An assembly of electrically-powered devices designed to generate a fine plasma jet used to coagulate, cut, and/or vaporize/ablate tissue and/or reduce inflammation/promote healing during open, laparoscopic or topical surgery. The system has a gas [e.g., argon (Ar)] supply or an ambient air input, and typically includes a control unit, a handpiece(s) with connection cable and foot-switch. The plasma [e.g., argon (Ar), nitric oxide] is generated in the handpiece and is applied to tissue where the surgical effect is achieved without passing electric current through the body.