Abstract: A catheter includes a cryoablation tip with an ablation assembly for heating tissue. The cryoablation tip may be implemented with a cooling chamber and have an RF electrode at its distal end. The electrode may be operated to warm cryogenically-cooled tissue, or the coolant may be controlled in combination with an RF treatment regimen to enhance the lesion size, speed or placement of multi-lesion or single lesion cycles. In one embodiment a microwave energy source operates to extend beyond the thermal conduction depth, or penetrate the ice ball and be absorbed in tissue beyond an ice boundary, thus extending a dimension of treatment. Also, the cooling and application of RF energy can be controlled to position the ablation region away from the surface contacted by the electrode thereby leaving surface tissue unharmed while ablating at depth or to provide an ablation band of greater uniformity with increasing depth.

Abstract: A mapping catheter includes an elongated body for inserting into patient vasculature. A distal end of the elongated body includes a distal portion that includes a plurality of electrodes, a proximal portion disposed proximal to the distal portion, and a reduced-dimension portion disposed between the proximal and distal portions. The distal end is formed, at least in part, from a memory shape material that bends into a preformed shape upon release from a confined space. The preformed shape includes a first loop formed, at least in part, by the distal portion. The first loop is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the proximal portion. The reduced-dimension portion is configured and arranged to bend such that the reduced-dimension section advances distally through the first loop when the first loop is held in a fixed position and a force is applied distally along the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system adapted for treatment of fibroadenomas within the breast of a patient. The system includes cryoprobes and a control system which operates the cryoprobes to accomplish freezing in two stages, including a high power freeze and a low power freeze.

Abstract: A catheter-based medical device includes a catheter that is configured and arranged for at least partial insertion into a patient and that defines at least one lumen that is configured and arranged to receive a first fluid. A conductive-fluid detector is coupled to the at least one lumen and is configured and arranged to detect when a second fluid is disposed within the at least one lumen that is more conductive than the first fluid. The conductive-fluid detector includes a plurality of axially-positioned bodies, each body defining a lumen. The lumens of the axially-positioned bodies are aligned to form a shared lumen in fluid communication with the at least one lumen of the catheter. Spaced apart electrodes are disposed within the shared lumen.

Abstract: A flexible multi-tubular cryoprobe, including a housing for receiving an inlet flow of near critical cryogenic fluid from a fluid source and for discharging an outlet flow of the cryogenic fluid. A plurality of fluid transfer tubes are securely attached to the housing. This includes a set of inlet fluid transfer tubes for receiving the inlet flow from the housing; and, a set of outlet fluid transfer tubes for discharging the outlet flow to the housing. Each of the fluid transfer tubes is formed of material that maintains flexibility in a full range of temperatures from ?200° C. to ambient temperature. Each fluid transfer tube has an inside diameter in a range of between about 0.10 mm and 1.0 mm and a wall thickness in a range of between about 0.01 mm and 0.30 mm. An end cap is positioned at the ends of the plurality of fluid transfer tubes to provide fluid transfer from the inlet fluid transfer tubes to the outlet fluid transfer tubes.

Abstract: System, devices and methods are presented that integrate stretchable or flexible circuitry, including arrays of active devices for enhanced sensing, diagnostic, and therapeutic capabilities. The invention enables conformal sensing contact with tissues of interest, such as the inner wall of a lumen, a the brain, or the surface of the heart. Such direct, conformal contact increases accuracy of measurement and delivery of therapy. Further, the invention enables the incorporation of both sensing and therapeutic devices on the same substrate allowing for faster treatment of diseased tissue and fewer devices to perform the same procedure.

Abstract: Provided are methods for inducing preservation in a patient and resuscitating that patient. At least three hours of preservation, with successful resuscitation, are realized using the methods described herein. The methods involve flushing a patient with an oxygenated, cold-flush solution, such as normal saline, having an energy source. The patient may be cooled to deep or profound hypothermia to induce preservation. The patient may be resuscitated by warming to from about 33° C. to about 36° C., and then may be slowly warmed over a 24 to 72 hour period to normothermia. Kits for inducing preservation also are provided.

Abstract: A cryoablation catheter assembly includes a catheter having a coolant outtake region and receives a guide tube and a coolant transfer tube. The coolant transfer tube receives and transfers coolant from a coolant source to an expansion element coupled to a distal portion of the catheter. The expansion element includes an outer layer disposed over an inner layer such that the expansion element defines an inter-expansion-element space between the inner layer and the outer layer and an intra-expansion-element space within the inner layer. The intra-expansion-element space is in fluid communication with the coolant outtake region and the coolant transfer tube. The inter-expansion-element space is in fluid communication with a fluid pathway that transfers fluids to a fluid-drawing source. A pressure regulation system is disposed along the fluid pathway and passively regulates the pressure in the inter-expansion-element space using at least one check valve.

Abstract: A process for electrostatically coating a stent on a catheter. A conductor which is permanently affixed to the catheter contacts a stent mounted on the catheter. Conductive ink applied to the catheter may be used as the conductor. An electrical charge is applied to the conductor. The stent is then coated using an electrostatic coating process.

Abstract: In a cryotherapy apparatus 1, an FPSC2 (free piston type Stirling cooling machine) is used that is driven by a normal power supply, and that is comparatively small and inexpensive. In addition, to a heat absorbing portion 2a of the FPSC2 connected is a base end 6a of an inner pipe 6 in which a refrigerant that operates at a low temperature is encapsulated. As a result of this, when the FPSC2 is driven in a state where a heat exchanging portion 8 provided at a tip 6b of the inner pipe 6 is located on a predetermined site inside a body, heat moves from the heat exchanging portion 8 to the heat absorbing portion 2a of the FPSC2 through the refrigerant. At this time, the refrigerant encapsulated in the inner pipe 6 is insulated from the outside since a vacuumed gap S is formed by the inner pipe 6 being covered with an outer pipe 7. As a result of this, an ice ball is formed on the predetermined site where the heat exchanging portion 8 has been located.

Abstract: An expandable, flexible multi-tubular cryoprobe operational with a near critical cryogenic working fluid. The inlet fluid transfer micro-tubes utilized are formed of material that maintains flexibility in a full range of temperatures from ?200° C. to ambient temperature. During operation, the cryoprobe is mechanically actuated to provide radial expansion of the inlet fluid transfer micro-tubes. Thus, enhanced thermal contact with target biological tissue to be treated is provided.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for treating a tissue includes a handpiece and a tissue engaging portion arranged to be received by the handpiece. The tissue engaging portion includes first and second opposed jaw members having an open position and a closed position for engaging the tissue therebetween, where the first and second jaw members are arranged to receive surgical energy from a surgical generator. The tissue engaging portion further includes at least one cooling member spaced from at least one of the first and second jaw members, where the cooling member has an open position and a closed position for engaging the tissue. Positioning the jaw members in their closed position and applying surgical energy to the tissue allows for treatment of the tissue, and positioning the cooling member in its closed position provides at least one of a pressure gradient or a thermal gradient between the jaw members and the cooling member.

Abstract: The present invention provides cryotherapy treatment of dissections in a blood vessel of a patient. The present invention further provides cryotherapy treatment of side branch occlusion in a bifurcated blood vessel. One method for treating potential or existing dissections in a blood vessel comprises cooling the blood vessel to a temperature and for a time sufficient to remodel the blood vessel such that dissections of the blood vessel are reduced. Another method for treating side branch occlusion in a bifurcated blood vessel, the bifurcated blood vessel having a side branch and a main branch, the main branch having plaque disposed thereon, comprises cooling an inner surface of the main branch to a temperature and for a time sufficient to inhibit plaque shift from the main branch into the side branch.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods treat cosmetic defects, and often apply cooling with at least one tissue-penetrating probe inserted through of the skin of a patient. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissue so as to effect a desired change in a composition of the target tissue and/or a change in its behavior. Exemplary embodiments of the cooling treatments will interfere with the nerve/muscle contractile function chain so as to mitigate wrinkles of the skin. Related treatments may be used therapeutically for treatment of back and other muscle spasms, chronic pain, and the like. Some embodiments may remodel subcutaneous adipose tissue so as to alter a shape or appearance of the skin surface.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: Hypothermia significantly improves the rate of recovery of function following abdominal surgery-particularly radical prostatectomy. Prior to commencing surgery the tissues at and surrounding the site of the surgery are cooled by means of an endorectal cooling balloon inserted into the patient's rectum. The uninflated balloon is inserted and then inflated with cooling fluid which fluid is constantly circulated in and out to lower the temperature. Improved hypothermia can be achieved by bathing internal tissue with chilled water or buffer. Limitation of surgically induced damage can be demonstrated by the more rapid regain of continence in radical prostatectomy patients treated with hypothermia during surgery.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and kits detect and/or treat vulnerable plaque of a blood vessel. A temperature differential can be sensed along a lumen surface with temperature sensors on a balloon filled with warm gas. Treatment methods include controlled and safe cryogenic cooling of vulnerable plaque to inhibit release of retained fluid within the vulnerable plaque so as to inhibit acute coronary syndrome and to help maintain patency of a body lumen.

Abstract: A cryoplasty catheter and method for preventing or slowing reclosure of a lesion following angioplasty. The cryoplasty catheter includes a shaft having proximal and distal ends and a dilatation balloon disposed at the distal end. An intake lumen and exhaust lumen are defined by the shaft to deliver coolant to the balloon and to exhaust or drain coolant from the balloon. The method in accordance with the present invention includes cooling a lesion to aid in remodeling the lesion through dilatation and/or freezing a portion of the lesion adjacent the dilatation balloon to kill cells within the lesion to prevent or retard restenosis.

Abstract: The present invention is of systems and methods for MRI-guided cryosurgery. The systems enable a surgeon positioned next to a patient and within an MRI magnetic environment both to monitor progress of a cryosurgical intervention by observing MRI images of the intervention in real time, and to fully control aspects of operation of a cryosurgery apparatus by remotely controlling a fluid supply source positioned external to that magnetic environment, which fluid supply source supplies cryogenic fluids to cryoprobes operable within that magnetic environment, thereby enabling real-time MRI-guided control of a cryoablation process.

Abstract: The present invention is of device, system, and method for cooling and heating an operating tip of a cryoprobe using a single source of compressed gas. Cooling of the operating tip is effected by Joule-Thomson expansion of a high-pressure cooling gas through a Joule-Thomson orifice into an expansion chamber. Heating of the operating tip is effected by electrical resistance heating. In preferred embodiments, heating of the operating tip is effected by electrical resistance heating of low-pressure gas flowing towards the operating tip. Preferably, gas from a single gas source is supplied to the probe during both cooling and heating phases, a cooling gas being supplied at high pressure when used for cooling and at low pressure when used for heating. Low-pressure gas supplied during the heating phase is heated as it flows towards the operating tip, preferably by electrical resistance heating within the body of the probe.

Abstract: Systems and methods for three-dimensional guidance and monitoring of a cryotherapy procedure, including virtually performing the procedure.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting fluid egress, assessing lesion quality, determining tissue composition or structure, determining ice coverage of catheter tip and providing tissue contact assessment, by providing a catheter having a shaft with a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the proximal end portion and the distal end portion define at least one fluid pathway therebetween with the shaft having a plurality of electrodes, positioning the catheter at a tissue treatment site, applying an electrical current between at least two of the plurality of electrodes, measuring impedance voltage between the at least two of the plurality of electrodes and, processing the measured impedance voltage caused by the applied electrical current to determine if fluid egress is present, to assess lesion quality, to determine tissue composition, ice cover of catheter tip, and to provide contact assessment.

Abstract: A cryogenic catheter includes an outer flexible member having at least one cryogenic fluid path through the flexible member. The at least one fluid path is defined by a plurality of flexible members disposed within the outer flexible member.

Abstract: Medical systems and methods including balloons having nanotubes are disclosed. In some embodiments, a medical system includes an elongated shaft, and an expandable balloon carried by the shaft and including nanotubes. The medical system is capable of cooling the balloon to less than about 37° C. In some embodiments, a method includes providing a medical device having an elongated shaft, and an expandable balloon carried by the elongated shaft and including nanotubes; and cooling the balloon to less than about 37° C.

Abstract: A cryogenic catheter includes an outer flexible member having at least one cryogenic fluid path through the flexible member. The at least one fluid path is defined by a plurality of flexible members disposed within the outer flexible member.

Abstract: A device and method for safely securing a multilumen device to a tissue, organ or solid tumor within the body of a human during a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure is described. The device is capable of securing the tumor by touching or piercing its surface and providing a coolant to the distal tip. Cooling the tip forms a cryogenically induced region that tightly binds the tip to the tumor, temporarily sealing the entry-track of the instrument. The device further provides at least one injecting/aspirating lumen that can dispense or aspirate a fluid within the tumor, and an outer sheath or guide. Such construction allows injecting part or whole volume of the tumor while the cryogenically induced bond prevents back-flow of the injected substances through the entry-track.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a surgical device adapted to administer cryogen to a target tissue. The device may be equipped with one or more blades and the device may be adapted to deliver cryogen to a tissue before, during and/or after contacting the tissue with the blade. According to some embodiments, the device may be adapted to heat and/or cool the blade(s).

Abstract: A medical device is provided having a means for actuating a pair of opposing jaw members. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position, wherein the jaw members are disposed in a spaced apart relation relative to one another, to a second position, wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. An ablation mechanism is connected to at least one of the jaws members, such that the jaw members are capable of conducting ablation energy through the tissue grasped therebetween.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for ablating target tissue adjacent pulmonary veins of a patient. The ablation device can include a lower jaw assembly including a proximal jaw having a proximal electrode and a distal jaw having a distal electrode, and an upper jaw assembly including an upper jaw having an upper electrode. A proximal actuator can be movable between a first position in which the proximal jaw is open and a second position in which the proximal jaw is clamped with respect to the upper jaw. A distal actuator can be movable between a third position in which the distal jaw is open and a fourth position in which the distal jaw is clamped with respect to the upper jaw.

Abstract: Single phase liquid refrigerant cryoablation systems and methods are described herein. The cryoablation systems drive liquid cryogen or refrigerant along a closed fluid pathway without evaporation of the liquid cryogen. A cryoprobe includes a distal energy delivery section to transfer energy to the tissue. A plurality of cooling microtubes positioned in a distal section of the cryoprobe transfer cryogenic energy to the tissue. The plurality of microtubes in the distal section are made of materials which exhibit flexibility at cryogenic temperature ranges, enabling the distal section of the cryoprobe to bend and conform to variously shaped target tissues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Joule-Thomson cooling systems operable to achieve rapid-response extreme cooling utilizing krypton as a cooling gas. Devices presented do not require heat exchangers between gas input and output conduits, and consequently are characterized by rapid response, small diameters and enhanced flexibility.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cryo-therapy are disclosed herein. This includes a hollow guidewire disposed within a catheter having helical loops contacting tissue. A coolant delivery tube disposed within can have a coolant delivered from a proximal end into the guidewire lumen. The coolant flows back proximally through the guidewire while cooling the guidewire surface and cooling or cryogenically ablating the contacting tissue. To minimize guidewire exposure to surrounding fluids or tissue, insulative barriers can be attached to the guidewire. A coolant delivery tube and return lumen can be integrated from a single extrusion in various configurations. Expandable balloons can also be used to expand the loops of the guidewire to contact the tissue. Also, helical loops with a coolant delivery tube or stem disposed longitudinally within the loops can be used and the loops can also have a variable collapsible cooling region.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for the cryoablation treatment of a patients tracheobronchial pulmonary system, such as in the treatment of tracheobronchial lesions and lung cancer. The pulmonary system treatment method employs a specially dimensioned dorsal end catheter system that includes a proximal end suitable to provide for the delivery of a cryogenic material to a desired pulmonary area of interest in a patient. The apparatus includes as a part thereof an endoscope dimensioned so as to be suitable for insertion through a patient's trachea. Provided are tracheobronchial cryoablation methods for treatment of benign airway disease, early lung cancer, sarcoidosis, Wegner's granulomatosis, rhinoscleroma, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), benign tracheal stenosis, pulmonary dysplasia, neoplasia, vascular lesions, inflammatory lesions and pulmonary and/or tracheal degenerative lesions.

Abstract: A cryogenic probe for ablating cardiac tissue is provided comprising a handle piece and an elongated probe tube extending from the handle that terminates in a malleable end effector closed at its distal end and having a smooth outer surface. A semi-rigid insulative sleeve extends from the handle and overlies the proximal portion of the probe tube. An internal support preferably in the form of a coiled spring is located interior of the probe tube for supporting the interior surface of the probe tube. A plurality of cryogenic fluid supply tubes are disposed on the interior of the probe tube for introducing cryogenic fluid to the probe tube, each supply tube having an outlet orifice, with the outlet orifices being staggered along the length of the probe tube. In one embodiment, the probe tube is axially movable relative to the sleeve/handle between retracted and extended positions. Also, the probe tube may be provided with a thermocouple for measuring the temperature of the surface of the probe tube.

Abstract: In some implementations, a cryotherapy delivery system includes a cryotherapy catheter having a distal treatment component that delivers, during a cryotherapy procedure, cryotherapy to a treatment site inside a patient's body; a controller that controls the delivery of the cryotherapy during the cryotherapy procedure; and a sensor that measures values of a respiration parameter of the patient during the cryotherapy procedure, and provides measured values to the controller. The controller can determine, prior to delivery of cryotherapy, a baseline value for the respiration parameter; detect, during delivery of the cryotherapy, a change in the respiration parameter relative to the baseline value; and suspend delivery of the cryotherapy when the change exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for dispersing a coolant along different portions of a supply tube of a cryo-ablation device which may be in the form of a linear ablation device or catheter probe or a balloon catheter. A supply tube includes multiple tubes that are in fluid communication with an inner space of a transmissive region or an inner space of an inflatable balloon. The tubes are coaxially arranged and extend to different lengths or to different locations such that the coolant is dispersed from different tubes at different axial locations. Annular apertures are defined by pairs of tubes and have different sizes. The tubes and arrangement thereof are structured to provide uniform or substantially uniform coolant distribution to provide uniform or substantially uniform cryo-ablation of surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A balloon elongation apparatus includes an elongated hypotube with a distal end having a reduced inner diameter portion that is configured to radially expand when a mandrel is advanced through a lumen of the hypotube towards the reduced inner diameter portion. A medical kit includes a catheter having a distally-located balloon and the elongation apparatus disposed within a guide wire tube of the catheter. In use, the balloon is elongated following a procedure in order to facilitate retracting the balloon into a sheath. The balloon is elongated by first advancing the mandrel relative to the hypotube so that the hypotube radially expands and firmly engages an inner surface of the guide wire tube and then advancing the mandrel, hypotube, and distal end of the guide wire tube relative to the catheter body.

Abstract: Combined brachytherapy and ablation devices and methods. A combined brachytherapy and cryotherapy method, includes: inserting an ablation device into tissue of a subject; ablating tissue within an ablation zone of the device; detaching and removing a first part of the device while leaving a second part of the device in the tissue, the first part contacting the ablation zone; and inserting a brachytherapy rod into the second part of the device when the second part is detached from the first part, the brachytherapy rod connected to base at one end and retaining at least one radioactive seed at an opposing end, the brachytherapy rod configured and dimensioned so that when it is inserted into the device up to the base, the at least one radioactive seed is in the ablation zone.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating heart and vascular tissue with cryotreatment. A medical instrument, such as a catheter is positioned to contact a target region of cardiac tissue such as the epicardial tissue. The instrument or catheter provided includes a cryotreatment element that has thermally-transmissive properties. The cryotreatment element may be a cryochamber for enclosing the flow of a fluid refrigerant therein. The cryotreatment element is disposed at the situs of heart or vascular tissue to be treated, usually by piercing the epicardium sac via an opening in the patient's body. A refrigerant flow within the cryochamber creates endothermic cooling with respect to the targeted heart or vascular tissue, inducing hypothermia and forming iceballs proximate the tissue. The cooling may be reversible and non-permanent, or may be permanent leading to cell death, necrosis, apoptosis and/or surgical excision or ablation of tissue.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a method and system for cryogenically ablating large areas of tissue within the left atrium. In an exemplary embodiment a cryotherapy device includes a catheter body having a substantially fixed diameter, a proximal end and a distal end; a first lumen for permitting passage of a cooling fluid from the proximal end to the distal end; a second lumen permitting return of the cooling fluid from the distal end to the proximal end; and an ablation element expandable from a first diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the catheter body to a second diameter that is at least twice the diameter of the catheter body, the ablation element having a surface portion that conforms to the uneven surface topography of the cardiac tissue. The ablation element can include one or more balloon and/or a flexible element that is deformed by moving the distal end of the catheter toward the proximal end of the catheter.

Abstract: An imaging method includes providing a handpiece having a probe tip insertable into human or animal tissue disposed at an end thereof, and, an optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe connected to the handpiece such that a functionality of the OCT probe is provided at the probe tip. The probe tip is disposed adjacent to or into human or animal tissue. Imaging of the tissue, measuring at least one of a feature size or a quantifiable characteristic of a structure in the tissue for biometry analysis, and/or performing a diagnostic procedure on the tissue or a device implanted in the tissue is performed with the OCT probe.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system adapted for treatment of fibroadenomas within the breast of a patient. The system includes cryoprobes and a control system which operates the cryoprobes to accomplish freezing in two stages, including a high power freeze and a low power freeze.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and kits detect and/or treat vulnerable plaque of a blood vessel. A temperature differential can be sensed along a lumen surface with temperature sensors on a balloon filled with warm gas. Treatment methods include controlled and safe cryogenic cooling of vulnerable plaque to inhibit release of retained fluid within the vulnerable plaque so as to inhibit acute coronary syndrome and to help maintain patency of a body lumen.

Abstract: A cryogenic medical system includes a medical device and a console connectable to the medical device at a connection point. The console controls the temperature of the medical device. The console includes a first cooling system directing coolant to the medical device at a first temperature along a coolant supply line and a second cooling system chilling the coolant within the coolant supply line to a temperature below the first temperature before the coolant reaches the connection point.

Abstract: A catheter includes a first expandable membrane having a first pressurization limit and a second expandable membrane, having a second pressurization limit, wherein the second pressurization limit is greater than the first pressurization limit, the first expandable membrane defines a cooling chamber, the second expandable membrane being disposed around the first expandable membrane to define an junction therebetween. The catheter includes a coolant injection lumen in fluid communication with the at least one fluid inlet port and the cooling chamber, and a primary coolant return lumen in fluid communication with the at least one fluid outlet port and the cooling chamber. The coolant injection tube, the cooling chamber, and the primary coolant return lumen define a first fluid pathway. The catheter further includes a secondary coolant return lumen in fluid communication with the at least one fluid outlet port and the junction. The junction and the secondary coolant return lumen define a second fluid pathway.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical device including an elongate body defining a fluid flow path therethrough. An expandable element may be coupled to the elongate body and placed in fluid communication with the fluid flow path. Moreover, the surgical device may include a first leak detection element at least partially surrounding a portion of the expandable element, and a second leak detection element may be provided in fluid communication with the fluid flow path. In addition, a console may be provided, where the console may be in communication with the first and second leak detection elements. Further, a supply of cryogenic fluid as well as a vacuum source may be provided in fluid communication with the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system using a low-pressure liquid nitrogen supply, which requires only 0.5 to 1 bar of pressure to provide adequate cooling power for treatment of typical breast lesions. The pressure may be provided by supplying lightly pressurized air into the dewar, by heating a small portion of the nitrogen in the dewar, or with a small low pressure pump.

Abstract: Cryoprobes and a cryotherapy method. A cryoprobe includes: a shaft having a central axis, a tip at a first end, a male socket section at a second end opposite the first end, a cryogen feeding pipe extending from the tip through the male socket section along the axis, and a cryogen return passage extending from the tip through the male socket section; and a handle having a female socket adapted and configured to receive and connect with the male socket section in a quick connect manner, a vibration section that selectively causes vibration along the axis, a cryogen exhaust passage extending from the female socket to an exterior of the handle, and a cryogen supply tube connected to the female socket at an end of the tube.

Abstract: A temperature control system may include a thermoelectric device, a controller electrically coupled to the thermoelectric device, a heat transfer structure thermally coupled to the thermoelectric device, and a temperature controlled medium thermally coupled to the thermoelectric device. The controller may be configured to sense a first value of an electrical characteristic of the thermoelectric device and to generate a first electrical control signal to pump heat through the thermoelectric device in response to sensing the first value of the electrical characteristic of the thermoelectric device. The controller may be further configured to sense a second value of the electrical characteristic of the thermoelectric device and to generate a second electrical control signal to pump heat through the thermoelectric device in response to sensing the second value of the electrical characteristic of the thermoelectric device.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods treat cosmetic defects, and often apply cooling with at least one tissue-penetrating probe inserted through of the skin of a patient. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissue so as to effect a desired change in a composition of the target tissue and/or a change in its behavior. Exemplary embodiments of the cooling treatments will interfere with the nerve/muscle contractile function chain so as to mitigate wrinkles of the skin. Related treatments may be used therapeutically for treatment of back and other muscle spasms, chronic pain, and the like. Some embodiments may remodel subcutaneous adipose tissue so as to alter a shape or appearance of the skin surface.