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.

Abstract: A cryogenic needle of a cryogenic system is coupled to a heater. While the needle is inserted into target tissue beneath skin, the heater provides heat to protect the skin. Power supplied to the heater is used to interpolate performance of the needle and/or operating parameters of the cryogenic system.

Abstract: A cryogenic needle of a cryogenic system is coupled to a heater. While the needle is inserted into target tissue beneath skin, the heater provides heat to protect the skin. Power supplied to the heater is used to interpolate performance of the needle and/or operating parameters of the cryogenic system.

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.

Abstract: A cryogenic needle probe having a proximal and distal region. A cooling supply tube provides pressurized cooling fluid within the needle. The proximal region is more conductive that the distal region. The proximal region is conductively coupled to a heat source.

Abstract: A method for cryogenically treating tissue. A connection is detected between a probe having a disposable secure processor (DSP) to a handpiece having a master control unit (MCU) and a handpiece secure processor (HSP), the probe having at least one cryogenic treatment applicator. The probe is fluidly coupled to a closed coolant supply system within the handpiece via the connection. An authentication process is initiated between the DSP and the HSP using the MCU. As a result of the authentication process, one of at least two predetermined results is determined, the at least two predetermined results being that the probe is authorized and non-authorized.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: Medical devices, systems, and methods for pain management and other applications may apply cooling with at least one probe inserted through an exposed skin surface of skin. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissues so as to effect a desired change in composition of the target tissue and/or a change in its behavior, often to interfere with transmission of pain signals along sensory nerves. Alternative embodiments may interfere with the function of motor nerves, the function of contractile muscles, and/or some other tissue included in the contractile function chain so as to inhibit muscle contraction and thereby alleviate associated pain. In some embodiments, other sources of pain such as components of the spine (optionally including herniated disks) may be treated.

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.

Abstract: A cryogenic needle of a cryogenic system is coupled to a heater. While the needle is inserted into target tissue beneath skin, the heater provides heat to protect the skin. Power supplied to the heater is used to interpolate performance of the needle and/or operating parameters of the cryogenic system.

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.

Abstract: Medical devices, systems, and methods optionally treat dermatological and/or cosmetic defects, and/or a wide range of additional target tissues. Embodiments 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. Treatment may be applied along most or all of the insertable length of an elongate needle, optionally by introducing cryogenic cooling fluid into the needle lumen through a small, tightly-toleranced lumen of a fused silica fluid supply tube, with the supply tube lumen often metering the cooling fluid. Treatment temperature and/or time control may be enhanced using a simple pressure relief valve coupled to the needle lumen via a limited total exhaust volume space.

Abstract: A cryogenic needle probe having a proximal and distal region. A cooling supply tube provides pressurized cooling fluid within the needle. The proximal region is more conductive that the distal region. The proximal region is conductively coupled to a heat source.

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.

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.

Abstract: Medical devices, systems, and methods for pain management and other applications may apply cooling with at least one probe inserted through an exposed skin surface of skin. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissues so as to effect a desired change in composition of the target tissue and/or a change in its behavior, often to interfere with transmission of pain signals along sensory nerves. Alternative embodiments may interfere with the function of motor nerves, the function of contractile muscles, and/or some other tissue included in the contractile function chain so as to inhibit muscle contraction and thereby alleviate associated pain. In some embodiments, other sources of pain such as components of the spine (optionally including herniated disks) may be treated.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue in a patient includes a body having a cooling fluid supply path and a tissue piercing probe in fluid communication with the cooling fluid supply path. The probe extends distally from the body and is insertable into the tissue through the patient's skin. A cooling fluid source is fluidly coupled with the probe such that when cooling is initiated, cooling fluid flows in the probe thereby cooling the probe and any adjacent tissue. A heater element is in thermal engagement with the cooling fluid source and a power source provides power to the heater element thereby heating the cooling fluid. The power source has sufficient power to heat the cooling fluid to at least a desired temperature but has insufficient power to heat the cooling fluid above a critical temperature which results in rupture of the cooling fluid source.