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.

Abstract: A cryogenic catheter includes an outer flexible member having at least one cryogenic fluid path through the flexible member. The at least one fluid path is defined by a plurality of flexible members disposed within the outer flexible member.

Abstract: A cryogenic catheter includes an outer flexible member having at least one cryogenic fluid path through the flexible member. The at least one fluid path is defined by a plurality of flexible members disposed within the outer flexible member.

Abstract: A medical device for cryotreatment of bodily regions is disclosed. The device comprises an inflatable support structure coupled to the distal end portion of a catheter shaft, the support structure being further enveloped by an expandable membrane to define an expansion chamber between the support structure and the membrane. An inflation lumen is coupled to the support structure to inject an inert, insulating fluid in the support structure, thereby expanding the support structure and the expandable membrane, wherein the resultant expansion chamber formed therebetween is substantially conical in shape. Refrigerant is injected into the expansion chamber, thereby creating localized cooling of tissues adjacent to the expansion chamber, the cooling region being substantially conical in shape.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical device to cold treat desired regions. An injection tube with an open distal end is disposed inside of a catheter tube, defining a return lumen therein. A supply of cryogenic fluid, regulated by a controller mechanism coupled to the device, flows through the injection tube and into the distal tip portion of the catheter tube, whereupon the fluid is returned from the catheter through the return lumen. The expansion and evaporation of cryogenic fluid inside the device serves to cool the surrounding areas external to and proximate the distal end of the device. An additional restriction tube is provided in the length of the catheter tube to regulate the pressure of the flow of cryogen therethrough so as to create higher operating pressures in the distal end of the device and thereby enhance the cooling power and temperature stability of the device at a lower range of fluid flow rates without reaching the triple point of the cryogenic fluid.

Abstract: Deflection mechanisms are disclosed that are positionable to deflecting portions of a flexible body, such as a catheter, in more than one direction in a single plane, as well as in more than one plane. The invention allows a distal portion of a catheter to be deflected more than 360 degrees to provide a loop.

Abstract: A device and method for cryosurgical ablation. A tip has a thermally transmissive region along a length thereof in which the thermally transmissive region is operable at a temperature sufficient to cryosurgically ablate tissue in contact therewith. A plurality of cryosurgical fluid injection lumens each have a first end positioned within the tip at a different point along the length of the thermally transmissive region. Each of the first ends is arranged to cool overlapping respective portions along the length of the thermally transmissive region when cryogenic fluid is ejected from the plurality of cryogenic fluid injection lumens.

Abstract: A medical implement that employs a mechanically supported expandable element. In one embodiment, the mechanically supported expandable element is a balloon. In another embodiment, the mechanically supported expandable membrane is a balloon disposed within a cryogenic catheter usable to treat tissue. A variety of illustrative mechanical support schemes are possible.

Abstract: An elongated catheter device with a distal balloon assembly is adapted for endovascular insertion. Coolant injected through the device may, in different embodiments, directly cool tissue contacting the balloon, or may cool a separate internal chamber. In the first case, the coolant also inflates the balloon, and spent coolant is returned to the handle via a return passage extending through the body of the catheter. Plural balloons may be provided, wherein a secondary outer balloon surrounds a primary inner balloon, the primary balloon being filled with coolant and acting as the cooling chamber, the secondary balloon being coupled to a vacuum return lumen to serve as a robust leak containment device and thermal insulator around the cooling chamber. Various configurations, such as surface modification of the balloon interface, or placement of particles, coatings, or expandable meshes or coils in the balloon interface, may be employed to achieve this function.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a device body defining a sealed fluid path having a first end and a second end, a refrigerant supply in communication with the first end of the sealed fluid path, and a vacuum source in communication with the second end of the sealed fluid path. Leak detection apparatus can be provided in communication with the sealed fluid path.

Abstract: A cryocatheter includes a catheter body defining a coolant flow path, a catheter tip exposed to the coolant flow path, and a heating element associated with the catheter tip. The heating element can be disposed entirely or partially within the catheter tip. Alternatively, the heating element can be exterior to the catheter tip. The heating element can include an electrically resistive element.

Abstract: A method of promoting blood vessel growth includes the steps of providing a cryocatheter having a thermally transmission region; placing the cryocatheter proximate an area of tissue to be treated; cooling the thermally transmissive region of the cryocatheter proximate the area of tissue to a temperature sufficient to injure the area of tissue; allowing the area of tissue to warm; and removing the cryocatheter from the area of tissue. Prior, during or after the cooling step, the area of tissue can be mechanically traumatized, and drugs can be injected into the tissue.

Abstract: A cryogenic catheter includes an outer flexible member having at least one cryogenic fluid path through the flexible member. The at least one fluid path is defined by a plurality of flexible members disposed within the outer flexible member.

Abstract: A cryogenic catheter system includes a first handle portion having a proximal end, a distal end, a first fluid flow path, and a second fluid flow path; a second handle portion having a proximal end, a distal end, a first fluid flow path, and a second fluid flow path; and a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, a first fluid flow path, and a second fluid flow path. The first handle portion is matable with the second handle portion to place the respective first and second fluid flow paths of each handle portion in fluid communication. Additionally, the catheter system includes a multiple lumen co-axial connector for connecting the catheter flow pathways with a fluid source and control console.

Abstract: A cryocatheter for treatment of tissue has a tip adapted to provide a signal indicative of the quality and/or orientation of the tip contact with surrounding tissue. In one embodiment, a signal conductor extends through the catheter to the tip and connects to a thermally and electrically conductive shell or cap that applies an RF current to the region of tissue contacted by the tip. The tissue impedance path between the signal lead and a surface electrode mounted on the patient's skin is monitored to develop a quantitative measure of tissue contact at the distal tip, which is preferably displayed on the screen of a catheter monitoring console. In yet a further embodiment, the catheter is provided with a split tip having temperature monitoring sensors, such as thermistors, mounted on opposed halves of the tip so as to sense temperature on two sides of the catheter axis.

Abstract: A cryogenic catheter system provides safe and effective treatment of tissue. The system includes a catheter that is coupled to a console via fluid and electrical umbilicals. The console controls the overall operation of the system based to provide and maintain a predetermined temperature at the catheter tip. The console also controls and monitors operating parameters for providing warning indications to the user and terminating operation of the system in the event of a failure that may compromise patient safety.

Abstract: A cryogenic catheter includes an outer flexible member having at least one cryogenic fluid path through the flexible member. The at least one fluid path is defined by a plurality of flexible members disposed within the outer flexible member.

Abstract: A coolant system for a cryoablation or treatment probe such as a mapping or ablation catheter, or a treatment wand, 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 and thus regulates the cooling rate for a selected mapping or ablation regimen. The low pressure compressor inlet supply preferentially conditions the pressurized coolant to ambient temperature or lower before injection into the catheter, allowing the coolant to travel through the body at ambient before expansion in the tip.

Abstract: A spray catheter includes a flexible member having a spray tip and a fluid path through the flexible member to the spray tip. The catheter can be deformable and may include a mechanism for varying the spray geometry of the spray tip.