Abstract: A probe for ablating a marginal tissue region in a surgically created tissue cavity includes a shaft having a shell with an exterior heat transfer surface mounted on a distal region of the shaft. At least one temperature sensor is provided on the exterior heat transfer surface of the shell, and the exterior heat transfer surface contacts at least a portion of an inner surface of the surgically created tissue cavity when placed therein. A cryogenic system supplies cryogenic fluid to a supply lumen and removes the fluid through separate fluid removal lumen in the shaft.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering a cryogenic fluid to an inner surface of a surgical excision cavity, such as following breast tumor removal, are described. A single or dual balloon configuration can be utilized to deliver a cryogenic fluid to necrose tissue surrounding the tumor cavity in order to reduce the risk of recurrence of the cancer. The balloon can be optimally configured for maximum contact with the breast tumor bed.