Abstract: A method of cooling selected surface areas of living tissues includes the steps of covering a resilient mass of porous material with a deformable liquid cryogen impervious membrane, conforming the membrane-covered mass to a configuration which corresponds to the size and shape of surface areas to be treated, pressing the preshaped membrane-covered mass into firm engagement with surface areas to be treated, and introducing a controlled supply of liquid cryogen into the mass. The step or pressing the membrane-covered mass into engagement with surface areas to be treated is performed with sufficient force to restrict or inhibit or cut off the normal flow of blood through the tissues thereby permitting the tissues to freeze more rapidly than would be possible if normal blood flow were maintained.

Abstract: A cryogenic apparatus including a highly versatile probe with a deformable tip, and cryogen supply systems for delivering cryogen to the probe. The probe includes a tubular stem with a resilient mass of porous material such as copper mesh positioned adjacent one end of the stem. A thin cryogen impervious membrane such as latex or silicone rubber extends around the porous mass and around the adjacent stem end region. The membrane and the porous mass together form a deformable tip which can be shaped to almost any desired configuration. Cryogen introduced into the stem penetrates the porous mass but is confined by the membrane so it does not come in direct contact with selected surface areas being treated. A dispenser bottle cryogen supply system is provided for introducing cryogen into the probe stem. Alternate continuous flow cryogen supply systems are provided which permits probe use in any attitude of inclination.