Abstract: The present invention provides an insulation panel comprising an air-impermeable container and disposed therein a gas and an adsorbent material that has a surface area of at least about 200 m.sup.2 /g and that adsorbs more of the gas at a temperature below about 0.degree. C. than at 22.degree. C., wherein the pressure in the container at -34.degree. C. is not more than about 80% of the pressure in the container at 22.degree. C. The present invention also provides a method of insulating a surface from environmental thermal effects comprising placing the insulation panel of the present invention over the surface to be insulated.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for feeding a cryosurgical device by passing a liquid cryogen (e.g. liquid nitrogen) through the device to produce cooling by vaporization, and to enable thawing of the device by passing a heated inert thaw gas (e.g. nitrogen gas) through the device when the liquid cryogen is turned off. The thaw gas is passed through the device in the same direction of flow as the liquid cryogen. The apparatus can supply a plurality of cryosurgical devices, and provide independent control of cryogen and thaw for each probe. Novel valve arrangements are also disclosed for controlling the supply of liquid cryogen and the supply of the thaw gas.