Abstract: A biopsy needle insertion guide and method of use with an ultrasound probe in medical procedures to accurately position biopsy needles in internal tissues. The insertion guide comprises a body which is removably mountable on an ultrasound probe and which comprises a clamp affixable about the probe and an elongated adjustment guide extending from the clamp in a direction perpendicular to the probe. A slide block engages the adjustment guide and is slidably adjustable therealong and a biopsy needle holder and guide assembly is carried by the slide block and is adjustably extendable from the slide block in a direction parallel to the probe. A method of use is described wherein the insertion guide is used to accurately place biopsy needles in a human prostate, the needles being then used to accurately place cryoprobes in the prostate for cryogenic surgery of the gland.

Abstract: A hose designed to facilitate supply and return of cryogenic fluid such as a liquefied gas includes supply and return conduits wrapped in multiple layers of reflective metallized material, which is surrounded by a layer of foam material which is, in turn, surrounded by a protective outer layer such as, for example, a woven cover. The conduits are made of a material such as polytetrafluoroethylene. The inventive hose is lightweight and maintains flexibility for extended periods of time with cryogenic fluid flowing through the conduits.