The invention relates to a device and a method for generating a pulsed (intermittent), cold, atmospheric pressure plasma, preferably a thread, for precise antimicrobial plasma treatment (disinfection, disinfection, sterilization, decontamination) of the smallest areas and cavities, even on living human beings and animal bodies, preferably in the field of medicine, by means of a negative direct current corona discharge with at least one electrode for generating high field strengths, which the gas to be ionized flows through or around in a gas channel, the counter electrode being the electrically conductive structure (surface, cavity) is used. This plasma can generally also be used for cleaning, coating, activating and etching surfaces.