Abstract: A method and system for determining contact assessment includes the steps of positioning a catheter at a tissue treatment site, where the catheter has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the proximal end portion defining at least one fluid inlet port and at least one fluid outlet port, an expandable membrane defining a cooling chamber a coolant injection lumen in fluid communication with the at least one fluid inlet port and the cooling chamber, a coolant return lumen in fluid communication with the at least one fluid outlet port and the cooling chamber, the coolant injection tube, the cooling chamber, and the primary coolant return lumen defining a fluid pathway and a temperature sensor located near the coolant return lumen; measuring an internal temperature of the chamber, and modifying the position of the catheter in response to the measured temperature. The method and system can also use a measured impedance to determine contact assessment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical device having an elongate body with both a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the elongate body defines an intake lumen and an exhaust lumen. The medical device also has a first pliable element defining a cooling chamber disposed at a point along the elongate body, with the cooling chamber being in fluid communication with the intake lumen and the exhaust lumen. A second pliable element is provided which at least partially encloses the first pliable element, thereby defining a junction between the first and second pliable element. Moreover, a check valve is included which is in fluid communication with the junction between the first pliable element and second pliable element, the valve further being in fluid communication with the exhaust lumen. In addition, the medical device may include sensors or other monitoring means in fluid communication with the junction and the cooling chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the inflation, ablation, and deflation of a balloon catheter. The system includes a balloon catheter, a console, having a pressurized gas or liquid inflation source, and an umbilical system to deliver pressurized coolant to the balloon catheter. The system comprises a PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) controller or other pressure-sensing device that monitors the amount of pressure and volume within the balloon catheter. During inflation, the pressure and/or volume of fluid within the balloon is maintained at a target amount in order to provide sufficient mechanized pressure against the desired target region. The system limits the inflation pressure such that a safe quantity of gas would be released should a leak occur. If the amount falls below a certain threshold level, gas or fluid egress is presumed and the inflation process is halted. In one embodiment, an intermediate console is placed between the console and the balloon catheter and coupled thereto.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the inflation, ablation, and deflation of a balloon catheter. The system includes a balloon catheter, a console, having a pressurized gas or liquid inflation source, and an umbilical system to deliver pressurized coolant to the balloon catheter. The system comprises a PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) controller or other pressure-sensing device that monitors the amount of pressure and volume within the balloon catheter. During inflation, the pressure and/or volume of fluid within the balloon is maintained at a target amount in order to provide sufficient mechanized pressure against the desired target region. The system limits the inflation pressure such that a safe quantity of gas would be released should a leak occur. If the amount falls below a certain threshold level, gas or fluid egress is presumed and the inflation process is halted. In one embodiment, an intermediate console is placed between the console and the balloon catheter and coupled thereto.