' and are conductor tracks of a chip card-shaped plug-in device.

[0409] Figure 14 shows a top view of the side of the device facing away from the surface to be treated. Figure 13shown electrotechnical core 50 with an insulation layer 20 arranged between a driven electrode structure 10 and a counter electrode 10'. In the illustration shown, a chip card-shaped stiffener 75 is glued, laminated, adhesively bonded, etc., to the conductor tracks 79, 79' of the plug-in device. The counter electrode 10' is located on the side facing the surface to be treated.

[0410] Figure 15 shows a plug-in device 60 with a voltage connection 71 and a ground connection 72. Furthermore, the plug-in device 60 has inductors 67 and sealing plugs 66. The plug-in device 60 is connected to a power supply unit (not shown) via a multi-shielded cable 80. A kink protection 81 is provided to stabilize the cable 80. Fig. 15It is indicated how a plug-in device 70 is pushed into the insertion device 60 in order to transmit a voltage signal provided by a power supply unit to an electrode structure (not shown) driven by the voltage signal.

[0411] In Figure 16 It is indicated how a mechanically secure fit can be created between a plug-in device 70 and a plug-in device, which is only indicated here by snap-in elements. In the embodiment shown, a mechanically secure fit is achieved by a spring with a ball on both sides of a plug-in device and a corresponding recess in the plug-in contact device 70. In an embodiment not shown here, a spring arm with a correspondingly matching bulge can also snap into a recess provided for this purpose.

[0412] Figure 17shows an electrotechnical core 50 integrated into an absorbent compress. In an embodiment not shown here, a compress is pressed or sewn around an electrotechnical core. In this case, the compress represents the enclosure of the electrotechnical core. Preferably, the electrotechnical core 50 is completely enclosed by gauze or a compress and / or a textile. In an embodiment not shown here, the upper side (facing away from the body) is hermetically sealed with a film, and an adhesive layer is applied to the side facing the surface to be treated.

[0413] Figure 18 shows an electrotechnical core 50 that is inserted or sewn into an existing flap of a bandage or textile, for example. The flap is preferably designed such that the electrotechnical core 50 disappears completely into the flap when fully inserted or sewn in.

[0414] Figure 19shows a cross-section through a particularly preferred plasma applicator 1900 with an electrotechnical core 1902. The electrotechnical core 1902 comprises six flat, layered structures that are planar and arranged one above the other in a stacking sequence. On the side 1904 of the electrotechnical core 1902, which in the application case faces the human, animal, or technical surface, there is a planar first insulation layer 1906 made of a biocompatible material. When the plasma applicator 1900 is applied to the human, animal, or technical surface, the first insulation layer 1906 can be in direct contact with the corresponding surface. In various variants, the first insulation layer comprises an electrically insulating film and / or an electrically insulating lacquer and / or an electrically insulating adhesive layer and / or silicone.

[0415] In the direction of the side facing away from the surface to be treated, the first insulation layer 1906 is followed by a first electrode structure 1908, which functions as a ground electrode. In the embodiment shown, the first electrode structure 1908 has a special geometry, which in various variants of the embodiment shown is meander-shaped, spiral-shaped, formed by a surface with holes, square, U-shaped, E-shaped, M-shaped, L-shaped, C-shaped, X-shaped, or O-shaped. The first electrode structure 1908 is preferably produced using a screen printing process and has a thickness of between 5 µm and 200 µm. In an embodiment not shown here, the first electrode structure 1908 is designed as a surface electrode with a closed surface.

[0416] The first electrode structure in the form of a ground electrode 1908 is followed by a second insulation layer 1910, which is formed over the entire surface, i.e., as a closed surface. The second insulation layer 1910 comprises, in various variants, e.g., an electrically insulating film and / or an electrically insulating lacquer and / or an electrically insulating adhesive layer and / or silicone, and has a thickness of between 50 µm and 200 µm, preferably between 75 µm and 100 µm.

[0417] A second electrode structure 1912 is arranged on the second insulation layer 1910, which, in the application case, is driven by a voltage signal to generate a plasma. This second electrode structure 1912, which is driven by a voltage signal in the application case, also has a special geometry. Optionally, the second electrode structure can also be designed as a surface electrode. The second electrode structure 1912, which is driven in the application case, is preferably produced using a screen printing process and has a thickness of between 5 µm and 200 µm, preferably between 5 µm and 100 µm, preferably between 5 µm and 20 µm.

[0418] The second insulation layer 1910 arranged between the first electrode structure 1908, which is at ground potential, and the second electrode structure 1912, which is driven in the application case, effects a galvanic separation of the two electrode structures.

[0419] The second electrode structure 1912, which in the application is driven by a voltage signal, is followed by a third insulation layer 1914, which preferably comprises an electrically insulating film and / or an electrically insulating adhesive layer.

[0420] A third electrode structure 1916 is arranged on the third insulation layer 1914. This third electrode structure 1916, which is designed as a surface electrode, preferably as an electrically conductive foil, is connected to ground potential during use. The third electrode structure 1916 has a thickness that is preferably between 20 µm and 200 µm, more preferably between 20 µm and 100 µm. During use, the third electrode structure 1916 fulfills the function of contact protection and EMC shielding. This means that during operation, the third electrode structure 1916 ensures field-free operation between the driven, second electrode structure 1912 and a ground potential applied directly to the outside of the electrical core.

[0421] The third insulation layer 1914 arranged between the second electrode structure 1912 driven in the application and the third electrode structure 1916 is formed over the entire surface and effects a full-surface electrical insulation or galvanic separation of the third electrode structure 1916 from the second electrode structure 1912.

[0422] In the electrotechnical core 1902 shown, in addition to a first ground electrode 1908, a second ground electrode 1916 is provided, which is galvanically separated from the second electrode structure 1912 driven in the application by a third insulation layer 1914. As a result, contact protection is already realized during operation by the electrotechnical core 1902 itself. The third electrode structure 1916 prevents an electrical breakdown during operation between the driven second electrode structure 1912 and a ground potential present outside the electrotechnical core or a virtual ground potential in the form of the surface to be treated or a human or animal. Advantageously, this allows an enclosure 1918 to be constructed comparatively simply, since an enclosure 1918 no longer necessarily has to fulfill the function of contact protection.In particular, the electrotechnical core described here eliminates the need for a complex enclosure consisting of a first, second, and third injection-molded layer. Conventional electrotechnical cores without a third insulation layer and a third electrode structure typically require an enclosure consisting of a first, second, and third injection-molded layer. Starting from the side facing away from the patient, the first injection-molded layer consists of biocompatible silicone, the second injection-molded layer consists of conductive silicone, which is at ground potential during operation, and the third injection-molded layer consists of biocompatible silicone. The enclosure is therefore intended to ensure compatibility in contact with a surface to be treated while simultaneously providing protection against contact. Such an enclosure is comparatively complex to manufacture.

[0423] In the electrotechnical core described here, the functions of the first and second injection-molded layers are integrated as structures and layers into the electrotechnical core itself in the form of thin foils. In particular, an electrotechnical core described here can be overmolded with only one injection-molded layer of silicone.

[0424] Such an electrotechnical core is advantageously touch-safe and EMC-safe. Particularly advantageously, such an electrotechnical core can be used as a module and integrated into any plasma applicator or enclosure. For example, an electrotechnical core described here can be integrated into a compress, a superabsorbent, shoe soles, compression stockings, or clothing.

[0425] It is particularly advantageous that such an electrical core can be manufactured with a thickness of 300 µm or less. Such an electrical core has a comparatively low vertical integration and can be manufactured, for example, as a film laminate. Advantageously, an electrical core described here can be manufactured significantly more easily and inexpensively, and is preferably still comparatively flat, flexible, and very flexible with regard to use. Advantageously, an electrical core described here can be manufactured with a plug-in device in the form of a tab in the same manufacturing process.

[0426] Accordingly, the electrotechnical core 1902 shown here has six layers, with an insulation layer 1906, 1910, 1914 and an electrode structure 1908, 1912, 1916 alternating in the stacking sequence of the six layers. A Figure 19The electrotechnical core 1902 shown can be manufactured with comparatively low production effort and with comparatively low production costs.

[0427] To produce the electrical core 1902 shown, a third insulation layer 1914 formed by a film is laminated onto the second electrode structure 1912, which is driven by a voltage signal during operation. The electrically insulating effect of the third insulation layer can be enhanced, in particular, by an adhesive used for lamination. The third electrode structure 1916 is then applied to the third insulation layer 1914. It is also conceivable for the third insulation layer to be formed by the adhesive for lamination and not as a separate film. In this case, the third electrode structure can be laminated directly onto the second electrode structure, with the adhesive between the second and third electrode structures representing the third insulation layer.

[0428] In the illustration shown, the thicknesses of the individual layers of the multilayer system are selected such that the total thickness along the stacking sequence of the illustrated electrotechnical core 1902 is approximately 200 µm to 300 µm, within the usual error tolerances. This ensures that the electrotechnical core 1902 is comparatively elastically deformable and can be relatively easily adapted to various body and / or surface shapes.

[0429] In the illustrated embodiment, the described layers of the electrotechnical core 1902 are manufactured as a laminate. The electrotechnical core 1902 thus consists of a foil laminate.

[0430] The illustrated embodiment includes an enclosure 1918 made of a biocompatible material. A suitable biocompatible material 1918 is, for example, medical-grade silicone, lacquer, gauze, textiles, absorbers, or adhesives, or a combination of the aforementioned materials.

[0431] Since the third electrode structure 1916, which is grounded in the application, fulfills the function of touch protection and EMC compatibility, the enclosure 1918 of the illustrated embodiment can be realized, for example, by a simple silicone overmolding. The illustrated enclosure 1918 is therefore comparatively simple in design.

[0432] In the embodiment shown, the electrical core 1902 is only partially enclosed by the enclosure 1918. In particular, no enclosure 1918 can be provided on that side 1904 of the electrical core 1902 that faces the surface to be treated during a plasma treatment. The enclosure 1918 can be produced, for example, by an injection molding process, a dipping process, or a painting process. In an embodiment not shown here, an electrical core is completely enclosed by an enclosure, for example in the form of a textile, gauze, or compresses.

[0433] In an embodiment not shown here, an electrotechnical core and in particular the second electrode structure driven in the application is electrically connected to a plug-in device. Such a plug-in device is preferably chip-card-shaped and, as with respect to Fig. 2described. In variants of the embodiment shown here that are not shown, a plug-in device or an electrotechnical core has at least one feature that ensures single use of the plasma applicator. Such a feature can be implemented, for example, by a Fig. 6 shown taper of a conductor track of the plug-in device or a taper of an electrode section of an electrode structure in the electrotechnical core or as in relation to Fig. 16 described snap-in elements can be implemented.

[0434] In an embodiment not shown here, a plasma applicator comprises an integrated power supply unit and a plug-in device. As described with reference to Fig. 8B As described, the integrated power supply unit can be connected to a mobile or stationary power supply and charged via the plug-in device.

[0435] In a further embodiment not shown here, a plasma applicator comprises an integrated energy supply unit with an energy storage device but no plug-in device. As with respect to Fig. 8C As described, the integrated power supply unit is electrically connected to the electrotechnical core to supply it with power to ignite a physical plasma.

[0436] In a further embodiment not shown here, a plasma applicator comprises an insertion slot designed to receive a mobile energy supply unit. As described with reference to Fig. 8DAs described, the plasma applicator can have contacts that, in particular, connect the electrode structure of the electrotechnical core, which is driven in the application, to the top of the plasma applicator. The contacts have free contact areas on their surface, through which a galvanic coupling with an energy storage device of a mobile energy supply unit can be established when a mobile energy supply unit is inserted into the insertion slot of the plasma applicator.

[0437] In a further embodiment not shown here, a plasma applicator comprises an integrated receiving coil arrangement and an insertion slot into which a mobile energy supply unit with a transmitting coil arrangement can be pushed.

[0438] As with regard to Fig. 8EAs described, electrical energy provided by an energy storage device integrated into the mobile energy supply unit can be transmitted by means of the transmitting coil arrangement to the receiving coil arrangement of the plasma applicator by means of inductive coupling to supply energy to the electrotechnical core and thus to ignite a physical plasma.

[0439] In a further embodiment not shown here, a plasma applicator comprises an integrated power supply unit with a battery or a capacitor, which can be charged by means of a likewise integrated charging device. As with respect to Fig. 8F As described, electrical energy can be sent from a commercially available charging station to the charging device by means of inductive coupling to charge an energy storage device of the integrated energy supply unit for supplying energy to the electrotechnical core.

[0440] The following described Figures 20 , 21 . 22 and 23 each show selected intermediate products of a manufacturing process for producing a product as described in Fig. 19 shown electrotechnical core.

[0441] Figure 20shows a top view of the side of an electrotechnical core 2000 facing away from the surface to be treated during a plasma treatment. The electrotechnical core 2000 comprises a second electrode structure 2002 driven by a voltage signal during operation. The second electrode structure 2002 driven in the application case has a special geometry that is comb-shaped. In the direction of the side facing the side to be treated, the second electrode structure 2002 driven in the application case is followed by a second insulation layer 2006, and this second insulation layer is followed by a grounded, first electrode structure 2004, which represents the ground electrode that faces the surface to be treated during the application case.Both the second electrode structure 2002, driven in the application, and the first electrode structure 2004 each have a conductor track 2008, 2010 that extends vertically from one long side of the electrical core 2000 away from the corresponding electrode structures 2002, 2004 in the same horizontal plane. These conductor tracks 2008, 2010 form the conductor tracks of a plug-in device. Corresponding conductor tracks of the plug-in device are then electrically conductively connected to the electrical core 2000. Optionally, the plug-in device can have a stiffener.

[0442] In the direction of the surface to be treated, the first electrode structure 2004 shown is followed by a first insulation layer (not shown), which, in the application case, can come into direct contact with a surface to be treated. The first insulation layer (not shown) is designed such that it also electrically insulates the conductor tracks 2008, 2010 in the direction of a surface to be treated.

[0443] Figure 21shows a plan view of the side of an electrotechnical core 2100 that faces away from the surface to be treated during a plasma treatment. The electrotechnical core 2100 shown essentially shows the third insulation layer 2102, which is arranged on the side facing away from the surface to be treated during a plasma treatment on the second electrode structure (not shown) driven during operation. This third insulation layer 2102 fulfills the function of galvanically isolating the second electrode structure driven during operation and a third electrode structure (not shown) arranged on the third insulation layer.The third insulation layer 2102 shown is formed over the entire surface and has a tab 2104 on the side where conductor tracks lead away from the second electrode structure driven during use and the first electrode structure arranged on the side of the electrotechnical core 2100 facing the surface to be treated. The tab 2104, however, does not terminate at the end 2106 of the conductor track of the electrode structure driven during operation, but rather ends earlier. This leaves a contact surface 2108 of the conductor track exposed, which represents a contact surface for transmitting a voltage signal between the plug-in device and the contacts of the plug-in device.

[0444] In Figure 22A plan view of the side of an electrotechnical core 2200 is shown which faces away from the surface to be treated during a plasma treatment. Of the electrotechnical core 2200 shown, one can essentially see the third electrode structure 2202, which is arranged on the side facing away from the side to be treated and which is protected by a third insulation layer (reference numeral 2102 in Fig. 21) is galvanically isolated from a second electrode structure driven in the application. This third electrode structure 2202 fulfills the function of contact protection and EMC protection, so that during operation of a plasma applicator there is no electrical breakdown between a driven electrode structure of the electrotechnical core 2200 and a ground potential applied directly to the outside or a virtual ground potential due, for example, to contact by a patient or user. The third electrode structure 2202 shown is preferably designed as a surface electrode, ie it does not have a special geometry.On the side 2204 of the electrotechnical core 2200, on which the conductor track leads away from the second electrode structure driven during use and the first electrode structure arranged on the side of the electrotechnical core 2200 facing the surface to be treated, the third electrode structure 2202 shown also has a tab-shaped conductor track 2206. The tab-shaped conductor track 2206 completely covers the region 2208 in which both the conductor track of the second electrode structure driven during operation and the conductor track of the first electrode structure (not shown) are located.In the region 2210 that extends beyond the region 2208 with both conductor tracks and only comprises the conductor track of the second electrode structure driven during operation, the tab-shaped conductor track 2206 of the third electrode structure 2202 shown has a sufficient width to ensure shielding of the second electrode structure, provide protection against contact, and at the same time prevent a plasma discharge from igniting between the third electrode structure and the second electrode structure. The third insulation layer 2212 arranged between them has a greater width than the conductor track of the second electrode structure driven during operation in order to ensure galvanic isolation of the two electrode structures.The tab-shaped conductor track 2206 of the third electrode structure 2202 shown ends before the end 2214 of the tab of the third insulation layer 2212 shown, so that a contact surface 2216 of the conductor track of the second electrode structure driven during operation remains free in order to establish an electrical contact between the plug-in device formed and the contacts of the plug-in device for transmitting a voltage signal.

[0445] Figure 23 shows a plan view of the side of an electrotechnical core 2300 which is facing away from the surface to be treated during a plasma treatment. Of the electrotechnical core 2300 shown, one can essentially see the third electrode structure 2302 with a tab-shaped conductor track 2304, as it is shown in relation to Fig. 22 In addition to the Fig. 22In contrast to the electrotechnical core 2200 shown, the electrotechnical core 2300 shown here has a chip card-shaped stiffener 2306 which supports the tab-shaped conductor track of the Figures 20 , 21 , and 22described electrode structures and insulation layers as well as tab-shaped conductor tracks of the electrode structures and tabs of the insulation layers which are not described but are additionally present in the electrotechnical core 2300. The chip card-shaped stiffener 2306 has in particular the same basic shape as the tab-shaped conductor tracks and tabs enclosed by it or arranged on one side, ie in the region 2308 in which both the conductor structure of the second electrode structure driven during operation and the conductor track of the third electrode structure lying at ground potential are located, the chip card-shaped structure 2306 also has a greater width than in the region 2310 in which only the conductor track of the second electrode structure driven during operation is located.In the region 2310, in which only the conductor track of the second electrode structure driven during operation is located, the chip card-shaped stiffener 2306 closes with the end of the in . Fig. 21 shown insulation layer, so that the contact surface 2314 of the conductor track of the second electrode structure driven during operation remains free.

[0446] In the region 2308, in which both the conductor track of the second electrode structure driven during operation and the conductor track of the third electrode structure are located, the chip card-shaped structure 2306 is designed such that it terminates on the side on which the conductor track of the third electrode structure 2302 is located before the end 2316 of the tab-shaped conductor track 2304 of the third electrode structure 2302, so that here too a contact surface 2318 of the conductor track in the form of a tab-shaped conductor track 2316 of the third electrode structure 2302 remains free.

[0447] Figure 24 shows a plug-in device 2400 which is plugged together with a complementarily designed plug-in device 2402. The plug-in device 2400 comprises three conductor tracks, wherein one conductor track is the conductor track of a first electrode structure, a second conductor track is the conductor track of a second electrode structure driven during operation, and a third conductor track is the conductor track of a third electrode structure, wherein the third electrode structure fulfills the function of contact protection for a ground potential applied on the side facing away from the side to be treated and represents EMC protection.

[0448] Since the plug-in device 2400 shown has three conductor tracks, the plug-in device 2402 designed as a coupling has a terminal 2404 for transmitting a voltage signal to the second electrode structure driven during operation and two further terminals 2406, 2408 for contacting the two conductor tracks of the first and third electrode structure, which are preferably at ground potential. In comparison to the Fig. 2 In the insertion device shown, an additional connection 2406 is provided for contacting the second ground electrode.

[0449] Figure 25 shows a plasma applicator 2500 having an electrical core 2502, an enclosure 2504 and an access port 2506. The electrical core 2502 is as described with respect to Figure 19described and comprises, in the layer thickness direction, starting from the side 2507 facing a surface to be treated, a first insulation layer 2508, a first electrode structure 2510, a second insulation layer 2512, a second electrode structure 2514, a third insulation layer 2516 and a third electrode structure 2518. During operation, the first and third electrode structures 2510, 2518 are grounded. The electrical core 2502 shown here is therefore already designed to be touch-safe. During operation, the second electrode structure 2514 is supplied with a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma. In embodiments not shown here, the plasma applicator has a differently designed electrical core which, for example, in one embodiment only comprises a second electrode structure and a second insulation layer.

[0450] In the embodiment shown, the access connection 2506 is designed as a tubular nozzle and extends perpendicularly with respect to a surface to be treated through the enclosure 2504 and the electrical core 2502. For this purpose, the electrical core 2502 and the enclosure 2504 each have a passage having a diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the tubular nozzle. The nozzle 2506 is hollow inside so that a fluid medium can be passed through the nozzle. In the application case, one end of the nozzle 2506 is located in a closed gas space 2522 formed between the plasma applicator 2500 and a surface to be treated.The other end of the nozzle 2506 is located outside the plasma applicator 2500 on the side facing away from a surface to be treated, so that when a plasma applicator is arranged on a surface to be treated, one or more fluid media can be added to the enclosed gas space 2522 or removed from the enclosed gas space 2522 through the tubular nozzle 2506.

[0451] In the embodiment shown, the nozzle 2506 has a female sleeve 2524 for attaching a hose (not shown) with a complementary thread to the tubular nozzle 2506. A fluid medium can be supplied to and / or removed from the enclosed gas space 2522 via a hose (not shown) connected to the female sleeve 2524. For example, a hose (not shown) can be connected to a vacuum pump (not shown), and the vacuum pump can generate a negative pressure in the enclosed gas space 2522.

[0452] In the embodiment shown, the tubular nozzle 2506 has an integrated valve 2526 with which the flow of a fluid medium through the tubular nozzle 2506 can be controlled and stopped. Such a valve 2526 can be manually, mechanically, or electronically controlled.

[0453] In an embodiment not shown here, a plasma applicator has an enclosure and a Figure 25 described access connection and one as described in relation to Figure 7 described electrotechnical core. In a further embodiment not shown here, a plasma applicator has an enclosure and a Figure 25 The device has the access connection described above and an electrical core with only one electrode structure, which is subjected to a voltage signal during operation. In this embodiment, a surface to be treated serves as a counter electrode during operation.

[0454] Figure 26shows a plug-in device 2600 and a plug-in device 2602 complementary to the plug-in device 2600. The plug-in device 2600 is arranged on an electrical core of a plasma applicator, which is only indicated in the illustration shown. The plug-in device 2600 is as described with reference to Figures 2A and 2B described, but additionally has an access connection 2604. In the illustration shown, the access connection 2604 is guided at a distance next to the tabs of the plug device 2600, but forms a component of the plug device.

[0455] The insertion device 2602 is also as in relation to Figures 2A and 2B described, but additionally has a hose 2606 with a sleeve 2608 and a valve 2610. In an embodiment not shown here, a hose as described with reference to Figure 24described connector has an access connection and a connection as described in relation to Figure 24 The insertion device described has a hose with a sleeve and a valve.

[0456] In the embodiment shown, an access connection 2604 in the form of a grommet is part of the plug-in device 2600. The counterpart to the grommet 2604 is located in the complementary plug-in device 2602. The grommet 2604 can therefore be connected to the hose 2606 via the sleeve 2608, so that a fluid medium can be guided via the hose 2606 in the plug-in device 2602 to the grommet 2604 of the plug-in device 2600. In the joined state of the plug-in device 2600 and the plug-in device 2602 shown below, the plug-in device 2600 and the plug-in device 2602 form a watertight and airtight connection.

[0457] Figure 27shows a plug-in device 2700 and a plug-in device 2702 complementary to the plug-in device 2700. The plug-in device 2700 is arranged on an electrical core of a plasma applicator, which is only indicated in the illustration shown. The plug-in device 2700 is as described with reference to Figures 2A and 2B described, but additionally has an access port 2704 with a valve 2710. In the illustration shown, the access port 2704 is guided at a distance next to the tabs of the plug device 2700, but forms a component of the plug device 2700.

[0458] The insertion device 2702 is also as in relation to Figures 2A and 2B described, but additionally has a hose 2706 with a sleeve 2708. In an embodiment not shown here, a hose as described with reference to Figure 24described connector has an access connection with a valve and a connection as described in relation to Figure 24 The insertion device described above has a hose with a sleeve.

[0459] In the embodiment shown, an access connection 2704 in the form of a grommet is part of the plug-in device 2700. The counterpart to the grommet 2704 is located in the complementary plug-in device 2702. The grommet 2704 can therefore be connected to the hose 2706 via the sleeve 2708 attached to a corresponding end of the hose, so that a fluid medium can be guided via the hose 2706 in the plug-in device 2702 to the grommet 2704 of the plug-in device 2700. In the joined state of the plug-in device 2700 and the plug-in device 2702 shown below, the plug-in device 2700 and the plug-in device 2702 form a watertight and airtight connection. The flow of a fluid medium can be regulated or stopped by adjusting the valve of the access connection 2704.

[0460] Figure 28shows a plasma applicator 2800 comprising an enclosure 2802, an electrical core 2804, and a plug-in device 2806 with an access connection 2808. In the application, a closed gas space 2810 is formed between the plasma applicator 2800 and a surface to be treated. One end of the access connection 2808 terminates in the gas space 2810, and the other end of the access connection 2808 terminates outside the plasma applicator 2800, so that a fluid medium can be supplied through the access connection from outside the plasma applicator into the closed gas space 2810 or discharged from the connected gas space 2810. In particular, the plug-in device 2806 can be plugged together with a complementary plug-in device (not shown) having a hose that can be connected to the access connection, for example, via a sleeve or by plugging together.

[0461] Figure 29shows a plasma applicator 2900 with a sensor system. The plasma applicator 2900 further comprises an enclosure 2902 and an electrical core 2904. In at least one region along a circumference of the plasma applicator 2900, the plasma applicator has an adhesion layer 2908. In use, the enclosure 2902 creates a closed gas space 2910 between the plasma applicator 2900 and a body portion to be treated. The sensor system comprises a first sensor 2912 and a second sensor 2914. The first sensor 2912 is attached to the plasma applicator at a distance from a body portion to be treated and is designed to detect a measured variable characteristic of the gas space 2910 and to transmit a data signal 2918 representing the detected measured variable to a data processing device 2916.The second sensor 2914 is attached to the plasma applicator in direct contact with a body portion to be treated and is designed to detect a physiological measurement variable of a body portion covered by the plasma applicator 2900 and to transmit a data signal 2920 representing the detected measurement variable to a data processing device 2916.

[0462] Figure 30A shows a plasma applicator 3000 with an electrical core 3002 having a first electrode structure 3004 and a second electrode structure 3006. The plasma applicator further includes an enclosure 3008 and a connector 3010.

[0463] The electrical core 3002 has holes or feedthroughs 3012 that are distributed over the entire surface of the electrical core 3002. The holes or feedthroughs 3012 enable media transport through the electrical core 3002 from the side facing a surface to be treated to the side of the plasma applicator 3000 facing away from a surface to be treated, or in the opposite direction, from the side facing away from a surface to be treated to the side of the plasma applicator 3000 facing a surface to be treated. The electrode structures 3004, 3006 are spaced apart from the respective holes 3012, thus are not part of the surface of the electrical core 3002 surrounding a feedthrough 3012. The enclosure 3008 is formed from a media-transporting material.

[0464] Figure 30Bshows the partial area of the plasma applicator 3000 framed by box 3014 in an enlarged view. In this partial area, part of an electrode section of the first electrode structure 3004 and part of an electrode section of the second electrode structure 3006 can be seen. Furthermore, one of the feedthroughs 3012 can be seen. This illustration clearly shows that the electrode sections do not extend to the feedthrough, but rather end at a distance from it. The surface that encloses the feedthrough 3012 is formed exclusively by insulation layers 3016 of the electrical core 3002.

[0465] In Figure 313 shows a plasma applicator 3100 with an electrical core 3102 and a plug-in device 3104. At the transition between the electrical core 3102 and the plug-in device 3104, the plasma applicator 3100 has a perforation 3106. The function of the perforation 3106 is to reduce the strength between the plug-in device 3104 and the electrical core 3102. The perforation 3106 represents a predetermined breaking point. At this perforation 3106, the plug-in device 3104 can be torn off or removed from the electrical core 3102 after a plasma treatment. As a result, a plasma applicator 3100 can remain on a surface to be treated for an extended period of time, from days to weeks, independent of a power supply unit, since the plug-in device 3104 that is no longer required is removed.

[0466] Figure 32shows a plasma applicator 3202 attached to a bag 3200. The plasma applicator is fixed to the bag 3200 and the bag 3200 encloses a foot to be treated and thus forms a connected gas space 3204. The bag 3200 is formed from a thin film and fixed above the ankle by means of a rubber band or a band 3206.

[0467] In Figure 33 A plasma applicator 3302 attached to a bag 3300 is shown. The plasma applicator 3302 is shown only as a contour, so that it is visible that the bag 3300 has a hole 3304 over which the plasma applicator 3302 is attached. In the application case, an ignited plasma can enter the bag 3300 through the hole 3304 and interact with the surface to be treated, in this case the foot. This enables a large-area treatment, for example, of a foot or at least the underside of the foot. List of reference symbols

[0468] 1Device for generating a cold atmospheric pressure plasma 2Multi-layer system 3The side facing the surface to be treated 4The side facing away from the surface to be treated 10First electrode structure 10Second electrode structure 11First insulating structure 12First electrode structure 13Dielectric layer 14Second electrode structure 15Second insulating structure 16Spacer structure 17Third insulating structure 20Insulating structure 30Treatment area 40Adhesion layer 45Enclosure 50Electrical core 60Insertion device 61Silicone sleeve 63Tapering 64Snap-in device 65Connection with an electromagnetically compatible shield 66Closing plug 67Inductors 68Insertion device housing 69Interior of the insertion device 70Plug-in device 71High-voltage connection (HV connection) 72Ground connection (GND connection) 75Stiffener 76Hole with a snap-in function 77Contact on the connector 78Clamping contact 79Conductor track 79'secondConductor track 80Cable 81Kink protection 100Plasma applicator 110Power supply unit 110'Integrated power supply unit 110"Mobile power supply unit 112Contacting 114Two separate contacts 120'Integrated power supply unit 120"Integrated power supply unit 122Spacer structure 122'Spacer structure 130Insertion slot 140Receiving coil arrangement 150Transmitting coil arrangement 160Inductive charging device 200Spacer structure 210Honeycomb 220Plasma 230Electrode structure 240Counter electrode 300Closed circuit 300', 300"Other closed circuits 310Connection points 910Wound covering 1900Plasma applicator 1902Electrical core 1904Page of an electrotechnical core 1906 first insulation layer 1908 first electrode structure 1910 second insulation layer 1912 second electrode structure 1914 third insulation layer 1916 third electrode structure 1918 enclosure 2000 electrotechnical core 2002 second electrode structure 2004 first electrode structure 2006 secondInsulation layer 2008, 2010 Conductor track 2100 Electrical core 2102 Third insulation layer 2104 Tab 2106 End of a conductor track 2108 Contact surface 2200 Electrical core 2202 Third electrode structure 2204 Side of an electrical core 2206 Tab-shaped conductor track 2208 Area 2210 Area 2212 Third insulation layer 2214 End of a tab 2216 Contact surface of a conductor track 2300 Electrical core 2302 Third electrode structure 2304 Tab-shaped conductor track 2306 Chip card-shaped stiffener 2308 Area 2310 Area 2314 Contact surface 2316 End of a tab-shaped conductor track 2318 Contact surface of a conductor track 2400 Plug-in device 2402 Insertion device 2404 Connection for transmitting a voltage signal 2406, 2408 Further connections 2500 Plasma applicator 2502 Electrical core 2504 Enclosure 2506 Access connection 2507 Side facing a surface to be treated 2508 A first insulation layer 2510 First electrode structure 2512 Second insulation layer2514 Second electrode structure 2516 Third insulation layer 2518 Third electrode structure 2522 Gas space 2524 Female sleeve 2526 Integrated valve 2600 Plug-in device 2602 Insertion device 2604 Access connection 2606 Hose 2608 Sleeve 2610 Valve 2700 Plug-in device 2702 Insertion device 2704 Access connection 2706 Hose 2708 Sleeve 2710 Valve 2800 Plasma applicator 2802 Enclosure 2804 Electrical core 2806 Plug-in device 2808 Access connection 2810 Gas space 2900 Plasma applicator 2902 Enclosure 2904 Electrical core 2908 Adhesive layer 2912First sensor 2914Second sensor 2916Data processing device 2918Data signal 2920Data signal B1Width of the plug-in device B2Width of the plug-in device B3Width of the plug-in device H1Height of the plug-in device H2Height of the plug-in device K1Minimal creepage distance L1Minimal length of the creepage distance on the patient side L2Length of the connected system L3Length of the plug-in device outside the plug-in device L4Length of thePlug-in device L5Total length of the plug-in device 2510 First electrode structure 2512 Second insulation layer 2514 Second electrode structure 2516 Third insulation layer 2518 Third electrode structure 2522 Gas space 2524 Female sleeve 2526 Integrated valve 2600 Plug-in device 2602 Insertion device 2604 Access connection 2606 Hose 2608 Sleeve 2610 Valve 2700 Plug-in device 2702 Inser...

Claims

1. System with a power supply unit, a read / write device and a plasma applicator (1900) wherein the plasma applicator (1900) comprises an electrotechnical core (1902) for generating a cold atmospheric pressure or low-pressure plasma for the treatment of human and / or animal and / or technical surfaces, wherein the electrotechnical core (1902) has a side facing the surface (1904) to be treated and a side facing away from the surface to be treated and comprises the following layers, arranged above one another, starting from the side facing the surface to be treated: - a first insulation layer (1906), - a first electrode structure (1908) which is provided with a first contact for establishing electrical contact between the first electrode structure and a power supply unit and which is grounded during operation, - a second insulation layer (1910), which is embodied to galvanically isolate the first electrode structure and a second electrode structure from one another, - a second electrode structure (1912) which is provided with a second contact for establishing electrical contact between the second electrode structure and a power supply unit and which is driven during operation by a voltage signal that is supplied by a power supply unit and that is sufficient to ignite a plasma, - a third insulation layer (1914), which is embodied to galvanically isolate the second electrode structure and a third electrode structure from one another, and - a third electrode structure (1916) which is provided with a third contact in order to ground the third electrode structure during operation wherein the plasma applicator has a readable memory and is designed to store a special code or hash value in the memory, and wherein the energy supply unit is configured to set certain values for treatment parameters depending on a code or hash value read from the memory in the plasma applicator and, during operation, to emit a corresponding voltage signal to the plasma applicator connected to the power supply unit and / or to check whether a read plasma applicator has already been used or is suitable for a specific plasma treatment, characterized in that the plasma applicator (1900) comprises at least one means for ensuring single use of the plasma applicator (1900), in which a feature changes as a consequence of use of the plasma applicator in such a way that a voltage signal sufficient to ignite the plasma can no longer be transmitted to the electrical core, and wherein the read / write device is designed to destroy the memory containing the code or hash value after a plasma treatment, so that after the first use, no high voltage can be released by the power supply unit.

2. System as claimed in claim 1, comprising a plug-in apparatus, wherein the first and second contact accordingly form a first and second conductor track of the plug-in apparatus, which each protrude at the same longitudinal side of the electrotechnical core from the longitudinal side of the respective corresponding electrode structure, and wherein the plug-in apparatus further comprises an insulating tab, which is accordingly connected to the second insulation layer, wherein the first and the second conductor track are galvanically isolated from one another by the insulating tab.

3. System as claimed in claim 1 or 2 comprises an RFID transponder which is integrated into the plasma applicator (1900) and is designed in such a way that it can be read by the read / write device integrated into an insertion device and is designed to provide information which causes the connected power supply unit to prevent energy from being supplied to a connected plasma applicator during operation.

4. System as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plasma applicator furthermore comprises an enclosure with a pocket which is embodied such that an electrotechnical core can be inserted into the pocket and then be at least partly enclosed by the enclosure.

5. System as claimed in claim 4, wherein the enclosure is formed by a biocompatible material, such as medical silicone, a lacquer, an adhesive, a film, a textile, a compression textile or organic material such as gauze, cellulose or cotton.

6. System as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the enclosure comprises at least one layer with liquid-absorbing and / or liquid-removing and / or liquid-distributing materials.

7. System as claimed in at least one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the enclosure comprises insertion slots which are arranged on the side of the plasma applicator (1900) facing away from the surface to be treated and which are embodied such that a power supply unit or an insertion apparatus, complementary to the insertion slots, can be inserted into the insertion slots in order then to be electrically connected to the contacts of the electrotechnical core (1902).

8. System as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plasma applicator (1900) comprises an access port, which is arranged and embodied in such a way that, during a plasma treatment, a fluid medium can be supplied to or removed from a sealed gas space formed by the enclosure between the electrotechnical core (1902) and a surface to be treated.

9. System as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plasma applicator comprises a barbed hook-occupied part of a hook-and-loop closure on a side (1904) of the plasma applicator facing a surface to be treated.

10. System as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the power supply unit is integral with the plasma applicator (1900) and comprises a power store electrically connected to the contacts of the electrotechnical core (1902) in order to transmit a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma to the second electrode structure (1912) during operation.

11. System as claimed in claim 10, wherein the integrated power supply unit comprises an electrical circuit which is embodied to convert a voltage provided by the energy store into a voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma and to transmit said voltage signal to the contact of the second electrode structure (1912).

12. System as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the plasma applicator (1900) comprises a power receiving apparatus electrically connected to at least the contact of the second electrode structure (1912), said power receiving apparatus respectively containing one or more receiver coil arrangements, and wherein electrical energy can be transferred from a transmitter coil arrangement of a power dispensing apparatus to the receiver coil arrangements in the plasma applicator by means of electromagnetic induction.

13. Use of a system as claimed in one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a single use of the plasma applicator is ensured in that, following use of the plasma applicator, no voltage signal sufficient to ignite a plasma can be transmitted to an electrical core.