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.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system for assisting an operator in placing and operating cryosurgical probes in the prostate of a human patient. The cryosurgical system includes a computer system being programmed with software capable of performing the following steps: a) capturing a plurality of transverse views of the prostate; b) capturing a sagittal view of the prostate; c) outlining the capsule of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall of the patient with the assistance of the operator, utilizing the captured plurality of transverse views and the captured sagittal view; d) constructing a 3-dimensional model of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall utilizing the outlines of step c), above; and, e) utilizing the 3-dimensional model of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall to determine i) the number of cryosurgical probes to be utilized; ii) probe settings; and, iii) probe placement positions. The resultant ice thus produced by the cryosurgical probes is optimized for a specific patient.

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.

Abstract: The device of the invention takes the form of a catheter/probe and is a closed loop system in which cryogen is delivered along the length of the catheter/probe to the tip where freezing occurs, and then recirculated. The device is a tube within a tube and comprises a number of parts including supply and return (internal) tubes, outer sheath (external tube) seaJed to the inner tubes at one or both ends with a gas filled lumen between the internal and external tubes. The lumen of the external tube is filled with a saturated gas which solidifies upon cooling, thereby creating a vacuum along the catheter length and providing for insulation between the inner and outer tubes, and preventing freezing along the probe shaft length. The outside surface of the internal tubes is modified to potentiate gas nucleation on the outer surfaces of the internal tubes when cooled.

Abstract: A cryosurgical probe that includes a shaft for providing a heat exchange surface for cryogenic ablation, a housing, an insulation element slideably engaged with the shaft, and an adjustable sliding apparatus. The adjustable sliding apparatus includes a slider assembly attached to the insulation element for slideably guiding the insulation element within the shaft, and an actuation assembly operatively connected to the slider assembly for allowing a user to slide the slider assembly to provide a desired adjustment of the insulation element relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system for assisting an operator in placing and operating cryosurgical probes in the prostate of a human patient. The cryosurgical system includes a computer system being programmed with software capable of performing the following steps: a) capturing a plurality of transverse views of the prostate; b) capturing a sagittal view of the prostate; c) outlining the capsule of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall of the patient with the assistance of the operator, utilizing the captured plurality of transverse views and the captured sagittal view; d) constructing a 3-dimensional model of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall utilizing the outlines of step c), above; and, e) utilizing the 3-dimensional model of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall to determine i) the number of cryosurgical probes to be utilized; ii) probe settings; and, iii) probe placement positions. The resultant ice thus produced by the cryosurgical probes is optimized for a specific patient.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system for assisting an operator in placing and operating cryosurgical probes in the prostate of a human patient. The cryosurgical system includes a computer system being programmed with software capable of performing the following steps: a) capturing a plurality of transverse views of the prostate; b) capturing a sagittal view of the prostate; c) outlining the capsule of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall of the patient with the assistance of the operator, utilizing the captured plurality of transverse views and the captured sagittal view; d) constructing a 3-dimensional model of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall utilizing the outlines of step c), above; and, e) utilizing the 3-dimensional model of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall to determine i) the number of cryosurgical probes to be utilized; ii) probe settings; and, iii) probe placement positions. The resultant ice thus produced by the cryosurgical probes is optimized for a specific patient.

Abstract: The cryosurgical probe assembly with multiple deployable cryoprobes includes a) a housing assembly; b) a plurality of elongated structural support elements, each securely connected at a first end to the housing assembly; c) a tip member securely connected to second ends of the plurality of elongated structural support elements, the tip member including a plurality of cryoprobe openings; and, d) a plurality of cryoprobes each having a shaft thereon, each shaft being deployable through a respective cryoprobe opening during operation to a deployed position used for ablating tissue. In an alternate embodiment, a cylindrical housing is utilized rather than elongated structural support elements.

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.

Abstract: The cryosurgical probe assembly with multiple deployable cryoprobes includes a) a housing assembly; b) a plurality of elongated structural support elements, each securely connected at a first end to the housing assembly; c) a tip member securely connected to second ends of the plurality of elongated structural support elements, the tip member including a plurality of cryoprobe openings; and, d) a plurality of cryoprobes each having a shaft thereon, each shaft being deployable through a respective cryoprobe opening during operation to a deployed position used for ablating tissue. In an alternate embodiment, a cylindrical housing is utilized rather than elongated structural support elements.

Abstract: A vacuum insulation tube assembly which is utilized as a component in a cryosurgical probe. The vacuum insulation tube assembly includes an inner tube; and, an outer tube concentrically positioned about the inner tube. The outer tube is securely soldered at end portions of the inner tube and forms a vacuum space between the inner tube and the outer tube. The vacuum tube assemblies may be conveniently mass produced using a special fixture.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for cooling an object with a cryogen having a critical point defined by a critical-point pressure and a critical-point temperature. A pressure of the cryogen is raised above a pressure value determined to provide the cryogen at a reduced molar volume that prevents vapor lock. Thereafter, the cryogen is placed in thermal communication with the object to increase a temperature of the cryogen along a thermodynamic path that maintains the pressure greater than the critical-point pressure for a duration that the cryogen and object are in thermal communication.

Abstract: A vacuum insulation tube assembly which is utilized as a component in a cryosurgical probe. The vacuum insulation tube assembly includes an inner tube; and, an outer tube concentrically positioned about the inner tube. The outer tube is securely soldered at end portions of the inner tube and forms a vacuum space between the inner tube and the outer tube. The vacuum tube assemblies may be conveniently mass produced using a special fixture.

Abstract: A flexible multi-tubular cryoprobe, including a housing for receiving an inlet flow of near critical cryogenic fluid from a fluid source and for discharging an outlet flow of the cryogenic fluid. A plurality of fluid transfer tubes are securely attached to the housing. This includes a set of inlet fluid transfer tubes for receiving the inlet flow from the housing; and, a set of outlet fluid transfer tubes for discharging the outlet flow to the housing. Each of the fluid transfer tubes is formed of material that maintains flexibility in a full range of temperatures from ?200° C. to ambient temperature. Each fluid transfer tube has an inside diameter in a range of between about 0.10 mm and 1.0 mm and a wall thickness in a range of between about 0.01 mm and 0.30 mm. An end cap is positioned at the ends of the plurality of fluid transfer tubes to provide fluid transfer from the inlet fluid transfer tubes to the outlet fluid transfer tubes.

Abstract: An expandable, flexible multi-tubular cryoprobe operational with a near critical cryogenic working fluid. The inlet fluid transfer micro-tubes utilized are formed of material that maintains flexibility in a full range of temperatures from ?200° C. to ambient temperature. During operation, the cryoprobe is mechanically actuated to provide radial expansion of the inlet fluid transfer micro-tubes. Thus, enhanced thermal contact with target biological tissue to be treated is provided.

Abstract: The catheter includes a multi-lumen tube having an outflow portion and an accessory portion. The accessory portion is integrally formed within an interior volume of the outflow portion. The accessory portion has a cross-section smaller than the outflow portion. The outflow portion is offset from the accessory portion such that they are integrally joined. The space between these portions defines a fluid return passageway and the space within the accessory portion defines an accessory passageway. A flexible outer sleeve cooperates with the multi-lumen tube to form a fluid inlet passageway. During operation, an inlet flow of warming fluid flows through the fluid inlet passageway formed between the outer sleeve and the multi-lumen tube. The flow continues around a distal end of the outflow portion of the multi-lumen tube, thus becoming an outlet flow of the warming fluid which is directed through the fluid return passageway.

Abstract: The cryogenic fluid generator includes at least one pump assembly having an actuator mounted to a container assembly. A pump assembly housing includes a longitudinal positioning opening and a pressurization cavity at a distal end terminating with a pump assembly outlet. An internal check valve assembly includes a shaft positioned within an opening of the pump assembly housing that extends into the pressurization cavity. The shaft is attached to the actuator and includes a longitudinal guidance slot; a fluid passageway; and, an internal sealing surface. A positioning bar assembly is positioned within the guidance slot. A connecting rod is securely connected at a first end to the positioning bar assembly, the connecting rod being positioned within the fluid passageway and terminating with a flow inhibiting element. A seal is positioned between the pump assembly housing and the check valve to provide a closure for the pressurization cavity.

Abstract: A cryosurgical probe assembly that includes a gas delivery assembly, including a stem and a fluid conduit subassembly bonded to the stem. The fluid conduit subassembly delivers and returns cooling fluid used for cryogenic cooling. The fluid conduit subassembly, comprises a shaft for providing a heat exchange surface for cryogenic ablation; a housing securely connected to said shaft; and, an insulation element slideably engaged with an inner surface of the shaft and slideably engaged with the stem. The cryosurgical probe assembly includes an adjustable sliding apparatus that includes a slider assembly securely attached to said insulation tube for slideably guiding the insulation tube along said shaft; and, a button assembly operatively connected to the slider assembly for allowing a user to actuate the slider assembly to provide a desired adjustment of the insulation tube relative to the shaft. A handle assembly is positioned about the housing.

Abstract: The catheter includes a multi-lumen tube having an outflow portion and an accessory portion. The accessory portion is integrally formed within an interior volume of the outflow portion. The accessory portion has a cross-section smaller than the outflow portion. The outflow portion is offset from the accessory portion such that they are integrally joined. The space between these portions defines a fluid return passageway and the space within the accessory portion defines an accessory passageway. A flexible outer sleeve cooperates with the multi-lumen tube to form a fluid inlet passageway. During operation, an inlet flow of warming fluid flows through the fluid inlet passageway formed between the outer sleeve and the multi-lumen tube. The flow continues around a distal end of the outflow portion of the multi-lumen tube, thus becoming an outlet flow of the warming fluid which is directed through the fluid return passageway.