Abstract: In methods and apparatus for cooling surfaces, a pressurized liquid refrigerant is dispensed through a shaped member composed of an open celled foam. The method is particularly useful for localized freezing of a wart or other growth prior to its removal from skin of a human being or another animal.

Abstract: A system and method for storage and delivery of a cryogenic mixed gas is disclosed, the storages apparatus including a compact and lightweight dewar for containing cryogenic temperature mixed gas at supercritical pressure. Different heat exchangers associated with the dewar provide for heat input to the dewar to maintain gas therein in a single phase and provide continued expulsion energy. A backpack receives the dewar and includes means for quick connect of the dewar with an end use outlet, intermediate heat exchangers in the backpack conditioning the mixed gas for end use. No electrical input for fluid circulation is required.

Abstract: A system, and corresponding method, that interfaces with a gas polarization system to deliver a polarized noble gas to a subject for inhalation. Large volumes of polarized noble gas are obtained by repeated production/freezing cycles of a spin-exchange system. A storage cylinder is provided for storing a polarized noble gas. A gas delivery line is coupled to the storage cylinder and selectively delivers the polarized noble gas to the storage cylinder, and from the storage cylinder to the subject. A vacuum means is in communication with the gas delivery line for evacuating the storage cylinder in the gas delivery line prior to the noble gas being delivered thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bag for the cryopreservation of blood cells, comprising a joining piece and a shrink tube to connect the bag with a non-PVC tubing. The tubing is resistant to the liquid nitrogen temperature and can be used for RF sealing and sterile docking both before and after cryopreservation.

Abstract: A system (8) and method for stabilizing a tissue mass, using temperature sensors (10), a scanner (80), and a cryoprobe (220). The sensors provide temperature information with respect to a tissue portion adjacent thereto. The sensors include an identification (ID) code and an ID decoder. The ID decoder compares the sensor ID code to an ID code contained in an interrogation signal provided by the scanner. If the codes match, the sensor transmits the temperature information to the scanner, which processes and displays the temperature information in a humanly recognizable form. The method includes the step of inserting a cryoprobe into a tissue volume to be stabilized so that a portion of the cryoprobe projects therefrom. Then, the tissue volume is frozen while monitoring the size or temperature of the tissue volume. Freezing is terminated when the tissue volume is frozen (or reaches a first temperature level), and then removed while grasping the cryoprobe so as to stabilize the tissue volume.

Abstract: A method for increasing the damage to targeted cells to the point of rupture during freezing while minimizing the freezing of nearby non-targeted tissues comprising: inducing a hyperosmotic condition in the targeted tissue; bloating the targeted tissue; freezing the targeted tissue to cause increase of damage to the targeted tissue to the point of rupture while minimizing freezing of nearby non-targeted tissues.

Abstract: Cryocoolers for use in cryosurgery and other applications comprising finned tube helical coil heat exchangers and warming gas flow through a warming gas supply line fitted Joule-Thomson nozzle. The cryocoolers use helium, hydrogen or neon as a warming gas which is expanded from the Joule-Thomson nozzle to heat the probes.

Abstract: Cell and tissue destruction by cryoablation is enhanced by the perfusion of the cells with thermal hysteresis proteins prior to the cryogenic freezing. The effect of the proteins is to promote the growth of spicular ice crystals in the intracellular fluid which destroy the cell by piercing the cell membrane. This decreases the incidence of cell preservation by freezing, thereby permitting a more uniform and controllable destruction of undesirable tissue by the cryoablation technique.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for collecting, processing, and storing blood components, such as plasma. The method involves collecting the blood component in a flexible storage bag manufactured from ethylene vinyl acetate EVA, having a composition of between about 9% and about 18% vinyl acetate by weight of total EVA co-polymer. The EVA bag is sealed, and the sample is frozen in the bag at a temperature of at least as low as -30.degree. C. to form a substantially solid pellet contained in the storage bag. The bag then is fractured and the pellet is removed in its intact, frozen form. The co-polymer bag may have an inner surface with an etched or embossed pattern of sufficient dimensions to permit removal of the plasma in a frozen state from the storage bag.

Abstract: A method for cryogenically treating skin lesions employing a device for applying cryogenic refrigerant in a liquid pool contacting the area of the skin lesion at a temperature and for a time such that permanent, irreversible rupture of the cellular membrane of the skin cells occurs, wherein the device employs a synthetic plastic foam applicator at the distal end of a tube which may be connected to an aerosol or pressurized container containing the cryogenic refrigerant.

Abstract: A gas mask and breathing equipment arrangement with a storage tank for liquefied respiration gas and an air circulation duct intended for transmitting heat of evaporation from the ambient air to the liquefied respiration gas. A sufficient flow rate of ambient air will be achieved under all conditions of use by providing a fan (22) for delivering ambient air through the air circulation duct (20).

Abstract: A hose designed to facilitate supply and return of cryogenic fluid such as a liquefied gas includes supply and return conduits wrapped in multiple layers of reflective metallized material, which is surrounded by a layer of foam material which is, in turn, surrounded by a protective outer layer such as, for example, a woven cover. The conduits are made of a material such as polytetrafluoroethylene. The inventive hose is lightweight and maintains flexibility for extended periods of time with cryogenic fluid flowing through the conduits.

Abstract: histological tissue freezing process is provided. The process includes spraying a chemical, tetrafluoroethane, onto a portion of a histological tissue specimen before sectioning thereof. The use of tetrafluoroethane has the advantages of not causing ozone depletion, reduced global warming potential and producing a colder spray. A spray can for spraying the chemical is also provided.

Abstract: Use of CCl.sub.2 F.sub.2 or CHClF.sub.2 to perform cryogenic surgery on a variety of skin lesions is described.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing a transplantable tissue which has been cryopreserved with an intracellular cryoprotectant and then thawed. After thawing, the tissue is treated with a diluent (or eluent) solution to reduce the level of cryoprotectant in the cells to a substantially non-toxic level. This is conducted using a single dilution step. Cryoprotectants which are removable in this manner include dimethylsulfoxide, glycerol, propanediol and other compounds which penetrate the cells.The dilution step does not require end point titration and can be conducted over a time period greater than about 5 minutes.

Abstract: A cryotherapy unit includes a cooling system to be connected to a current source, an air inlet in communication with the cooling system, and an air outlet in communication with the cooling system.

Abstract: A novel class of nonpermeating cryoprotectants which, when mixed with certain known penetrating cryoprotectants, provide a useful medium for protection of living cells during a cryopreservation process. Algae-derived polysaccharides such as agarose and alginate are useful as nonpermeating cryoprotectants as they form a gel matrix when cooled, protect against ice crystal formation, and yield improved viability of cells when thawed.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating burn and scald wounds and localized disorders on portions of the human body which involves rapid cooling thereof by spraying a liquid from a first hand-held container onto the human body portion to be treated to form thereon a film of the liquid. Thereafter, a refrigerant is sprayed onto the film of liquid from a second hand-held container, the refrigerant being at a temperature low enough and at a flow rate high enough to freeze a substantial portion of the film of liquid. The human body portion is thereby rapidly cooled by heat absorbed by the frozen film.

Abstract: A method of freezing, storing and thawing collagen-rich tissue, such as heart valves. The method includes a freezing profile for freezing the tissue down to the temperature of liquid nitrogen with minimal tissue damage due to ice crystal formation. Heart valves cryopreserved according to the present process exhibit a high cell viability when thawed and are suitable for implanting in human patients.

Abstract: A cabin for carrying out cryotherapy on the entire body with a cold treatment gas is made open from above. The distance from the upper edge of the cabin walls to the floor can be adjusted to the height of the patient's neck.

Abstract: A method is provided for the therapeutic treatment of a portion of the skin of a human or animal by the freezing of said portion of said skin by application of a refrigerant thereto through an outlet in a discharge end of a supply tube connected to a spray can serving as a source of said refrigerant in the liquid phase, a supply end of said supply tube extending into said liquid phase refrigerant in said spray can, the improvement wherein said refrigerant is applied to said portion of said skin through a cotton wool bud which encompasses said discharge end of said supply tube and which cotton wool bud surrounds said outlet of said supply tube.

Abstract: A device for producing cyrotherapy with liquid nitrogen includes a container for the liquid nitrogen with electrical heating in its interior. The container has a maximum volume of 50 l and the electrical heating is a heating element comprising a self-regulating strip heater secured in the interior of the container.

Abstract: A device for carrying out cryotherapy on the entire body includes a treatment chamber designed as a half shell in the rear part of which are openings for the exhaust of the treatment gas and in the side parts of which are openings for the supply of the treatment gas. The openings are located in nozzle strips which may be adjusted vertically and horizontally to adjust the pattern of gas flow within the treatment chamber.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of a cryogenic ultrasonic scalpel comprising a housing, an ultrasonic source installed in said housing, a cutting means to which ultrasonic vibrations are supplied from the ultrasonic source via a transformer, a tubular heat exchanger featuring inlet and outlet pipes for the supply and removal of the refrigerant and providing the required low-temperature action on the tissue being dissected, and thermal insulation between said cutting means and said tubular heat exchanger.

Abstract: There is described a method of performing intra-lesional cryosurgery utilizing a specifically shaped tubular needle having a front piercing surface coextensive with an opening. The needle is introduced into the skin from one point and runs through deeper tissues based on the surface orientation of the needle. The piercing surface of the needle is directed through a second point where it emerges from the skin. The needle as indicated is a hollow tubular member and has one end which is adapted to receive a source of a cryrogen gas. The gas is passed through the needle and produces a lowering of the needle temperature. This low temperature is directed to the surrounding tissues to form an ice cylinder about the imbedded part of the needle in the deeper tissues. This ice cylinder affords to selectively freeze the tissue and thereby destroys the lesion being treated. A plurality of different shaped needles are shown to accommodate different types and different depth lesions.

Abstract: A device for carrying out cryotherapy on the entire body with a cold treatment gas includes a cabin formed by shells which face one another an enclose the patient and which have opposing openings for the entry and exit of the treatment gas and which further allow the patient's head to remain free.

Abstract: A cryogenic-and-ultrasonic scalpel comprises a body, a source of ultrasonic vibrations accommodated in the body, a transformer connected to the source of ultrasonic vibrations, and a tubular heat exchanger adapted for refrigerant to admitted to and withdrawn from the scalpel blade, the heat exchanger being accommodated in the body and made as at least two intercommunicating coaxial tubes. The blade and the vibration transferring member are connected to the outside tube, ultrasonic vibrations being imparted to the outside tube and further to the blade through the transformer.

Abstract: An assembly which incorporates a hand-held instrument or device collectively structured to alleviate pain during minor surgical application wherein the operating instrument and/or the surgical site are concurrently cooled to a substantially reduced temperature. The surgical site is gently blanketed with cold, dry sterilized air, gases or other atomized treatment fluid serving to effectively reduce the temperature of the tissue at the surgical site while at the same time preventing possible room air-borne contamination entering the treatment site based on the air or gas blanketing the treatment site being sterilized or otherwise medicinally treated.

Abstract: A plastically deformable cooling agent consists of a mixture of liquid nitrogen with at least 8% by weight of fine-grained silica gel.

Abstract: A cryosurgical probe is adapted for the freezing of a nerve and is fitted with an electrode at its tip for electrical stimulation of the nerve, to enable the surgeon to know when the probe tip has been correctly placed in proximity to a particular nerve which it is desired to freeze.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a cryogen such as liquid nitrogen. The system employs two vessels containing the liquid cryogen. One serves as a pressure vessel and the other as a storage vessel. Liquid from the pressure vessel is vaporized in a ballast chamber exposed to ambient temperature, resulting in pressurized refrigerant gas. A valve selectively admits the pressurized gas into the liquid storage vessel, causing the stored liquid to be dispensed at a selected site.

Abstract: The storage of material that is biologically active such as semen for use in artificial insemination, requires that it be held at a cryogenic temperature at which it is inactive. A package of such a material has a transparent container sealed at one end within which there is a frozen indicator of a color different than that of the material and which has a melting point close to but above a selected cryogenic temperature at which the material is inactive. A barrier is between the material and the indicator and of a type permeable by the indicator if melted and in storage, the indicator containing end of the container is uppermost. The volume of the indicator is such that if the indicator melts, it will flow through the barrier and irreversibly discolor the material as proof that proper storage conditions have not been maintained.