Self-contained Coolant Supply Patents (Class 606/25)
  • Patent number: 11090109
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical instrument, an electrosurgical power generating source, and a controller. The electrosurgical instrument includes a shaft extending from a housing. The shaft includes a distal end configured to support an end-effector assembly. The end-effector assembly includes opposing jaw members movably mounted with respect to one another and moveable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least one subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. At least one of the jaw members includes a temperature-sensing electrically-conductive tissue-contacting plate defining a bottom surface. One or more temperature sensors are coupled to the bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Kim V. Brandt, Allan G. Aquino
  • Patent number: 10492844
    Abstract: A tethered system for cryogenic treatment is disclosed in which a hand piece having an elongate probe with a distal tip and a flexible length, at least one infusion lumen positioned through or along the elongate probe, and a liner may be tethered to a base station having a reservoir of a cryoablative fluid via a connection having an elongate flexible body. The connection defines at least one fluid lumen for delivery of the cryoablative fluid from the reservoir and to the infusion lumen within the hand piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Channel Medsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ric Cote, William Malecki, Scott Sylliaasen, David Beaulieu, Sarah Blood, Vincent Lopresti, Paul Munro
  • Patent number: 9877767
    Abstract: An endoscopic cryoablation apparatus for the ablation of unwanted tissues is disclosed. A method of utilizing the apparatus for ablating pancreatic cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, or other undesired tissue is also incorporated. The apparatus provides a cryoprobe needle tip covered by an outer sheath at a distal end of a catheter shaft such that the distal end includes a defined ablation zone. As implemented, the cryocatheter can be utilized alone or in combination with and endoscopic ultrasound. A moveable handle attached to the outer sheath is configured such that the handle retracts and protracts the outer sheath to expose and cover, respectively, the cryoprobe needle tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: CPSI Holdings LLC
    Inventor: John M Baust
  • Patent number: 9675411
    Abstract: A medical device includes an insertion tube, having a distal end for insertion into a body of a subject. A distal tip is fixed to the distal end of the insertion tube and is coupled to apply energy to tissue inside the body. The distal tip has an outer surface with a plurality of perforations through the outer surface, which are distributed circumferentially and longitudinally over the distal tip. A lumen passes through the insertion tube and is coupled to deliver a fluid to the tissue via the perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Athanassios Papaioannou, Andres Claudio Altman
  • Patent number: 9545284
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for dermatological treatment that in some embodiments include contacting a plurality of cooling probes with an area of skin and maintaining the plurality of cooling probes in contact with the area of skin for a period of time while the distal ends of the plurality of cooling probes substantially cool a volume of tissue, thereby causing a beneficial effect as a result of the substantial cooling of the volume of tissue, as well as devices useful for implementing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: ALMA LASERS LTD.
    Inventor: Ziv Karni
  • Patent number: 9155584
    Abstract: A cryogenic device having a filter device fluidly connected between a valve and a cooling fluid cartridge. The filter device filters solid and fluid impurities received from the cartridge. The filter device also captures fluid impurities from the cryogenic device when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: MyoScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Fourkas, Eric Ryba, Jesse Rosen, Punit Govenji
  • Publication number: 20150126987
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of medicine, specifically to methods for feeding a cryogenic agent to a cryogenic instrument, and also to cryosurgical apparatuses. In accordance with the invention, additionally one forms a loop-shaped main line going out and entering into the reservoir with the cryogenic agent, realizes a circulation of the cryogenic agent into the loop-shaped main line, connects the cryogenic instrument to said loop-shaped main line via the cryogenic conduit and feeds through it the cryogenic agent, wherein a flow rate of the cryogenic agent circulated into the loop-shaped main line must be greater than a flow rate of the cryogenic agent entering into the cryogenic instrument via the cryogenic conduit. A cryosurgical apparatus is used to implement said method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Vyacheslav Yuryevich Semenov
  • Patent number: 9017318
    Abstract: A cryogenic system having a base unit tethered to a handpiece connectable to a needle probe. The handpiece holds a replaceable cryogen canister assembly. The base unit connects to mains to provide power to the handpiece. The base unit includes a back-up power source in the event of interruptions of power via mains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: MyoScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Fourkas, Punit Govenji
  • Patent number: 9011420
    Abstract: A method of operating a medical system, including coupling a medical system to an outlet of a fluid distribution network having a plurality of fluid outlets in a patient treatment center; delivering fluid from the outlet to the medical system; compressing the delivered fluid with the medical system; decreasing the moisture content of the delivered fluid with the medical system; cooling the fluid with the medical system; delivering the fluid from the medical system to a medical device; and removing the fluid from medical device with the medical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic CryoCath LP
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Lalonde
  • Publication number: 20150045782
    Abstract: The invention is a dispensing device for pressurized containers (C) of coolants for cryotherapy, comprising an opening/closing valve (C1), a dispenser body (A), a valve-opening element (B) positioned between said dispenser body (A) and said container (C) and resting on said valve (C1), a closing cap or plug (T) suited to be positioned on and removably constrained to said dispenser body (A) and comprising one or more teeth or projections (T21) resting on said valve-opening element (B) in order to open the valve (C1), a tube or duct (A1) included in and integral with said dispenser body (A), at least one applicator pad or filter (S) being partially inserted in a removable manner in one end of the tube or duct (A1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Luciano Ottanelli
  • Publication number: 20140371733
    Abstract: A system and a method for its use are provided to cool a cryotip at the distal end of a probe for a cryosurgical procedure. In particular, the cryotip is cooled by a liquid refrigerant to cryogenic temperatures in order to perform a cryosurgical procedure on biological tissue. For the invention, the system maintains the refrigerant in a liquid state as it transits through the cryotip. In one embodiment, a closed system is disclosed in which liquid refrigerant from the cryotip is recycled and reused. In another disclosed embodiment, liquid refrigerant from the cryotip is evaporated and the resulting vapor is released through a vent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: William J. Nydam, Barron W. Nydam
  • Patent number: 8906005
    Abstract: A cryo-surgical system may comprise a container containing a refrigerant, a delivery tube having a first end configured to be in flow communication with the container and a second end opposite the first end. The system may further include a plurality of flexible finger portions disposed proximate a second end of the delivery tube opposite the first end, an applicator bud having a body portion disposed within the plurality of flexible finger portions and a contact surface extending from the plurality of flexible finger portions. An adjustment ring may be disposed along the delivery tube adjacent to the plurality of flexible finger portions. The contact surface of the bud may be changeable by adjustment of the adjustment ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Orasure Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Michael Formica
  • Publication number: 20140350537
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to cryogenic systems and methods useful to cool objects, including living tissue, to freezing or cryogenic temperatures by placing the object in thermal communication with sub-cooled supercritical nitrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: ENDOCARE, INC.
    Inventors: John G. Baust, John M. Baust, Anthony T. Robilotto
  • Publication number: 20140343544
    Abstract: A system for alleviating occipital neuralgia. The system has a needle probe having at least one needle. The at least one needle has a proximal end, a distal end, and a needle lumen therebetween, the needle configured for insertion proximate to a location of the occipital nerve. A cooling fluid supply lumen extends distally within the needle lumen to a distal portion of the needle lumen. A cooling fluid source is coupled to the cooling fluid supply lumen to direct cooling fluid flow into the needle lumen. A controller that has at least one processor configured implements an occipital neuralgia treatment algorithm for controlling the cooling fluid source so that liquid from the cooling flow vaporizes within the needle lumen to provide a treatment phase to location of the occipital nerve such that the occipital neuralgia is mitigated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: MyoScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Clint Carnell, John Allison, Jwala Karnik, Jesse Rosen
  • Publication number: 20140343543
    Abstract: A method in which a location is determined on the skin that is proximate to a sensory nerve that is associated with a painful condition. At least one needle of a cryogenic device is inserted into the location on the skin such that the needle is proximate to the sensory nerve. The device is activated such that the at least one needle creates a cooling zone about the sensory nerve, thereby eliminating or reducing severity of the painful condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: MyoScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Jwala Karnik, Jason Reynolds, John Allison, Clint Carnell
  • Publication number: 20140316399
    Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device, including interchangeable parts thereof, for performing corneal cell freezing wherein said device comprises an elongate member having a flow line system through which a cryogenic fluid flows to cool a cryoprobe tip which tip is fixed and comprises a concave epithelial surface contact member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: University College Cardiff Consultants Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Quantock
  • Publication number: 20140276711
    Abstract: A cryoablation system has a gas source which provides a working nitrogen gas at room temperature and at a constant set pressure, a liquid generator which is coupled to the gas source to receive the working gas, and which then generates a working cryogen fluid, and a catheter coupled to the liquid generator for receiving the working cryogen, the catheter having a distal section having a freezing element which delivers the working cryogen to a treatment location, the catheter also having a balloon positioned adjacent the distal section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: HORIZON SCIENTIFIC CORP.
    Inventors: Thach Buu Duong, Min Frank Zeng
  • Publication number: 20140276712
    Abstract: A catheter including a proximal end and a distal end. An expandable element coupled to the distal end is included, the expandable element including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the expandable element defining an exterior surface. A first plurality of electrodes coupled to the exterior surface of the distal portion of the expandable element are included, each of the first plurality of electrodes being selectively operable to transmit unipolar radiofrequency energy. A second plurality of electrodes coupled to the exterior surface of the proximal portion of the expandable element are included, each of the second plurality of electrodes being selectively operable to transmit bipolar radiofrequency energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: George D. MALLIN, Timothy G. LASKE, Joseph Allen KNIGHT
  • Publication number: 20140194863
    Abstract: A cryosurgical instrument including: a shaft having a closed distal end defining an expansion chamber and an open proximal end that receives an inflow of cryogen and to exhaust a flow of expanded cryogen; and a heat exchanger with a cryogen delivery tube that spirals around a core disposed along longitudinal axis thereof. The cryogen delivery tube, at least where it spirals, is in fluid tight contact with the inner surface of the shaft so as to form spiraling cryogen exhaust pathways that extend along a portion of a length of the cryosurgical instrument from the distal end of the shaft. The cryogen delivery tube forces a two-phase flow of cryogen to undergo phase separation by centrifugal forces and urges the liquid phase against the external walls of the spiral coil and the outer surface of the spiral gap. Heat exchanging, through boiling, occurs close to the external wall of the instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: ICECURE MEDICAL LTD.
    Inventors: Nir BERZAK, Ron HILLELI
  • Patent number: 8727983
    Abstract: A catheter-based medical device includes a catheter that is configured and arranged for at least partial insertion into a patient and that defines at least one lumen that is configured and arranged to receive a first fluid. A conductive-fluid detector is coupled to the at least one lumen and is configured and arranged to detect when a second fluid is disposed within the at least one lumen that is more conductive than the first fluid. The conductive-fluid detector includes a plurality of axially-positioned bodies, each body defining a lumen. The lumens of the axially-positioned bodies are aligned to form a shared lumen in fluid communication with the at least one lumen of the catheter. Spaced apart electrodes are disposed within the shared lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Charlotte F. Kinnison
  • Patent number: 8672931
    Abstract: A cryosurgical device and system is provided comprising a pressurized container, a metered valve that regulates the retrieval of a coolant solution stored in the pressurized container and regulates the volume of coolant solution dispensed with each actuation of the device, an actuator that engages the metered valve when engaged, and directs the coolant solution to an extension tube, which directs the coolant solution away from the pressurized container, and an applicator head configuring an open-ended enclosure attached to a distal end of the extension tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: 3JT Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Goldboss, Charles Incorvia, Judy Goldboss
  • Publication number: 20140058370
    Abstract: A cryosurgical probe assembly including a cryosurgical probe having a shaft, an insulation element housed within the cryosurgical probe and being slideably repositionable relative to the shaft, and a fluid supply line having an inlet portion for connection to a cryogenic fluid source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: ENDOCARE, INC.
    Inventors: THACH DUONG, JAY J. EUM
  • Publication number: 20140046312
    Abstract: A closed-loop system for cryosurgery includes a cryofluid at cryogenic temperatures flowing through a closed-loop flow path. A pump, configured for operating at cryogenic temperatures, circulates the cryofluid in the closed-loop flow path. The closed-loop flow path includes a heat exchanger coupled to a heat sink configured for cooling the cryofluid in the closed-loop flow path to cryogenic temperatures. The closed-loop system includes one or more cryoneedles configured for providing cryotherapy, and one or more flow control devices, wherein each flow control device is configured for operating at cryogenic temperature and for selectively flow connecting or flow disconnecting at least one of the cryoneedles to the closed-loop flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: GALIL MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Satish Ramadhyani, Ted J. Perron, Mark Zagarola, Vineel Vallapureddy
  • Patent number: 8647337
    Abstract: A dispensing head for dispensing a cryogenic fluid may comprise a flow passage configured to be placed in flow communication with a reservoir containing a cryogenic fluid, the flow passage defining a flow passage inlet opening configured to receive the cryogenic fluid from the reservoir, and a flow passage outlet opening opposite the flow passage inlet opening. The dispensing head may further comprise a dispensing member configured to dispense the cryogenic fluid, the dispensing member defining a lumen having a lumen inlet opening and a lumen outlet opening; and at least one porous member disposed in the flow passage, the at least one porous member being configured as a primary flow regulation mechanism to limit a flow rate of the cryogenic fluid as it flows from the reservoir to the lumen outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: STC Consulting, LLC
    Inventors: R. Sam Niedbala, Lincoln C. Young, Peng Zhou
  • Publication number: 20130324990
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides improved medical devices, systems, and methods. Some embodiments of the present invention apply cooling with at least one small, tissue-penetrating probe, the probe often comprising a needle having a size suitable for inserting through an exposed surface of the skin of a patient without leaving a visible scar. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissue so as to effect a desired change in a composition of the target tissue and/or a change in its behavior. Exemplary embodiments make use of replaceable needle probes supported by a probe body handle, with small needle probes often being replaced during treatment of a single patient. Careful control over the control of cryogenic cooling fluid into a needle probe can allow the length of the active cooling to be controlled through depletion of liquid from an evaporating cryogenic cooling flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: MyoScience Inc
    Inventor: MyoScience Inc
  • Patent number: 8562597
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cold treating a tissue. The invention also relates to an assembly of such a device and a container comprising a cryogenic liquid, such as a spray can. The invention further relates to a method for cold treating a tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Utermöhlen N.V.
    Inventors: Henricus Maria Van Der Heijden, Govardus Dirk Johannes Titus Maria Van Nunen
  • Patent number: 8551081
    Abstract: A cryosurgical system and method for supplying cryogen to a probe. The system including a container filled with cryogen and having bellows of a pump submerged within said cryogen. Conduits fluidly interconnect the bellows and a probe that is outside the container to permit the cryogen to be forced from the bellows to the probe upon activation of pump. A pressure relief valve is fluidly coupled to the conduits and positioned between the bellows and the probe. After initially forcing cryogen to the probe at a pressure that establishes a colligative-based sub-cooling of the liquid cryogen, the pressure relief valve is activated to lower the pressure of the cryogen to a running pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Endocare, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Baust, Roy Cheeks
  • Patent number: 8506560
    Abstract: A container for a cryosurgery device which includes a cryogen bottle. The container includes a container body including an internal space sufficiently large to hold the cryogen bottle; a valve actuation assembly mechanically coupled to the container body, the valve actuation assembly configured to actuate a valve on the cryogen bottle; and a reservoir positioned relative to the valve actuation assembly so that the reservoir receives cryogen from the cryogen bottle when the valve on the cryogen bottle is actuated using the valve actuation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: MSD Consumer Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert T. McBride, Jr., Sergio Gedanke, Wing-Kwong Keung, Leonora M. Brozell
  • Publication number: 20130190745
    Abstract: A cryogenic system having a base unit tethered to a handpiece connectable to a needle probe. The handpiece holds a replaceable cryogen canister assembly. The base unit connects to mains to provide power to the handpiece. The base unit includes a back-up power source in the event of interruptions of power via mains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: MyoScience, Inc.
    Inventor: MyoScience, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8454587
    Abstract: A coolant system for a cryoablation or treatment probe that includes a compressor and condenser having a low pressure inlet side and a high pressure outlet side, wherein the outlet side passes through a heat exchanger and is cooled by the inlet side and conditioned for injection to a catheter inlet. A vacuum return system connectable to the catheter outlet draws thermally expended coolant from the catheter and returns it to the low pressure inlet side. A motorized pressure regulator between the heat exchanger and the catheter inlet determines the pressure of coolant passing into the catheter, regulating the cooling rate for a selected mapping or ablation regimen. A coolant reservoir feeds into the low pressure inlet side and receives a return flow of excess fluid from a branch off the outlet side of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic Cryocath LP
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Lalonde, Marwan Abboud
  • Patent number: 8403876
    Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignees: Zoll Circulation, Inc., The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Wayne A. Noda, Mike L. Jones, Scott M. Evans, Blair D. Walker, William J. Worthen, Yves Pierre Gobin
  • Patent number: 8206332
    Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignees: Zoll Circulation Inc., The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Wayne A. Noda, Mike L. Jones, Scott M. Evans, Blair D. Walker, William J. Worthen, Yves Pierre Gobin
  • Patent number: 8109894
    Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignees: Zoll Circulation, Inc., The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Wayne A. Noda, Mike L. Jones, Scott M. Evans, Blair D. Walker, William J. Worthen, Yves Pierre Gobin
  • Patent number: 8105263
    Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignees: Zoll Circulation, Inc., The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Wayne A. Noda, Mike L. Jones, Scott M. Evans, Blair D. Walker, William J. Worthen, Yves Pierre Gobin
  • Patent number: 8105264
    Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignees: Zoll Circulation, Inc., The Regents of the University of Califonia
    Inventors: Wayne A. Noda, Mike L. Jones, Scott M. Evans, Blair D. Walker, William J. Worchen, Yves Pierre Gobin
  • Patent number: 8105262
    Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignees: Zoll Circulation, Inc., The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Wayne A. Noda, Mike L. Jones, Scott M. Evans, Blair D. Walker, William J. Worthen, Yves Pierre Gobin
  • Patent number: 8092448
    Abstract: A liquid cryogen fluid system for providing cryogenic liquid to a cryoprobe in a cryosurgical system for treating fibroadenomas and other lesions in the body. The system includes a cryoprobe to cryoablate a fibroademona with a treatment regimen that takes less time and consumes less cryogen than currently accepted regimens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Sanarus Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Russell L. DeLonzor
  • Publication number: 20110313411
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and apparatus for effecting (e.g., lightening) an appearance of skin by cooling or freezing small separated surface regions of the skin to produce regions of local hypopigmentation. The width of the regions can be, for example, smaller than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, and a distance between these frozen regions can be greater than about 3 times the width of the regions. An exemplary apparatus can be provided that includes a plurality of spatially-separated thermally conductive arrangements that can be affixed or otherwise coupled to a base. For example, the conductive arrangements can be regions of conductive material provided in or proximal to a thermal insulator, or thermally conductive protrusions affixed to the base. The conductive arrangements can be cooled and then contacted with the skin surface to produce the small regions of hypopigmentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Richard R. Anderson, Dieter Manstein
  • Publication number: 20110301585
    Abstract: A method for tightening and rejuvenating skin utilizing a cryogenic applicator, which includes the steps of holding a handle of a barrel of the cryogenic applicator in a hand, fluidly communicating the barrel with a source of a biocompatible non-toxic cryogenic fluid to supply the biocompatible non-toxic cryogenic fluid through a hollow interior of the barrel, out through a plurality of openings in a distal portion of the barrel, and onto a head of the cryogenic applicator, rolling the head quickly, smoothly, and evenly over the skin being treated for a period of time in an order of hundredths or tenths of a second, and sparging the biocompatible non-toxic cryogenic fluid onto the skin quickly, evenly, and smoothly when the head is rolled on the skin, and thereby tightening and rejuvenating the skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Olga Goulko
  • Patent number: 8066698
    Abstract: A cryosurgery device includes an aerosol container holding a liquid refrigerant and having a valve and a stem extending out therefrom; an actuator seated on the stem and including an outlet tube for receiving released refrigerant from the container; a hub mounted on the container and including slots therein; and a base having a central opening for receiving the hub, the base including aligning projections that enter the slots in the hub to engage and apply pressure to the actuator to cause the actuator to depress the stem and release refrigerant into the base. The container may further contain an applicator tube mounted to the hub in fluid communication with the outlet tube with a porous tip mounted to a distal end of the applicator tube for receiving the refrigerant and, being chilled thereby, applied to a skin lesion to be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: MSD Consumer Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold A. Howlett, Robert C. Johnson, Charles E. Lundy, Jr., Eric Chen-nan Su
  • Publication number: 20110152850
    Abstract: Self-contained disposable cryosurgical devices dispense a cryogenic fluid, such as a stream of liquid nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide or argon. The cryosurgical devices include a container, including a reservoir containing a cryogenic fluid, a flow passage configured to receive the cryogenic fluid from the reservoir, a valve assembly configured in an ergonomic housing, and a dispensing head. The device further includes at least one filter disposed in the flow passage configured to facilitate the flow of the cryogenic fluid. The valve assembly includes a valve body and valve slide that is actuated to effect the flow of the cryogenic fluid through the flow passage to patient target. The housing includes an activation lever with an eccentric hub that primes the device for use when a container is loaded into the housing and the activation lever is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: R. Sam NIEDBALA, Lincoln C. YOUNG, Peng ZHOU
  • Publication number: 20110152851
    Abstract: A cryo-surgical system may comprise a container containing a refrigerant, a delivery tube having a first end configured to be in flow communication with the container and a second end opposite the first end. The system may further include a plurality of flexible finger portions disposed proximate a second end of the delivery tube opposite the first end, an applicator bud having a body portion disposed within the plurality of flexible finger portions and a contact surface extending from the plurality of flexible finger portions. An adjustment ring may be disposed along the delivery tube adjacent to the plurality of flexible finger portions. The contact surface of the bud may be changeable by adjustment of the adjustment ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Philip Michael Formica
  • Patent number: 7938822
    Abstract: A cryosurgical system featuring both cooling and heating utilizing a single type of cryogen but from two different sources. The liquid cryogen cools the tip of a cryosurgical instrument in the cryosurgical system, such as a cryoprobe or cryocatheter. The gaseous cryogen is further heated by a heating element, preferably an electrical heating element, supplying the heating needed for the thaw and release parts of the cryo treatment procedure. Thus, the cryosurgical system supports the freeze/thaw cycle of the operation of the cryosurgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: IceCure Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: Nir Berzak, Simon Sharon
  • Patent number: 7862558
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods treat cosmetic defects, and often apply cooling with at least one tissue-penetrating probe inserted through of the skin of a patient. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissue so as to effect a desired change in a composition of the target tissue and/or a change in its behavior. Exemplary embodiments of the cooling treatments will interfere with the nerve/muscle contractile function chain so as to mitigate wrinkles of the skin. Related treatments may be used therapeutically for treatment of back and other muscle spasms, chronic pain, and the like. Some embodiments may remodel subcutaneous adipose tissue so as to alter a shape or appearance of the skin surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: MyoScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa Elkins, Ronald Williams
  • Patent number: 7857781
    Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Zoll Circulation, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne A. Noda, Mike L. Jones, Scott M. Evans, Blair D. Walker, William J. Worthen, Yves Pierre Gobin
  • Patent number: 7850683
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods treat cosmetic defects, and often apply cooling with at least one tissue-penetrating probe inserted through of the skin of a patient. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissue so as to effect a desired change in a composition of the target tissue and/or a change in its behavior. Exemplary embodiments of the cooling treatments will interfere with the nerve/muscle contractile function chain so as to mitigate wrinkles of the skin. Related treatments may be used therapeutically for treatment of back and other muscle spasms, chronic pain, and the like. Some embodiments may remodel subcutaneous adipose tissue so as to alter a shape or appearance of the skin surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Myoscience, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa Elkins, Ronald Williams
  • Publication number: 20100256621
    Abstract: Single phase liquid refrigerant cryoablation systems and methods are described herein. The cryoablation systems drive liquid cryogen or refrigerant along a closed fluid pathway without evaporation of the liquid cryogen. A cryoprobe includes a distal energy delivery section to transfer energy to the tissue. A plurality of cooling microtubes positioned in a distal section of the cryoprobe transfer cryogenic energy to the tissue. The plurality of microtubes in the distal section are made of materials which exhibit flexibility at cryogenic temperature ranges, enabling the distal section of the cryoprobe to bend and conform to variously shaped target tissues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: CRYOMEDIX LLC
    Inventors: Alexei BABKIN, Peter LITTRUP, William NYDAM, Barron NYDAM
  • Patent number: 7758571
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cryo-therapy are disclosed herein. This includes a hollow guidewire disposed within a catheter having helical loops contacting tissue. A coolant delivery tube disposed within can have a coolant delivered from a proximal end into the guidewire lumen. The coolant flows back proximally through the guidewire while cooling the guidewire surface and cooling or cryogenically ablating the contacting tissue. To minimize guidewire exposure to surrounding fluids or tissue, insulative barriers can be attached to the guidewire. A coolant delivery tube and return lumen can be integrated from a single extrusion in various configurations. Expandable balloons can also be used to expand the loops of the guidewire to contact the tissue. Also, helical loops with a coolant delivery tube or stem disposed longitudinally within the loops can be used and the loops can also have a variable collapsible cooling region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Nidus Medical, LLC
    Inventor: Vahid Saadat
  • Publication number: 20090281533
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for cooling liquid coolant, such as nitrous oxide, to be delivered to a cryo-ablation device such as a balloon catheter. A hose or conduit in fluid communication with the ablation device includes an outer member and inner tubes. A first inner tube disposed within a lumen of the outer member carries liquid coolant to the ablation device. Another inner tube also disposed within the lumen carries liquid coolant and terminates within the lumen such that gaseous coolant derived from liquid coolant flowing through the second inner tube flows within the lumen to cool or chill the first inner tube and liquid coolant carried by the first inner tube to the ablation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Frank W. Ingle, Leonard George, Raphael Hon, Joann Heberer
  • Patent number: RE43007
    Abstract: A cryogenic medical system includes a medical device and a console connectable to the medical device at a connection point. The console controls the temperature of the medical device. The console includes a first cooling system directing coolant to the medical device at a first temperature along a coolant supply line and a second cooling system chilling the coolant within the coolant supply line to a temperature below the first temperature before the coolant reaches the connection point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic Cryocath LP
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Lalonde, Marwan Abboud, Rachid Mahrouche, Dan Wittenberger