Abstract: A system and method for providing greater control over the temperature of a thermal treatment element of a medical device, enabling an operator to extend a thawing period of a cryoablation procedure. The system may include a fluid flow path that bypasses a subcooler, giving the operator selective control over the temperature of refrigerant delivered to the treatment element and, therefore, treatment element temperature. Additionally or alternatively, the system may include a fluid delivery conduit that is in communication with a liquid refrigerant and a gaseous refrigerant. Adjustment of the ratio of liquid to gaseous refrigerant also offers control over the treatment element temperature. Additionally or alternatively, the system may include one or more valves and/or heating elements in the fluid delivery and recovery conduits to control the treatment element temperature.

Abstract: A high temperature cryosurgery system and method of operation comprising a refrigeration assembly, a cryoprobe and a refrigerant wherein the cryoprobe and the refrigeration assembly are fluidly coupled in a closed loop configured to cycle the refrigerant in a fluid state from the refrigeration assembly to the cryoprobe and further configured to cycle the refrigerant in a vapor state from the cryoprobe to the refrigeration assembly. A method for treating cancer tumors and metastatic cancer cells by disrupting the tumor by sequentially or concurrently administering an ablative energy in combination with immunomodulation and/or pharmacological application, in one or more cycles, where the physical disruption is applied at levels sufficient to create the abscopal effect. That effect is generated by stimulating the immune cells in the microenvironment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to comprehensive systems, devices and methods for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In certain embodiments, systems, devices, and methods are provided for treating a tissue region (e.g., a tumor) through application of energy.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an ablation device, which relates to the technical field of cryoablation treatments, and is used for solving the technical problem of an excessive burden on an operator caused by the volume of a delivery device being too large. The ablation device of the disclosure comprises an ablation needle and a working medium transmission device connected to the ablation needle. The working medium transmission device comprises a first delivery tube and a second delivery tube. The first delivery tube and the second delivery tube are configured to be of split structures that are independent of each other, such that the structure of the working medium delivery device at the rear end of the ablation needle is smaller and lighter, and thus the burden on the operator's operation can be reduced, making the operation to be more flexible and convenient.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling tissues which are treated with an energy-based device, such as a laser, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a spray nozzle which generates an atomized liquid spray for the treatment area, wherein the atomized liquid spray is based on a mixture of liquid and gas. Further, the spray nozzle comprises at least one liquid outlet which ejects a liquid, and at least one gas outlet which ejects a gas stream. Besides, the apparatus for cooling comprises at least one delivery means for delivering pressurized gas to the spray nozzle; and a pumping means for the liquid, wherein the pumping means is configured to operate in pulses.

Abstract: A high temperature cryosurgery system and method of operation comprising a refrigeration assembly, a cryoprobe and a refrigerant wherein the cryoprobe and the refrigeration assembly are fluidly coupled in a closed loop configured to cycle the refrigerant in a fluid state from the refrigeration assembly to the cryoprobe and further configured to cycle the refrigerant in a vapor state from the cryoprobe to the refrigeration assembly. A method for treating cancer tumors and metastatic cancer cells by disrupting the tumor by sequentially or concurrently administering an ablative energy in combination with immunomodulation and/or pharmacological application, in one or more cycles, where the physical disruption is applied at levels sufficient to create the abscopal effect. That effect is generated by stimulating the immune cells in the microenvironment.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a microsurgical instrument includes a trocar having a rigid, hollow shaft formed with a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the shaft. The distal end of the shaft may be shaped for tissue penetration. The instrument may further include a composite microcannula slidably engaged with the trocar in the lumen. The microcannula includes a light guide and a flexible hollow tube having an outer diameter less than an inner diameter of the lumen in the trocar. Other embodiments include placing the microcannula in the lumen of the trocar, illuminating the end of the trocar by illuminating the end of the microcannula, advancing the trocar from a selected entry point on an eye into a selected structure in the eye, and extending the illuminated end of the microcannula from the trocar into the selected structure.

Abstract: A catheter is provided comprising a flexible heat transfer element provided on an outer surface of the catheter, a conduit arranged to supply an inflation fluid for inflating the flexible heat transfer element so as to form an inflated balloon, a guide wire lumen for receiving a guide wire, and an elongate cooling element arranged to cool said inflation fluid for inflating the balloon. Said cooling element and said guide wire lumen are arranged inside the flexible heat transfer element such that, when inflated the cooling element is substantially central within the balloon and said guide wire lumen is parallel to and radially offset from the cooling element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical instruments and methods for enhancing properties of tissue repaired or joined by surgical staples and, more particularly to surgical instruments and methods designed to enhance the properties of repaired or adjoined tissue at a target surgical site, especially when sealing an anastomosis between adjacent intestinal sections to improve tissue viability under hypoxia conditions, prevent tissue inflammation, and to prevent leakage. The present invention further relates to hypothermic circular stapling instruments configured to pre-cool the tissues being joined by staples.

Abstract: One example a surgical data control system. A wireless data receiver receives surgical device data that is wirelessly transmitted from surgical instruments, medicine administering equipment, and energy delivery equipment during a surgical procedure. The surgical device data is stored in a memory system along with surgeon data, patient data, and environment data associated with the surgical environment in which the surgical procedure is performed. A report generator generates an aggregated surgical data set characterizing a relationship between the surgical device data, the surgeon data, the patient data, and the environment data. The report generator thus generates a surgical dashboard report comprising the aggregated surgical data set in a predetermined data format. The surgical data control system can transmit the surgical dashboard report to at least one remote device via a network upon conclusion of the surgical procedure.

Abstract: Described herein are cryolipolysis devices, systems, and methods for facilitating percutaneous access to a target blood vessel by performing cryolipolysis on subcutaneous adipose tissue obscuring the target blood vessel (e.g., a vessel used for hemodialysis treatment). Generally, the devices include a cooling member carrying a coolant that cools a selected portion of adipose tissue overlying the target blood vessel to reduce the selected portion of adipose tissue, thereby forming a depression in the adipose tissue and allowing the target blood vessel closer to the surface of the skin. In some variations, the cooling member is placed subcutaneously to directly cool the selected portion of adipose tissue. In other variations, the cooling member is placed external to the patient to indirectly cool the selected portion of adipose tissue through the skin.

Abstract: A method, system, and device for predicting lesion quality. Specifically, lesion quality may be predicted based on an assessment of pulmonary vein occlusion using saline injection and evaluation of temperature measurements recorded by a thermocouple located distal to the cryoballoon of the treatment device. The quality of the occlusion may be rated based on the time it takes the temperature recorded by the thermocouple to increase from approximately 2° C. to approximately 38° C., the rate of temperature change over a predetermined time period, and/or the rate of dissipation within the pulmonary vein of the saline with a volume of contrast medium. For example, the quality of the occlusion may be rated as being good, fair, or poor. This assessment may be quickly and easily communicated to an operator.

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: An open-loop thermal control system and method for components that generate heat includes a reservoir for containing a pressurized working fluid, a first heat exchanger in thermal communication with the working fluid, a Joule-Thomson expansion valve in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a second heat exchanger in fluid communication with the valve. The first heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from the components to the fluid in the reservoir. The valve is configured to expand the working fluid into a two-phase fluid having a primary use of cooling. The second heat exchanger is configured to receive heat from the components and receive the two-phase fluid. The second heat exchanger provides a single-phase working fluid for at least one secondary use before the working fluid is expelled from the thermal control system.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and apparatus for effecting (e.g., lightening) an appearance of skin by cooling or freezing small separated surface regions of the skin to produce regions of local hypopigmentation. The width of the regions can be, for example, smaller than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, and a distance between these frozen regions can be greater than about 3 times the width of the regions. An exemplary apparatus can be provided that includes a plurality of spatially-separated thermally conductive arrangements that can be affixed or otherwise coupled to a base. For example, the conductive arrangements can be regions of conductive material provided in or proximal to a thermal insulator, or thermally conductive protrusions affixed to the base. The conductive arrangements can be cooled and then contacted with the skin surface to produce the small regions of hypopigmentation.

Abstract: A method for purging a cryotreatment system, in particular, for clearing moisture and thus preventing ice blockages within a fluid flow path that may be formed when moisture pockets within the fluid flow path of the system are encountered by a first injection of refrigerant at the beginning of a cryotreatment procedure. The method may include injecting refrigerant from a refrigerant source into a fluid delivery conduit at a preselected pressure for a first period of time, the refrigerant flowing from the fluid delivery conduit through a fluid injection element and into a fluid recovery conduit, and evacuating refrigerant from the fluid recovery conduit by vacuum pressure generated by the vacuum pump for a second period of time. This method may be repeated for a plurality of cycles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and/or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable/expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure and temperature sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure and temperature within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable/expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable/expandable members. Optionally, a chilled, room temperature, or warmed fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.

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.

Abstract: Cryotreatment devices and methods of ablating tissue within the body are disclosed. A cryotreatment device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an elongated member having one or more needle-like ablation tips configured to induce necrosis at a target site within the heart. A cooling fluid such as a cryogen may be injected through a lumen extending into the distal portion of the device. The ablation tips can be configured to pierce and ablate surrounding tissue, blocking electrical stimuli that can cause fibrillations or other arrhythmias of the heart. The device may also include means for controlling the transmural depth at which the ablation tips are inserted into the cardiac tissue. Methods of forming a contiguous line of conduction block in accordance with the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical tool has probe body with an operative surface or edge contactable with organic tissues for performing a surgical operation on the tissues. A shank of the probe body is provided with a connector for operatively attaching the tool to a source of ultrasonic mechanical vibrational energy. The shank and a portion of the probe body are formed with a channel for fluid delivery to the probe body. At least a portion of the probe body located between the channel and the operative surface or edge has a microporous or sintered structure enabling fluid penetration to the operative surface or edge from the channel.

Abstract: Ablation devices useful for destroying nerve and soft tissue via a minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain are provided. The device comprises a probe comprising an interior surface that defines an internal passage and an exterior surface comprising a tip. The internal passage has a filament comprising an opening configured to release a pressurized material into the interior surface of the probe so as to cool the exterior surface of the probe to a selected temperature. A release instrument is provided comprising a sheath that comprises an exterior surface and an interior surface configured for engagement with the probe. The probe tip is configured for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue by forming an ice ball and the release instrument is configured to release the probe tip from the ice ball. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a medical fluid includes a fluid passage for delivering the medical fluid, a heating element for heating the medical fluid, and a detector. The detector has a first detector for detecting a parameter which correlates with a flow rate of the medical fluid, or a second detector for detecting a parameter which corresponds to a set point, for the flow rate of the medical fluid. A controller controls regulates a temperature of the medical fluid in the fluid passage and a temperature of the heating element, and a switching circuit switches the controller between controlling or regulating the temperature of the medical fluid and controlling or regulating the temperature of the heating element. The switching circuit is configured such that the switching is triggered in response to the switching circuit detecting that the flow rate falls below or exceeds a predetermined flow rate threshold value.

Abstract: Navigation and tissue capture systems and methods for navigation to and/or capture of selected tissue using the innate electrical activity of the selected tissue and/or other tissue are described. In the context of left atrial appendage closure, the systems and methods can be used to navigate to the left atrial appendage and capture/control the appendage while a closure instrument (suture, clip, ring) is placed over the appendage and tightened down or a closure method (ablation, cryogenic procedures, stapling, etc.) is performed to close the left atrial appendage. The use of innate electrical activity for navigating devices may be used in connection with other tissues and/or areas of the body.

Abstract: A method of performing an ablation procedure includes the initial step of supplying a fluid to a cooling chamber defined within an antenna assembly. The method also includes the steps of decreasing the temperature of the fluid to form a solid material and inserting the antenna assembly into tissue. The method also includes the step of supplying energy to the antenna assembly to treat tissue. Residual heat from the antenna assembly transitions the solid material back to the fluid. The method also includes the step of circulating the fluid within the antenna assembly to dissipate heat emanating from the antenna assembly.

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 cryosurgical instrument including: a core, a cryogen delivery tube, a cryogen return tube, and a shaft surrounding the core and the tubes. The shaft has a pointed distal end and a proximal end adapted and configured to receive an inflow of cryogen and to exhaust a flow of expanded cryogen. The cryogen delivery tube and the cryogen return tube both have respective helical portions that spiral around the core. The helical portions of the tubes are in fluid tight contact with the core and an inner surface of the shaft. The helical portions of the tubes spiral about the core in an alternating arrangement such that they alternate along a length of the core. The core and the helical portions of the delivery tube and the return tube comprise centrifugal phase separators.

Abstract: Cryotreatment devices and methods of ablating tissue within the body are disclosed. A cryotreatment device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an elongated member having one or more needle-like ablation tips configured to induce necrosis at a target site within the heart. A cooling fluid such as a cryogen may be injected through a lumen extending into the distal portion of the device. The ablation tips can be configured to pierce and ablate surrounding tissue, blocking electrical stimuli that can cause fibrillations or other arrhythmias of the heart. The device may also include means for controlling the transmural depth at which the ablation tips are inserted into the cardiac tissue. Methods of forming a contiguous line of conduction block in accordance with the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a method of supplying cryoenergy to a plaque within a blood vessel. The method comprises expanding an expandable membrane of a catheter apparatus with a pressure of less than 5 ATM (507 kPa), the catheter apparatus having been placed in thermal contact with the plaque within the blood vessel. The method also comprises establishing a temperature of between +15° C. (288K) and ?35° C. (238K) at an interface of the expandable membrane and the blood vessel. A system and catheter apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments related to cryogenically ablating a portion of the inner surface of a vessel by constraining a cryoballoon using various apparatuses and methods are disclosed. For example, a catheter can include a cryoballoon for ablation of the vessel wall and a constraining element disposed substantially in parallel with the cryoballoon to deflect or offset a portion of the cryoballoon away from non-target tissue of the vessel wall and prevent ablation of the non-target tissue. Partial circumferential, non-continuous, or helical ablation can be effective for treating a variety of renal, cardio-renal, and other diseases including but not limited to hypertension, heart failure, renal disease, renal failure, contrast nephropathy, arrhythmia, and myocardial infarction. The constraining element may be, for example, a second inflatable balloon or one or more self-expanding prongs.

Abstract: Ablation devices useful for removing nerve and soft tissue via a minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain are provided. The device comprises a plurality of probes each comprising an interior surface defining an internal passage and an exterior surface comprising a tip. The internal passage has a filament comprising an opening configured to release a pressurized material into the interior surface of the probe so as to cool the exterior surface of the probe to a selected temperature. A plurality of introducers are provided each comprising an interior surface configured for engagement with the probe where at least one air gap is produced by the introducer and probe engagement and an exterior surface comprising a heat conductive tip where the probe tip is snap fixed with the introducer tip in a configuration for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided.

Abstract: Cryocatheter including an elongated flexible catheter member having a short rigid catheter tip for introduction into a therapy site and a heat exchange arrangement for freezing the catheter tip to a cryo-temperature from between about ?15° C. to about ?30° C. for freezing human tissue at the therapy site. Cerebral medical procedures include inter alia employing a local ice ball for sealing a bleeding rupture in an arterial wall in the case of a stroke hemorrhage, employing a local ice ball for mapping electrical disorder foci in a brain, for example, epileptic foci, and the like.

Abstract: A cryotherapy balloon catheter includes a compliant cryotherapy balloon comprising a distal balloon section dimensioned for placement within a renal artery and a proximal balloon section dimensioned to abut against an ostium of the renal artery and extend into at least a portion of the abdominal aorta. The compliant balloon has a diameter that varies non-uniformly along a length of the compliant balloon, such that a diameter at the proximal balloon section is larger than a diameter of the distal balloon section. The cryotherapy balloon catheter may be configured to deliver cryogenic therapy to at least the ostium of the renal artery sufficient to irreversibly terminate renal sympathetic nerve activity, such as by causing neurotmesis of renal nerve fibers and ganglia at the ostium of the renal artery.

Abstract: A catheter based medical device including controlled refrigerant dispersion is disclosed. The device includes a fluid injection tube that carries refrigerant from a coolant supply to the distal portion of the device. An open distal end or one or more orifices may be provided on the injection tube for the refrigerant to be expelled into an expandable chamber such as a balloon disposed on the distal portion of the catheter. The dispersion of the refrigerant from the injection tube may be controlled or manipulable to direct the refrigerant to one or more target locations.

Abstract: A medical device, including an elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a shaft at least partially disposed within the elongate body; an expandable element at the distal portion of the elongate body; and a fluid delivery conduit defining a deflectable segment movably coupled to the shaft, the deflectable segment being transitionable from a substantially linear configuration to a substantially curvilinear configuration.

Abstract: A cryosurgical instrument including: a core, a cryogen delivery tube, a cryogen return tube, and a shaft surrounding the core and the tubes. The shaft has a pointed distal end and a proximal end adapted and configured to receive an inflow of cryogen and to exhaust a flow of expanded cryogen. The cryogen delivery tube and the cryogen return tube both have respective helical portions that spiral around the core. The helical portions of the tubes are in fluid tight contact with the core and an inner surface of the shaft. The helical portions of the tubes spiral about the core in an alternating arrangement such that they alternate along a length of the core. The core and the helical portions of the delivery tube and the return tube comprise centrifugal phase separators.

Abstract: A fluid purging system has a spring-energized relief valve having an inlet port that is coupled to a fluid chamber to receive incoming fluid, and an outlet port through which incoming fluid is relieved. The outlet port is fluidly coupled to a pressurized chamber. The fluid purging system also includes an electro-mechanical pressure switch, and an electrically operated solenoid valve which functions as a pressure exhaust valve. The pressure switch and the solenoid valve are in fluid communication with the pressurized chamber.

Abstract: A cryogenic probe design is provided containing, for example, an inner coil injection tube with a continuous flow of circulating liquid and an outer jacket enclosing the inner coil injection tube. A transducer may monitor parameters in the region between the inner coil injection tube and the outer jacket. An outer jacket serves to prevent gas leakage. One or more embodiments of a probe design provide continuous flow for example via a continuous and controlled path from inlet to outlet and an expanded thermally transmissive region. Expanding a thermally transmissive region of the cooling zone may be provided, for example, in one or more embodiments of injection tube designs.

Abstract: A cryosurgical instrument, comprising a cryoprobe having ducting through which a compressed cooling fluid, such as a cooling gas, flows, for cooling a least part of the cryoprobe. The ducting has an expansion channel having a channel cross-section that enlarges progressively in the flow, direction over a predetermined length such that the compressed cooling gas gradually decompresses, at least partially, beyond a predetermined length on its flow path through the expansion channel while simultaneously cooling down.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying thermotherapy to a part of the human or animal body comprising an applicator having a flexible enclosure in which thermal energy transfer fluid can circulate, a connector for connecting the applicator to a control system, an interface layer for providing a thermally conductive interface between the flexible enclosure and a treatment site and, an electrically conductive supporting layer for supporting the interface layer and capable of being energised by an electrical signal from the control system to improve the thermal conductivity of the interface layer. The apparatus also includes a valve unit for connecting the applicator to a control system, a heat exchanger for cooling a thermal energy transfer fluid and a control system for controlling the application of thermotherapy.

Abstract: A medical device, including an elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a shaft at least partially disposed within the elongate body; an expandable element at the distal portion of the elongate body; and a fluid delivery conduit defining a deflectable segment movably coupled to the shaft, the deflectable segment being transitionable from a substantially linear configuration to a substantially curvilinear configuration.

Abstract: A cryosurgical instrument including: a shaft having a closed distal end defining an expansion chamber and an open proximal end that receives an inflow of cryogen and to exhaust a flow of expanded cryogen; and a heat exchanger with a cryogen delivery tube that spirals around a core disposed along longitudinal axis thereof. The cryogen delivery tube, at least where it spirals, is in fluid tight contact with the inner surface of the shaft so as to form spiraling cryogen exhaust pathways that extend along a portion of a length of the cryosurgical instrument from the distal end of the shaft. The cryogen delivery tube forces a two-phase flow of cryogen to undergo phase separation by centrifugal forces and urges the liquid phase against the external walls of the spiral coil and the outer surface of the spiral gap. Heat exchanging, through boiling, occurs close to the external wall of the instrument.

Abstract: A cryo-surgical system may comprise a container containing a refrigerant, a delivery tube having a first end configured to be in flow communication with the container and a second end opposite the first end. The system may further include a plurality of flexible finger portions disposed proximate a second end of the delivery tube opposite the first end, an applicator bud having a body portion disposed within the plurality of flexible finger portions and a contact surface extending from the plurality of flexible finger portions. An adjustment ring may be disposed along the delivery tube adjacent to the plurality of flexible finger portions. The contact surface of the bud may be changeable by adjustment of the adjustment ring.

Abstract: A system and method for occluding a pulmonary vein. The device includes a treatment device comprising an inner balloon, an outer balloon, and a space therebetween. Delivery of fluid to the inner balloon inflates the treatment element to a first diameter. If a greater treatment element diameter is required to completely occlude a pulmonary vein, fluid is delivered to the space between the first and second balloons, which expands the second balloon and causes the treatment element to have a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. The fluid delivered to the inner balloon and fluid delivered to the space between the balloons may be from different sources and may be delivered and exhausted independently. Once the treatment element is caused to have a diameter sufficient to completely occlude the pulmonary vein, the treatment element is activated to cool or heat ostial tissue.

Abstract: A cryoablation system includes thermally insulated containers for holding liquid refrigerant. The containers are placed in a docking station that charges the containers with a liquid refrigerant at a cryogenic temperature suitable for carrying out a surgical procedure. The charged containers are detachably connectable with an inlet line of a cryoablation probe. When the cryoprobe is activated, the chilled liquid refrigerant is transported from a delivery container, through the cryoprobe, and to a recovery container. The recovery container is preferably identical in design to the delivery container. The refilled recovery container is then placed in the docking station to charge. In another embodiment, a cartridge includes a delivery container and recovery container combined as a single unit. Methods are also described.

Abstract: A novel medical probe assembly, system, and methods for the use thereof to treat tissue are described. The system optionally comprises an energy source, two probe assemblies, and one or more cooling devices to provide cooling to at least one of the probe assemblies. The probe assemblies may be configured in a bipolar mode, whereby current flows preferentially between the probe assemblies. The probe assemblies and system described herein are particularly useful to deliver radio frequency energy to a patient's body. RF energy delivery may be used for various applications, including the treatment of pain, tumor ablation and cardiac ablation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device, including interchangeable parts thereof, for performing corneal cell freezing wherein said device comprises an elongate member having a flow line system through which a cryogenic fluid flows to cool a cryoprobe tip which tip is fixed and comprises a concave epithelial surface contact member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and/or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable/expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure and temperature sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure and temperature within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable/expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable/expandable members. Optionally, a chilled, room temperature, or warmed fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.

Abstract: A cryoablation system includes thermally insulated containers for holding liquid refrigerant. The containers are placed in a docking station that charges the containers with a liquid refrigerant at a cryogenic temperature suitable for carrying out a surgical procedure. The charged containers are detachably connectable with an inlet line of a cryoablation probe. When the cryoprobe is activated, the chilled liquid refrigerant is transported from a delivery container, through the cryoprobe, and to a recovery container. The recovery container is preferably identical in design to the delivery container. The refilled recovery container is then placed in the docking station to charge. In another embodiment, a cartridge includes a delivery container and recovery container combined as a single unit. Methods are also described.

Abstract: A cryotherapy catheter can include an elongate member and an inflatable balloon at a distal end of the elongate member, the elongate member having lumens formed therein to supply cryogenic fluid to a chamber of the balloon and to channel exhaust from the balloon chamber; and a controller programmed to control a first rate at which the cryogenic fluid is supplied to the balloon chamber and a second rate at which exhaust is channeled from the balloon chamber, wherein the controller is programmed to a) develop, during a first phase of a cryotherapy procedure, a first pressure inside the balloon chamber at a value that is greater than an ambient pressure outside and adjacent to a proximal end of the elongate member, and b) develop, during a second phase of the cryotherapy procedure, the first pressure at a value that is less than the ambient pressure.

Abstract: A method in which a location is determined on the skin that is proximate to a sensory nerve that is associated with a painful condition. At least one needle of a cryogenic device is inserted into the location on the skin such that the needle is proximate to the sensory nerve. The device is activated such that the at least one needle creates a cooling zone about the sensory nerve, thereby eliminating or reducing severity of the painful condition.