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 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.

Abstract: A method for cryogenically treating a target tissue comprises providing a cryogenic device having one or more tissue penetrating needle probes, and advancing the one or more tissue penetrating needle probes through skin disposed above the target tissue into the target tissue. The target tissue comprises a motor nerve. The method also includes cooling the target tissue with the one or more tissue penetrating needle probes, and temporarily disrupting signal conduction from the motor nerve thereby preventing contraction of a muscle operably coupled to the motor nerve. This reduces or eliminates hyperdynamic wrinkles of a patient's face.

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.

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 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 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 spasticity of a skeletal muscle having an associated motor nerve. The system may include 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 is configured for insertion proximate to the nerve. A cooling fluid supply lumen can extend distally within the needle lumen to a distal portion of the needle lumen. A cooling fluid source is couplable to the cooling fluid supply lumen to direct cooling fluid flow into the needle lumen. A controller having at least one processor configured to implement a spasticity 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 the motor nerve such spasticity of the skeletal muscle is mitigated.

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 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: 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: 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: Systems and methods of tissue remodeling or altering a surface of a skin of a patient are provided. A method includes increasing myostatin activity in a target tissue. Methods can include increasing myostatin activity in a target tissue in addition to various tissue remodeling techniques, including cryogenic cooling of target tissue for tissue remodeling.

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 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.

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: 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.