Abstract: A cryoneedle comprises an outer tube having a distal section with a generally central gas supply line placed within the outer tube. The gas supply line supplies a cryogas for forming an iceball on an outer surface of the outer tube over the distal section. The gas supply line terminates in an expansion chamber placed within the distal section. The cryoneedle comprises a heat exchange helix contacting the inner surface of the outer tube. The heat exchange helix has an increasing surface area per unit distance of the distal section such that the iceball has a generally symmetric shape.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention are directed towards apparatuses, systems, and methods that may include a cryoprobe. The cryoprobe may include an elongate shaft, which may further include a first passageway configured to provide high pressure gas to an expansion chamber, a second passageway for evacuating gas from an expansion chamber, and a vacuum chamber, an operating head including an expansion chamber, and an elongate stiffening element.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide miniaturized cryoprobes having shaft diameters up to 2 mm and including a stiffening element that may act as a grip for manipulation of the cryoprobe. Various aspects of the present disclosure are generally directed towards apparatuses, systems, and methods that may include a cryoprobe: In certain instances, the cryoprobe may include an elongate shaft and an operating head having an expansion chamber. The elongate shaft may include a first passageway configured to provide high pressure gas to the expansion chamber, a second passageway for evacuating gas from the expansion chamber, and a vacuum chamber coaxially arranged around the first passageway and the second passageway.

Abstract: A cryoneedle comprises an outer tube having a distal section with a generally central gas supply line placed within the outer tube. The gas supply line supplies a cryogas for forming an iceball on an outer surface of the outer tube over the distal section. The gas supply line terminates in an expansion chamber placed within the distal section. The cryoneedle comprises a heat exchange helix contacting the inner surface of the outer tube. The heat exchange helix has an increasing surface area per unit distance of the distal section such that the iceball has a generally symmetric shape.

Abstract: A cryoneedle comprises an outer tube having a distal section with a generally central gas supply line placed within the outer tube. The gas supply line supplies a cryogas for forming an iceball on an outer surface of the outer tube over the distal section. The gas supply line terminates in an expansion chamber placed within the distal section. The cryoneedle comprises a heat exchange helix contacting the inner surface of the outer tube. The heat exchange helix has an increasing surface area per unit distance of the distal section such that the iceball has a generally symmetric shape.

Abstract: A cryoneedle comprises an outer tube having a distal section with a generally central gas supply line placed within the outer tube. The gas supply line supplies a cryogas for forming an iceball on an outer surface of the outer tube over the distal section. The gas supply line terminates in an expansion chamber placed within the distal section. The cryoneedle comprises a heat exchange helix contacting the inner surface of the outer tube. The heat exchange helix has an increasing surface area per unit distance of the distal section such that the iceball has a generally symmetric shape.