Abstract: Disclosed herein include systems, devices, and methods for capturing compounds, such as volatile organic compounds, in gaseous samples onto capturing tubes, such as thermal desorption tubes, for subsequent analysis, such as disease diagnosis (e.g., cancer diagnosis).

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 quick disconnect assembly includes a reusable assembly including a distal end having a male lip thereon; and, a disposable assembly having quick disconnect capabilities when utilized with the reusable assembly. The disposable assembly includes a stem section; a finger lock element; and, a detachable handle assembly. The finger lock element includes a distal finger lock element section having a threaded inner surface for engagement with a threaded outer surface of the stem section; and, a plurality of radially spaced fingers extending proximally from the distal finger lock element section. Each finger has a) a ramped surface for operatively engaging an associated ramp section on the stem section during use; and, b) a female lip at a proximal end thereof. The detachable handle assembly includes a proximal handle section having a distal end having an inner surface that is operatively engaged with an outer surface of the finger lock element so as to resist relative rotation and axial motion therebetween.

Abstract: An inlet flow of heat exchange fluid flows from an inflow housing inlet section, and through an inflow housing main section. It then flows through an inlet fluid passageway formed between an inner balloon and a discharge tube. The flow continues around a distal end of the inner balloon, thus becoming an outlet flow of the heat exchange fluid which is directed through an outlet fluid passageway formed between the inner balloon and an outer balloon, then through an outflow housing main section and finally discharged through an outflow housing outlet section. The inner balloon is in a position offset from the central axis of the catheter. The offset relationship enhances the fluid dynamic properties of the catheter. It provides an increased turbulence, which, in turn, maximizes the heat exchange efficiency.

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: Various embodiments of open system heat exchange catheters and methods of use are disclosed. The various catheters can be used with various ablative surgical devices. One specific exemplary use is in conjunction with cryosurgical probes involving ablation of the prostate, in which the integrity of the urethra is desired to be maintained. Other uses involve various heating ablative devices. In one embodiment an injection tube assembly is used to provide heat exchange fluid through the urethra to the bladder where it is then expelled via a suprapubic suction tube. In other embodiments a coaxial tube assembly is utilized which defines a passageway for either expelling the bladder fluid or for providing access to an endoscope. In other embodiments a double lumen assembly is utilized that defines a passageway for expelling bladder fluid.

Abstract: The detachable cryosurgical probe includes a disposable probe assembly and a reusable probe assembly. The disposable probe assembly includes a breakaway collar which, when twisted away, activates a finger lock element which provides release of the disposable probe assembly from the reusable probe assembly. Additional features include a safety valve assembly for impeding cryogenic working fluid flow when the disposable probe assembly is detached from the reusable probe assembly and an electrical confirmation assembly for providing electrical confirmation that the disposable probe assembly is connected. Other embodiments include a sliding mechanism that allows for selectively positioning of the vacuum tube relative to the shaft to create an ice ball of the desired size and configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for warming the urethra of a patient during ablative surgery. In one embodiment, at least one ablative surgical device is inserted into a prostate region of the patient. A warming assembly is inserted through the patient's urethra and into the bladder. The warming assembly is operated to warm an outer surface thereof during operation of the ablative surgical devices. The urethra is warmed by the outer surface of the warming assembly to preserve living tissue thereof. In one embodiment, the portion of the warming assembly inserted through the patient's urethra is an electrical coil heated warming catheter subassembly. In another embodiment the inserted portion is a microwave heated tube warming catheter subassembly. Another embodiment comprises an RF heated warming catheter subassembly. An opening is preferably included to provide access for an endoscope or for fluid drainage.

Abstract: The computer system is capable of acquiring and displaying images of the prostate of a patient for assisting a surgeon in placing ablative elements in the prostate of the patient. The computer system is programmed with software capable of: 1) determining the dimensions of the prostate; and, 2) determining the dimensions and location of a treatment zone. The treatment zone is determined to include only one neurovascular bundle of the prostate and exclude the other neurovascular bundle of the prostate. The system utilizes the determined dimensions of the prostate and treatment zone for computing the number and location of ablative elements needed to treat the treatment zone while minimizing any adverse effect on the patient's sexual function.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for placing cryoprobes in a treatment area of a human patient. The system includes a computer system for displaying an image of a treatment area, a template of suggested cryoprobe palcements in the treatment area and images of actual cryoprobes placed within treatment area. The computer system is programmed to perform the steps of: acquiring the image of the treatment area, determining desired dimensions of the treatment area based on the image of the treatment area, determining the optimal cryoprobe placements in the treatment area based on the determined desired dimensions to provide the template of suggested cryoprobe placement, acquiring the images of actual cryoprobes placed within the treatment area, and overlaying the template of suggested cyroprobe placements on the acquired images of actual cryoprobes.

Abstract: A system for assisting surgeons in performing cryosurgery of the prostate by calculating optimal positions for cryoprobes and providing display based templates for overlay over an ultrasound image display, and displaying actual cryoprobes ultrasound images together with template images so that the surgeon may compare suggested and actual placement of the cryoprobes, and adjust placement accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for placing cryoprobes in a treatment area of a human patient. The system includes a computer system for displaying an image of a treatment area, a template of suggested cryoprobe placements in the treatment area and images of actual cryoprobes placed within the treatment area. The computer system is programmed to perform the steps of: acquiring the image of the treatment area, determining desired dimensions of the treatment area based on the image of the treatment area, determining the optimal cryoprobe placements in the treatment area based on the determined desired dimensions to provide the template of suggested cryoprobe placements, acquiring the images of actual cryoprobes placed within the treatment area, and overlaying the template of suggested cryoprobe placements on the acquired images of actual cryoprobes.

Abstract: A system for assisting surgeons in performing cryosurgery of the prostate by calculating optimal positions for cryoprobes and providing display based templates for overlay over an ultrasound image display, and displaying actual cryoprobe ultrasound images together with template images so that the surgeon may compare suggested and actual placement of the cryoprobes, and adjust placement accordingly.

Abstract: A stent delivery system for use in placing a stent within the prostatic urethra and ensuring that the stent does not interfere with the closure of the bladder neck sphincter. The delivery system includes a catheter with an anchor which anchors the catheter within the urethra and ensures placement of the stent at a predetermined distance from the bladder neck sphincter. For use with shape memory stents, the catheter includes a warming fluid system in which the endoscope used in the procedure can act as a fluid supply line and as valve spool to control the flow or warming fluid to the stent.