Abstract: A cryo-fixation lead extraction device includes a lead extraction catheter having longitudinally spaced proximal and distal catheter ends and an elongate catheter lumen. A liner has longitudinally spaced proximal and distal liner ends and an elongate liner lumen. The liner lumen is configured to selectively accept at least part of a lead being extracted longitudinally therethrough. At least a portion of the liner is located circumferentially within and/or circumferentially surrounding the catheter lumen. At least one cryogen supply line extends longitudinally through at least a portion of the liner lumen. The cryogen supply line is configured to place a cryogen fluid source into fluid communication with the distal liner end. The cryogen supply line is configured to selectively generate a patient tissue cooled zone adjacent the distal catheter end. A method of cryo-fixation lead extraction is also provided.

Abstract: A system for heating or cooling a sample is disclosed, which includes an insulated chamber; at least one of a heater or a cooling pad disposed within the chamber; and at least one compliant, fluid filled pillow. The at least one compliant, fluid-filled pillow is disposed in the chamber and adjacent to the at least one thermal device while being heated or cooled to a desired temperature by the heater or the cooling pad, and upon reaching the desired temperature, the at least one compliant, fluid filled pillow substantially conforms to a container containing the sample.

Abstract: A cryogenic medical device for delivery of subcooled liquid cryogen to various configurations of cryoprobes is designed for the treatment of damaged, diseased, cancerous or other unwanted tissues. The device is a closed or semi-closed system in which the liquid cryogen is contained in both the supply and return stages. The device comprises a number of parts including a vacuum insulated outer dewar, submersible cryogen pump, baffled linear heat exchanger, return chamber, and a series of valves to control the flow of the liquid cryogen. The cryogenic medical device promotes the subcooling to any external cryogenic probe.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are conditioning media, supplements for addition to culture or other type of media, and methods for conditioning biological samples before, after, or both before and after preservation for improved recovery outcomes, e.g., cell survival and repopulation. Also disclosed herein are cryoprotective agents and solutions or media containing cryoprotective agents for preservation of biological samples with improved recovery outcomes.

Abstract: A cryogenic system as well as a method of generating a pressurized, sub-cooled mixed-phase cryogen and a method of delivering such a cryogen to a cryoprobe are disclosed. In an embodiment, the cryogenic system includes a reservoir containing a liquid cryogen and a sub-cooling coil immersed in the liquid cryogen. The cryogen is supplied to the sub-cooling coil and is cooled under pressure to produce a pressurized mixed phase cryogen within the sub-cooling coil. This pressurized mixed phase cryogen is provided via supply line to a cryo-device for use.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a thermal ablation probe device that integrates deployable sensors with a freezing probe or heating probe for use in ablating tissues. The ablation probe includes a longitudinal body including a thermal ablation energy source which may be, e.g., a cryosource or a heat source. The longitudinal body has a proximal end and a distal end terminating at a probe tip; and at least one deployable assembly disposed within the longitudinal body. The deployable assembly includes a flexible and substantially rigid deployment member, and at least one sensor affixed to a distal end of the deployment member. The ablation probe further includes a control mechanism for controlling deployment and retraction of the deployable assembly.

Abstract: A cryogenic system as well as a method of generating a pressurized, sub-cooled mixed-phase cryogen and a method of delivering such a cryogen to a cryoprobe are disclosed. In an embodiment, the cryogenic system includes a reservoir containing a liquid cryogen and a sub-cooling coil immersed in the liquid cryogen. The cryogen is supplied to the sub-cooling coil and is cooled under pressure to produce a pressurized mixed phase cryogen within the sub-cooling coil. This pressurized mixed phase cryogen is provided via supply line to a cryo-device for use.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a thermal ablation probe device that integrates deployable sensors with a freezing probe or heating probe for use in ablating tissues. The ablation probe includes a longitudinal body including a thermal ablation energy source which may be, e.g., a cryosource or a heat source. The longitudinal body has a proximal end and a distal end terminating at a probe tip; and at least one deployable assembly disposed within the longitudinal body. The deployable assembly includes a flexible and substantially rigid deployment member, and at least one sensor affixed to a distal end of the deployment member. The ablation probe further includes a control mechanism for controlling deployment and retraction of the deployable assembly.

Abstract: A cryoablation device is provided herein which, in an embodiment, includes a catheter shaft; a cryogen return line disposed within the catheter shaft; and a cryogen supply line disposed within the cryogen return line, such that the cryogen supply line, the cryogen return line, and the catheter shaft are all substantially coaxial. A needle tip probe is disposed at a distal end of the cryogen return line. The cryogen supply line extends in a distal direction beyond a distal end of the cryogen return line and into the needle tip probe, and the catheter shaft is axially movable relative to the needle tip probe and the cryogen return line, and the catheter shaft is configured such that the catheter shaft is distally extended over the needle tip probe in an extended position.

Abstract: Cryogenic medical devices and apparatus are disclosed which are capable of generating cryogen to a supercritical state, specifically supercritical nitrogen. The cryogenic medical devices and apparatus disclosed are useful in methods of treating damaged, diseased, cancerous or other unwanted tissues.

Abstract: A tissue engineered model (TEM) structure, an apparatus and method for making a TEM structure, and methods of using a TEM structure are disclosed. In an embodiment, the TEM structure includes at least one TEM segment. Each TEM segment includes a frame defining a bounded area, the frame having a height, a first edge, and a second edge opposite the first edge, each of the first edge and the second edge defining a perimeter of the bounded area, and the height defining a distance between the first edge and the second edge; a membrane affixed to the first edge about a perimeter of the frame; and a solidified gel and cell matrix disposed within the bounded area within the frame, wherein the solidified gel and cell matrix substantially fills a volume defined by the bounded area and the height of the frame.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-functional ablation device that encompasses the use of both heat energy and cryogenic energy as integrated into one medical device. In one embodiment, the medical device integrates a heat source such as RF or HIFU in combination with a source of cryogenic energy such that the multi-functional ablation device is a dual thermal ablation device capable of utilizing either energy source alone or in combination.

Abstract: An endoscopic cryoablation apparatus for the ablation of unwanted tissues is disclosed. A method of utilizing the apparatus for ablating pancreatic cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, or other undesired tissue is also incorporated. The apparatus provides a cryoprobe needle tip covered by an outer sheath at a distal end of a catheter shaft such that the distal end includes a defined ablation zone. As implemented, the cryocatheter can be utilized alone or in combination with and endoscopic ultrasound. A moveable handle attached to the outer sheath is configured such that the handle retracts and protracts the outer sheath to expose and cover, respectively, the cryoprobe needle tip.

Abstract: A cryogenic medical device is disclosed for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. Various configurations of cryoprobes are designed in combination with a clamp to form a cryoclamp for the treatment of damaged, diseased, cancerous or other unwanted tissues. The device is an integrated cryoablation probe with a hinged clamp that allows for single entry into the chest cavity through a thorascopic port, by surgical or other means. The integrated cryoablation probe allows for the clamping of tissue as well as freezing with a single device. The clamp acts as an outer sheath so that when closed, directional freezing of the cryoprobe is achieved on the opposing probe surface away from the clamp or on an internal surface that is between the clamp. The cryoclamp may be a removable attachment or integrated into the unitary device.

Abstract: A tissue engineered model (TEM) structure, an apparatus and method for making a TEM structure, and methods of using a TEM structure are disclosed. In an embodiment, the TEM structure includes at least one TEM segment. Each TEM segment includes a frame defining a bounded area, the frame having a height, a first edge, and a second edge opposite the first edge, each of the first edge and the second edge defining a perimeter of the bounded area, and the height defining a distance between the first edge and the second edge; a membrane affixed to the first edge about a perimeter of the frame; and a solidified gel and cell matrix disposed within the bounded area within the frame, wherein the solidified gel and cell matrix substantially fills a volume defined by the bounded area and the height of the frame.

Abstract: A cryogenic medical device for delivery of subcooled liquid cryogen to various configurations of cryoprobes is designed for the treatment of damaged, diseased, cancerous or other unwanted tissues. The device is a closed or semi-closed system in which the liquid cryogen is contained in both the supply and return stages. The device is capable of generating cryogen to a supercritical state and may be utilized in any rapid cooling systems. As designed, the device comprises a number of parts including a vacuum insulated outer dewar, submersible cryogen pump, baffled linear heat exchanger, multiple pressurization cartridges, a return chamber, and a series of valves to control the flow of the liquid cryogen interconnected with cryotreatment devices including cryoprobes and catheters. The cryogenic medical device promotes subcooling to the tips of various external cryogenic instrument configurations.

Abstract: A tissue engineered model (TEM) structure, an apparatus and method for making a TEM structure, and methods of using a TEM structure are disclosed. In an embodiment, the TEM structure includes at least one TEM segment. Each TEM segment includes a frame defining a bounded area, the frame having a height, a first edge, and a second edge opposite the first edge, each of the first edge and the second edge defining a perimeter of the bounded area, and the height defining a distance between the first edge and the second edge; a membrane affixed to the first edge about a perimeter of the frame; and a solidified gel and cell matrix disposed within the bounded area within the frame, wherein the solidified gel and cell matrix substantially fills a volume defined by the bounded area and the height of the frame.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-functional ablation device that encompasses the use of both heat energy and cryogenic energy as integrated into one medical device. In one embodiment, the medical device integrates a heat source such as RF or HIFU in combination with a source of cryogenic energy such that the multi-functional ablation device is a dual thermal ablation device capable of utilizing either energy source alone or in combination.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-functional ablation device that encompasses the use of both heat energy and cryogenic energy as integrated into one medical device. In one embodiment, the medical device integrates a heat source such as RF or HIFU in combination with a source of cryogenic energy such that the multi-functional ablation device is a dual thermal ablation device capable of utilizing either energy source alone or in combination.

Abstract: A cryogenic medical device for delivery of subcooled liquid cryogen to various configurations of cryoprobes is designed for the treatment of damaged, diseased, cancerous or other unwanted tissues. The device is a closed or semi-closed system in which the liquid cryogen is contained in both the supply and return stages. The device is capable of generating cryogen to a supercritical state and may be utilized in any rapid cooling systems. As designed, the device comprises a number of parts including a vacuum insulated outer dewar, submersible cryogen pump, baffled linear heat exchanger, multiple pressurization cartridges, a return chamber, and a series of valves to control the flow of the liquid cryogen. The cryogenic medical device promotes the subcooling to any external cryogenic instrument.