A plasma flame apparatus probe 16 comprising a rigid conduit 17 having a length between 10 to 25 mm at the end of a flexible conduit 4 which is 2 m to 3 m long. The probe 16 may be held by a robotic arm 21, or may be an integral component of said arm, and may be controlled via a remote control system. The plasma flame apparatus 15 may be provided with more than one robotic arm 21, equipped with manipulation tools 22 and feedback devices. The plasma flame probe 16 may comprise electrical circuitry suitable for low power operation of the probe 16. A method of cauterisation using said plasma flame probe 16 is also disclosed.
