Abstract:
One embodiment of the invention is a flexible cryogenic probe tip. The flexible probe tip has a linear freeze zone at a distal end of the probe that allows for its placement and precisely controlled movements. The flexible cryogenic probe tip precisely conforms to the target tissue surface to create a linear lesion. In addition, the probe tip is steerable to facilitate proper placement with minimal access points into a patient's body. Various configurations of the flexible probe tip allow it to conform and ablate tissue of many sizes, shapes, and/or dimensions. Methods of utilizing the cryogenic probe tip include steps of positioning the distal end at a tissue site for at least one ablative procedure, maneuvering the distal end to the tissue site, directing a cryogen from the supply source to the distal end, controlling a flow of cryogen from the supply source to the distal end and back to the supply source, and segmenting control of the distal end mechanically or through the step of controlling the flow of cryogen.
Abstract:
An ablation instrument having a longitudinal body with a plurality of sidewalls that form a flexible sleeve, where the plurality of sidewalls that form the flexible sleeve are slotless. The longitudinal body has a proximal end, a distal end, and a central axis. A luminary space is formed within the plurality of sidewalls and at least one internal component is inserted through the proximal end of the longitudinal body and extends through the luminary space to the distal end. The internal component is interconnected with a deflection mechanism for controlling the distal end of the longitudinal body such that the distal end is capable of multi-planar movement.
Abstract:
A cryogenic medical device for delivery of subcooled liquid cryogen to various configurations of cryoprobes is designed for the treatment of damaged, diseased, cancerous or other unwanted tissues. The device is a closed or semi-closed system in which the liquid cryogen is contained in both the supply and return stages. The device is capable of generating cryogen to a supercritical state and may be utilized in any rapid cooling systems. As designed, the device comprises a number of parts including a vacuum insulated outer dewar, submersible cryogen pump, baffled linear heat exchanger, multiple pressurization cartridges, a return chamber, and a series of valves to control the flow of the liquid cryogen. The cryogenic medical device promotes the subcooling to any external cryogenic instrument.
Abstract:
A cryogenic medical device for delivery of subcooled liquid cryogen to various configurations of cryoprobes is designed for the treatment of damaged, diseased, cancerous or other unwanted tissues. The device is a closed or semi-closed system in which the liquid cryogen is contained in both the supply and return stages. The device is capable of generating cryogen to a supercritical state and may be utilized in any rapid cooling systems. As designed, the device comprises a number of parts including a vacuum insulated outer dewar, submersible cryogen pump, baffled linear heat exchanger, multiple pressurization cartridges, a return chamber, and a series of valves to control the flow of the liquid cryogen. The cryogenic medical device promotes the subcooling to any external cryogenic instrument.
Abstract:
An embodiment of the invention is a cryo-connector, a connector that allows for the delivery and return of a cryogen in an axial configuration. In one embodiment, the connector is a tri-axial configuration allowing for the delivery and return of pressurized cryogen as well as the application of an independent vacuum in the third lumen. Various configurations, however, may accommodate any number of luminary spaces such that cryogen (or other fluids) and/or vacuum spaces may be created in a fashion complementary to the components that the connector will affix to and interconnect with. The connectors can be utilized with any low temperature, cryogenic device and at varying pressures.