Abstract: A system and method for treating hemorrhoids includes an anoscope assembly and a treatment probe. The anoscope assembly includes an elongated anoscope body and a sliding element. The anoscope body is insertable into the rectum of a patient. A main portion of the anoscope body has a longitudinal slot that functions as a window opening to trap hemorrhoids. A proximal portion of the anoscope body has handles thereon manipulatable by a user to adjust the cross-sectional area of the proximal portion. The sliding element is configured to slide through the proximal portion and through the longitudinal slot when the cross-sectional area of the proximal portion is sufficiently increased by a user by manipulation of the handles. Access and secure placement of the sliding element within the longitudinal slot is provided. The treatment probe operably connected to the anoscope assembly is configured to provide energy to a hemorrhoid during treatment.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system includes a probe system including a cryosurgical probe and a temperature probe; an imaging system; and a computer system operatively connected to the probe system and the imaging system and programmed with a graphical depth guide application that provides a graphical overlay on an image from the imaging system that includes a first scale of first spaced markers representing temperature of the temperature probe and a second scale of second spaced markers representing a distance from the cryosurgical probe to an imaging probe of the imaging system that provide a visual guide for locating the cryosurgical probe during surgery.

Abstract: A cryosurgical probe assembly including a cryosurgical probe having a shaft, an insulation element housed within the cryosurgical probe and being slideably repositionable relative to the shaft, and a fluid supply line having an inlet portion for connection to a cryogenic fluid source.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system including a computer system programmed with software configured to perform the following steps: a) capturing at least one first view of a region of interest in a human body; b) capturing at least one second view of the region of interest; c) outlining the region of interest and at least one area outside the region of interest with the assistance of an operator; d) constructing a 3-dimensional model of the region of interest and the at least one area outside the region of interest utilizing the at least one first view and the at least one second view of the region of interest; and e) utilizing the 3-dimensional model of the region of interest and the at least one area outside the region of interest to determine at least one cryosurgical probe placement location.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system including a computer system programmed with software configured to perform the following steps: a) capturing at least one first view of a region of interest in a human body; b) capturing at least one second view of the region of interest; c) outlining the region of interest and at least one area outside the region of interest with the assistance of an operator; d) constructing a 3-dimensional model of the region of interest and the at least one area outside the region of interest utilizing the at least one first view and the at least one second view of the region of interest; and e) utilizing the 3-dimensional model of the region of interest and the at least one area outside the region of interest to determine at least one cryosurgical probe placement location.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system including a computer system programmed with software configured to perform the following steps: a) capturing at least one first view of a region of interest in a human body; b) capturing at least one second view of the region of interest; c) outlining the region of interest and at least one area outside the region of interest with the assistance of an operator; d) constructing a 3-dimensional model of the region of interest and the at least one area outside the region of interest utilizing the at least one first view and the at least one second view of the region of interest; and e) utilizing the 3-dimensional model of the region of interest and the at least one area outside the region of interest to determine at least one cryosurgical probe placement location.

Abstract: A cryosurgical probe assembly including a cryosurgical probe having a shaft, an insulation element housed within the cryosurgical probe and being slideably repositionable relative to the shaft, and a fluid supply line having an inlet portion for connection to a cryogenic fluid source.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system including a computer system programmed with software configured to perform the following steps: a) capturing at least one first view of a region of interest in a human body; b) capturing at least one second view of the region of interest; c) outlining the region of interest and at least one area outside the region of interest with the assistance of an operator; d) constructing a 3-dimensional model of the region of interest and the at least one area outside the region of interest utilizing the at least one first view and the at least one second view of the region of interest; and e) utilizing the 3-dimensional model of the region of interest and the at least one area outside the region of interest to determine at least one cryosurgical probe placement location.

Abstract: The system for providing computer guided ablation of tissue of a patient includes an ablative surgical computer system and a set of surgical devices. The ablative surgical computer system includes a guidance module for providing a treatment guidance plan to an operator; and, a treatment module for acquiring and processing surgical device output data, for optimally controlling treatment parameters and providing feedback information to the operator based on the treatment guidance plan. The set of surgical devices includes at least one ablative device for providing ablation of the treatment region based on the treatment parameters and operator input; and, at least one temperature sensing device for acquiring temperature data from the treatment region and providing a temperature sensing device output signal. The temperature sensing device output signal is a portion of the surgical device output data.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for creation of ablation lesions for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. A method for creating a maze of lesions to isolate macro re-entrant circuits. An ablation catheter with at least one ablation surface at its distal end. A flexible ablation probe with at least one ablation surface at its distal end. A clamp with opposing jaws having at least one jaw with an ablation surface, optionally including temperature sensing.

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: An expandable, flexible multi-tubular cryoprobe operational with a near critical cryogenic working fluid. The inlet fluid transfer micro-tubes utilized are formed of material that maintains flexibility in a full range of temperatures from ?200° C. to ambient temperature. During operation, the cryoprobe is mechanically actuated to provide radial expansion of the inlet fluid transfer micro-tubes. Thus, enhanced thermal contact with target biological tissue to be treated is provided.

Abstract: The cryogenic fluid generator includes at least one pump assembly having an actuator mounted to a container assembly. A pump assembly housing includes a longitudinal positioning opening and a pressurization cavity at a distal end terminating with a pump assembly outlet. An internal check valve assembly includes a shaft positioned within an opening of the pump assembly housing that extends into the pressurization cavity. The shaft is attached to the actuator and includes a longitudinal guidance slot; a fluid passageway; and, an internal sealing surface. A positioning bar assembly is positioned within the guidance slot. A connecting rod is securely connected at a first end to the positioning bar assembly, the connecting rod being positioned within the fluid passageway and terminating with a flow inhibiting element. A seal is positioned between the pump assembly housing and the check valve to provide a closure for the pressurization cavity.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system for assisting an operator in placing and operating cryosurgical probes in the prostate of a human patient. The cryosurgical system includes a computer system being programmed with software capable of performing the following steps: a) capturing a plurality of transverse views of the prostate; b) capturing a sagittal view of the prostate; c) outlining the capsule of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall of the patient with the assistance of the operator, utilizing the captured plurality of transverse views and the captured sagittal view; d) constructing a 3-dimensional model of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall utilizing the outlines of step c), above; and, e) utilizing the 3-dimensional model of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall to determine i) the number of cryosurgical probes to be utilized; ii) probe settings; and, iii) probe placement positions. The resultant ice thus produced by the cryosurgical probes is optimized for a specific patient.

Abstract: A cryosurgical probe that includes a shaft for providing a heat exchange surface for cryogenic ablation, a housing, an insulation element slideably engaged with the shaft, and an adjustable sliding apparatus. The adjustable sliding apparatus includes a slider assembly attached to the insulation element for slideably guiding the insulation element within the shaft, and an actuation assembly operatively connected to the slider assembly for allowing a user to slide the slider assembly to provide a desired adjustment of the insulation element relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system for assisting an operator in placing and operating cryosurgical probes in the prostate of a human patient. The cryosurgical system includes a computer system being programmed with software capable of performing the following steps: a) capturing a plurality of transverse views of the prostate; b) capturing a sagittal view of the prostate; c) outlining the capsule of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall of the patient with the assistance of the operator, utilizing the captured plurality of transverse views and the captured sagittal view; d) constructing a 3-dimensional model of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall utilizing the outlines of step c), above; and, e) utilizing the 3-dimensional model of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall to determine i) the number of cryosurgical probes to be utilized; ii) probe settings; and, iii) probe placement positions. The resultant ice thus produced by the cryosurgical probes is optimized for a specific patient.

Abstract: A vacuum insulation tube assembly which is utilized as a component in a cryosurgical probe. The vacuum insulation tube assembly includes an inner tube; and, an outer tube concentrically positioned about the inner tube. The outer tube is securely soldered at end portions of the inner tube and forms a vacuum space between the inner tube and the outer tube. The vacuum tube assemblies may be conveniently mass produced using a special fixture.

Abstract: An expandable, flexible multi-tubular cryoprobe operational with a near critical cryogenic working fluid. The inlet fluid transfer micro-tubes utilized are formed of material that maintains flexibility in a full range of temperatures from ?200° C. to ambient temperature. During operation, the cryoprobe is mechanically actuated to provide radial expansion of the inlet fluid transfer micro-tubes. Thus, enhanced thermal contact with target biological tissue to be treated is provided.

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: 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.