Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound assisted cryogenic surgical instrument, more particularly, to methods and devices utilizing ultrasound energy for treatment of the endometrium to control heavy uterine bleeding (menorrhagia) or other conditions. The device of the present invention comprises an ultrasound generator, an ultrasound transducer, a transducer tip at the distal end of the ultrasound transducer, and a radiation surface. Ultrasonic radiation is directed into the tissue being ablated. A cryogenic solution, is circulated through the ultrasound tip to transfer thermal energy away from the tissue to freeze the tissue being ablated by providing a synergistic effect with the ultrasonic radiation.

Abstract: A device for uniform ablation of the endometrium comprises a transparent inflatable coolable balloon, flexible cryoprobes operable to be advanced into the uterine cornuae, an applicator operable to deliver balloon and cryoprobes to and from the uterine cavity, and optional channels for a hysteroscope and a light source, enabling observation of the uterine cavity during device insertion and observation of the endometrium during various stages of the ablation process.

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: A device for biopsy of body tissue. The device is driven by liquid CO2, and is provided with a control system to control various components to effectuate rotating core biopsies.

Abstract: A cryosurgical probe assembly that includes a gas delivery assembly, including a stem and a fluid conduit subassembly bonded to the stem. The fluid conduit subassembly delivers and returns cooling fluid used for cryogenic cooling. The fluid conduit subassembly, comprises a shaft for providing a heat exchange surface for cryogenic ablation; a housing securely connected to said shaft; and, an insulation element slideably engaged with an inner surface of the shaft and slideably engaged with the stem. The cryosurgical probe assembly includes an adjustable sliding apparatus that includes a slider assembly securely attached to said insulation tube for slideably guiding the insulation tube along said shaft; and, a button assembly operatively connected to the slider assembly for allowing a user to actuate the slider assembly to provide a desired adjustment of the insulation tube relative to the shaft. A handle assembly is positioned about the housing.

Abstract: A catheter having an extended treatment zone for cooling tissue is provided. The catheter includes an elongate catheter body having a distal tip, and a fluid injection conduit disposed inside the catheter body defining a return lumen therein. The fluid injection conduit further defines two or more injection orifices including a first distal orifice near the distal tip, and a second orifice longitudinally offset along the fluid injection conduit to be less proximate the distal tip than the first orifice. Fluid cryogen flowing through the orifices creates an extended tissue cooling contour about the distal end portion of the catheter. At least one ECG ring electrode is provided about the catheter body near the second orifice. The catheter may thus provide for electrocardiographic mapping of tissue nodes lying transversely between the distal tip and the ECG ring electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue warming device for use with an ultrasound probe having top and bottom sides located diametrically opposite to each other viewed from a frontal cross-section of the probe. The device includes a sheath configured and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the probe. A first sack, which is associated with the sheath, covers at least a portion of the top side of the probe. The sack includes first and second passages. The first passage allows warm fluid to be directed into the first sack for expansion thereof. The second passage allows fluid to be removed from the first sack. When expanded with warm fluid, the first sack warms body tissue disposed adjacent thereto. The warm fluid may be a warm liquid, such as an aqueous liquid.

Abstract: The invention provides surgical systems and methods for ablating heart tissue within the interior and/or exterior of the heart. A plurality of probes is provided with each probe configured for introduction into the chest for engaging the heart. Each probe includes an elongated shaft having an elongated ablating surface of a predetermined shape. The elongated shaft and the elongated ablating surface of each probe are configured to ablate a portion of the heart. A sealing device affixed to the heart tissue forms a hemostatic seal between the probe and the penetration in the heart to inhibit blood loss therethrough.

Abstract: The invention proposes a cryosurgical instrument and its accessory system operating on the base of a refrigerant evaporation. The invention comprises combination of some technical solutions. Flow in a central lumen of the cryosurgical instrument has oscillating character; the refrigerant is provided on the internal surface of the distal cryotip in the form of separated portions. 2. The internal surface of the distal cryotip of the cryosurgical instrument is covered by a porous coating, which soaks completely one portion of the refrigerant. 3. Vapors obtained as a result of the refrigerant boiling on the porous coating of the cryotip are removed through the central lumen into the atmosphere. Combination of these technical solutions allows to construct a safely cryosurgical instrument with high freezing power and small outer diameter. The proposed cryosurgical instrument may be designed as a flexible cryocatheter or as a rigid cryoprobe.

Abstract: The invention proposes a cryosurgical instrument and its accessory system operating on the base of a refrigerant evaporation. The invention comprises combination of some technical solutions. Flow in a central lumen of the cryosurgical instrument has oscillating character; the refrigerant is provided on the internal surface of the distal cryotip in the form of separated portions. 2. The internal surface of the distal cryotip of the cryosurgical instrument is covered by a porous coating, which soaks completely one portion of the refrigerant. 3. Vapors obtained as a result of the refrigerant boiling on the porous coating of the cryotip are removed through the central lumen into the atmosphere. Combination of these technical solutions allows to construct a safely cryosurgical instrument with high freezing power and small outer diameter. The proposed cryosurgical instrument may be designed as a flexible cryocatheter or as a rigid cryoprobe.

Abstract: The invention provides surgical systems and methods for ablating heart tissue within the interior and/or exterior of the heart. A plurality of probes is provided with each probe configured for introduction into the chest for engaging the heart. Each probe includes an elongated shaft having an elongated ablating surface of a predetermined shape. The elongated shaft and the elongated ablating surface of each probe are configured to ablate a portion of the heart. A sealing device affixed to the heart tissue forms a hemostatic seal between the probe and the penetration in the heart to inhibit blood loss therethrough.

Abstract: A cryosurgical probe system includes a fluid supply line connectable at an inlet section to a source of cryogenic fluid; a fluid connector assembly securely connected to an outlet section of the fluid supply line for receiving fluid from the outlet section of the fluid supply line; and, a detachable cryosurgical probe detachably connectable to the fluid connector assembly. The cryosurgical probe system includes the capability of providing return fluid flow.

Abstract: A cryoablation system including a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis, an expandable balloon extending from the distal end of the cannula and fluidly connected to a source of heat transfer fluid by at least one fluid path, a pump for circulating the heat transfer fluid into and out of the balloon, a probe handle coupled to the proximal end of the cannula and in fluidic communication with the balloon through the cannula, and a heat exchanger for varying the temperature of the heat transfer fluid, wherein the heat exchanger is fluidly connected to a secondary refrigerant source. The heat exchanger may be positioned within the probe handle, within the cannula, or at least partially within the balloon. The heat transfer fluid of this cryoablation system preferably has a freezing point lower than about ?110° C. and a boiling point greater than about 50° C.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the treatment of a thoracic region of a patient's body. Embodiments of the method comprise positioning an energy delivery portion of an electrosurgical device to face a segment of a thoracic vertebra at a distance from the segment; and cooling the energy delivery portion and delivering energy through the energy delivery portion.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system and method for supplying cryogen to a probe. The system including a container filled with cryogen and having bellows of a pump submerged within said cryogen. Conduits fluidly interconnect the bellows and a probe that is outside the container to permit the cryogen to be forced from the bellows to the probe upon activation of pump. A pressure relief valve is fluidly coupled to the conduits and positioned between the bellows and the probe. After initially forcing cryogen to the probe at a pressure that establishes a colligative-based sub-cooling of the liquid cryogen, the pressure relief valve is activated to lower the pressure of the cryogen to a running pressure.

Abstract: A cryosurgical probe system includes a fluid supply line connectable at an inlet section to a source of cryogenic fluid; a fluid connector assembly securely connected to an outlet section of the fluid supply line for receiving fluid from the outlet section of the fluid supply line; and, a detachable cryosurgical probe detachably connectable to the fluid connector assembly. The cryosurgical probe system includes the capability of providing return fluid flow.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and system for determining contact assessment includes a catheter having an elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and defining an injection lumen and an exhaust lumen, an expandable membrane defining a cooling chamber disposed at a point along the elongate body, the cooling chamber in fluid communication with the injection lumen and the exhaust lumen, and a contact assessment element which may be a temperature sensor located proximate the coolant return lumen for measuring an internal temperature of the chamber. The system may include the catheter, a console having a fluid supply, an exhaust path and at least one control mechanism operationally coupled to the temperature sensor for processing a temperature signal received from the temperature sensor. The apparatus and system can also have multiple electrodes to measure and process various impedances to determine contact assessment.

Abstract: The invention proposes a cryosurgical instrument and its accessory system operating on the base of a refrigerant evaporation. The invention comprises combination of some technical solutions. Flow in a central lumen of the cryosurgical instrument has oscillating character; the refrigerant is provided on the internal surface of the distal cryotip in the form of separated portions. 2. The internal surface of the distal cryotip of the cryosurgical instrument is covered by a porous coating, which soaks completely one portion of the refrigerant 3. Vapors obtained as a result of the refrigerant boiling on the porous coating of the cryotip are removed through the central lumen into the atmosphere. Combination of these technical solutions allows to construct a safely cryosurgical instrument with high freezing power and small outer diameter. The proposed cryosurgical instrument may be designed as a flexible cryocatheter or as a rigid cryoprobe.

Abstract: A cryosurgical device, with a control for the supply and/or removal of a coolant gas to a cryoprobe via a return flow or a supply flow. The device has at least one socket for the attachment of a rigid cryoprobe and a flexible cryoprobe. The socket and the plugs of the cryoprobes each form probe couplings. The configuration of the cryosurgical device allows both rigid and flexible cryoprobes to be automatically connected to the appropriate return flow conduit, independently of the level of knowledge of operating personnel.

Abstract: A hair removal device (22) includes a cooling surface (34) which is used to contact the skin (6) prior to exposure to hair tissue-damaging laser light (74) passing from a radiation source (36) through a recessed window (46). The window is laterally offset from the cooling surface and is spaced apart from the cooling surface in a direction away from the patient's skin to create a gap between the window and the skin. The window preferably includes both an inner window (46) and an outer, user-replaceable window (48). The laser-pulse duration is preferably selected according to the general diameter of the hair.

Abstract: A configuration for a cryo-catheter which optimizes both the catheter's outer diameter and the size of the catheter's internal refrigerant flow path is described. Specifically, the inner dimensions of the cryo-catheter are configured to accommodate a pre-selected flow of refrigerant into the catheter's distal tip, and a return flow of refrigerant from the distal tip. The return flow is established in the void spaces between a refrigerant supply line and the inner wall of the catheter body. The available void space varies along the catheter length and depends on the presence/absence of various catheter accessories (i.e. pull wires, pressure tubes, etc.) which typically only extend through a portion of the catheter length. The disclosed configuration ensures that the cryo-catheter does not operate in a refrigerant limited condition, maintains the refrigerant as a liquid in the supply tube, and maintains the return line pressure at about 1 atmosphere.

Abstract: A catheter system and method for selectively cooling or freezing target neuronal tissue to induce lesions along the neuroaxis and produce cryoanalgesia by impairing nerve conduction of the targeted neuronal tissue. The system includes a catheter that has cryogenic capability for variable cooling or freezing of neuronal tissue. The catheter also includes temperature sensing and electrodiagnostic capabilities. A pressurized fluid source is included for inflating a portion of the catheter body. The system includes electrodiagnostic equipment for stimulating and monitoring sensory evoked potentials in the patient. The method involves placement of the catheter tip in the subarachnoid space of the spinal canal and location of the tip on the neuronal target using imaging and electrodiagnostic techniques.

Abstract: An enhanced method and device are provided to inhibit or reduce restenosis following angioplasty or stent placement. A porous balloon-tipped catheter is disposed in the area treated or opened through balloon angioplasty immediately following angioplasty. The balloon, which can have a dual balloon structure, may be delivered through a guiding catheter and over a guidewire already in place. A fluid such as a perfluorocarbon flows into the balloon to freeze the tissue adjacent the balloon, this cooling being associated with reduction of restenosis. A similar catheter may be used to reduce atrial fibrillation by inserting and inflating the porous balloon such that an exterior surface of the balloon, as well as a portion of the cold working fluid, from the microporosity contacts at least a partial circumference of the portion of the pulmonary vein adjacent the left atrium.

Abstract: A method of treating fibroadenomas with optimized freezing periods at a single freezing temperature and minimal thawing time between freezing periods, and a system for accomplishing the method.

Abstract: The invention proposes a cryoprobe for surgical and other treatments. The cryoprobe comprises a bellow-wise section that performs displacement of a distal cryotip forwards with elevation of operation pressure in the interior of the cryoprobe. Needle-wise metal elements are installed on the external side of the cryotip. These needle-wise elements are deflecting outwards by a deflecting member fastened on the distal edge of an external shaft of the cryoprobe. This allows to enlarge significantly a frozen volume of the treated tissue for same operation temperature and the outer diameter of the cryoprobe.

Abstract: Cryosurgical apparatus includes an elongate cryoprobe having a cooling portion and an electrically conductive first portion in the region of the cooling portion. A removable sheath having an electrically conductive second portion is received on the cryoprobe with its electrically conductive second portion spaced from the electrically conductive first portion of the cryoprobe. Electrical insulation is interposed between the first portion and the second portion. Coolant material supplied to the cryoprobe produces tissue freezing in the region of the cooling portion. Electromagnetic energy supplied to either the first portion or the second portion, while the other of such first portion or second portion is connected to ground, provides selective heating in tissue surrounding an iceball produced by the cooling portion to control the configuration of the iceball.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a device body defining a sealed fluid path having a first end and a second end, a refrigerant supply in communication with the first end of the sealed fluid path, and a vacuum source in communication with the second end of the sealed fluid path. Leak detection apparatus can be provided in communication with the sealed fluid path.

Abstract: A device for biopsy of body tissue. The device is driven by liquid CO2, and is provided with a control system to control various components to effectuate rotating core biopsies.

Abstract: Cryosurgical apparatus includes an elongate cryoprobe having an electrically conductive first portion and multiple cooling elements. A removable sheath having an electrically conductive second portion is received on the cryoprobe with its electrically conductive second portion spaced from the electrically conductive first portion of the cryoprobe. Electrical insulation is interposed between the first portion and the second portion. In operation, cooling elements in the cryoprobe cool the tissue around a portion of the cryoprobe while electromagnetic energy traveling between the first portion and the second portion heats tissue adjacent to the cooled tissue. The cooling alters the path of the electromagnetic energy by changing the electrical conductivity of the tissue in the region of the cryoprobe.

Abstract: Medical devices, systems, and methods optionally treat dermatological and/or cosmetic defects, and/or a wide range of additional target tissues. Embodiments apply cooling with at least one small, tissue-penetrating probe, the probe often comprising a needle having a size suitable for inserting through an exposed surface of the skin of a patient without leaving a visible scar. Treatment may be applied along most or all of the insertable length of an elongate needle, optionally by introducing cryogenic cooling fluid into the needle lumen through a small, tightly-toleranced lumen of a fused silica fluid supply tube, with the supply tube lumen often metering the cooling fluid. Treatment temperature and/or time control may be enhanced using a simple pressure relief valve coupled to the needle lumen via a limited total exhaust volume space.

Abstract: A method of using a probe that emits energy to coagulate lesions is disclosed. The probe is constructed and arranged to emit light from its distal end, either at an angle to its longitudinal axis, or along its longitudinal axis. Optionally, an end reflector may be used to direct the energy in a beam to one side of the fiber end. A reinforcing sleeve for the fiber is mounted to a shielded, Piezo-electric motor constructed and arranged to move the fiber both longitudinally and rotationally within an optional elongate cannula. An MRI system is arranged to generate a series of output signals indicative of temperature in the targeted area. The application of energy is stopped when the temperature at the boundary of the lesion reaches the required hyperthermic temperature. Cooling of the tip portion of the probe is effected by expansion of a supplied cooling fluid through a restrictive orifice into an expansion zone at the probe end.

Abstract: The quick disconnect assembly includes a reusable assembly including a distal end having a male lip thereon; and, a disposable assembly having quick disconnect capabilities when utilized with the reusable assembly. The disposable assembly includes a stem section; a finger lock element; and, a detachable handle assembly. The finger lock element includes a distal finger lock element section having a threaded inner surface for engagement with a threaded outer surface of the stem section; and, a plurality of radially spaced fingers extending proximally from the distal finger lock element section. Each finger has a) a ramped surface for operatively engaging an associated ramp section on the stem section during use; and, b) a female lip at a proximal end thereof. The detachable handle assembly includes a proximal handle section having a distal end having an inner surface that is operatively engaged with an outer surface of the finger lock element so as to resist relative rotation and axial motion therebetween.

Abstract: A cryoablation system for performing endometrial ablation comprising an elongated tubular cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis, an expandable balloon extending from the distal end of the cannula and fluidly connected to a source of heat transfer fluid by at least one fluid path, a pump for circulating the heat transfer fluid into and out of the balloon, a probe handle coupled to the proximal end of the cannula and in fluidic communication with the balloon through the cannula, and a heat exchanger for varying the temperature of the heat transfer fluid, wherein the heat exchanger is fluidly connected to a secondary refrigerant source, and wherein the heat exchanger comprises an outer tubular wall and a plurality of fins extending from the tubular wall toward the interior portion of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A cryoprobe for use in a cryosurgical system in which the probe tip has an increased surface area by having a corrugated, waved, or otherwise ridged configuration in its inner and outer surfaces. The increased surface area functions to provide greater surface area on the probe tip, and thus greater heat transfer, between the refrigerant and inner surface of the cryoprobe and between the outer surface of the cryoprobe and the target tissue.

Abstract: A cordless cryosurgical applicator system having a base unit and one or more rechargeable cryosurgical applicators. The base unit can be use to charge the applicator with a cryogenic fluid such that a cryosurgical procedure can be performed. Following use of the applicator, the applicator can be recharged by attaching the applicator to the base unit and refilling a cryogenic reservoir in the applicator from a cryogenic storage tank contained within the base unit. The base unit can include a self-contained assembly for generating a cryogenic fluid such that the cordless cryosurgical applicator system is essentially self-sufficient when attached to an electrical power source.

Abstract: A sheath for use with a cryoprobe in a cryosurgical procedure can have an opening at its proximal end configured to be inserted over a tip portion of a cryoprobe. The sheath can be connected to the cryoprobe with an end connector. Sheath can have a tip located at its distal that can have a trocar configuration for tissue penetration. A cylindrical section located inwardly from the tip can have a spiral groove defined on an exterior surface. At least one wire can be disposed within the groove so as to fit within the outer perimeter of the sheath. Wires disposed in grooves can include heating elements and temperature sensing elements. Sheath can further include a graduated catheter located inwardly from the cylindrical section and a handle located inwardly from the graduated catheter.

Abstract: An improved closed loop cryosurgical system and related methods of use. The closed loop cryosurgical system can utilize a reduced size cryoprobe by moving a pre-cool heat exchanger into a control console for the system. The cyroprobe can further include a sheath having at least one thermal wire spaced around the sheath that can be heated using the control console so as to thaw frozen tissue. By incorporating thermal wiring into the sheath, the time necessary for a cryosurgical procedure can be significantly reduced, especially where multiple freeze-thaw cycles are conducted. In another aspect, an improved, environmentally friendly mixed gas refrigerant can be provided for use in cooling the cyroprobes. The mixed gas refrigerant avoids the use of the refrigerant R22 while also providing faster and more efficient ice ball formation at the cryoprobe tip, therefore allowing the cryosurgical treatment to be accomplished in less time.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the use of a cryoprotective agent to protect healthy tissue while damaged tissue is cryosurgically treated. A cryoprotective agent can be delivered utilizing a delivery probe that is inserted into healthy tissue either prior to or during a freeze portion of a first freeze/thaw cycle. The cryoprotective agent diffuses through the healthy tissue, but diffusion is controlled at the freeze edge by the diffusion limiting characteristics of the tissue that is frozen. When the frozen tissue is thawed, the disrupted tissue will continue to restrict the diffusion of the cryoprotective agent. Additional freeze/thaw cycles can then be conducted and the cryoprotective agent will continue to protect the healthy tissue. The delivery probes can also function as thermal sensor probes that can also be used to monitor the temperature at selected tissue locations.

Abstract: A cryosurgical probe (cryoprobe) for ablation of a superficial tissue. The cryoprobe operation is preferably based on combination of two freezing effects: a) heat transfer from a liquid, gaseous or aerosolized cryogen, which is delivered from openings in the cryoprobe tip immediately on the surface of the treated tissue, and b) heat transfer from needle(s) installed on the outer surface of the cryotip. This needle (or needles) is constructed from material with high thermal conductivity. In addition, the outer surface of the cryotip may be provided with spacers, which limit the depth of penetration of the needle(s) into the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for use in the selective disruption of lipid-rich cells by controlled cooling. The present invention further relates to a device for use in carrying out the methods for selective disruption of lipid-rich cells by controlled cooling.

Abstract: The system for providing computer guided ablation of tissue of a patient includes an imaging device, an ablative surgical computer system, and a set of surgical devices. The imaging device receives imaging data from a treatment region of a patient, processes the imaging data and provides imaging output data and imaging signals. The imaging output data is available to an operator. The ablative surgical computer system includes a guidance module for processing the imaging signals and providing a treatment guidance plan to the operator; and, a treatment module for acquiring and processing surgical device output data, for optimally controlling treatment parameters and providing feedback information to the operator based on the treatment guidance plan.

Abstract: The threaded cryostat for a cryosurgical probe system includes an outer tube and a hollow elongated threaded element positioned within the outer tube. The threaded element has integral, external threads that extend from on an outer surface thereof. During operation a working fluid is transported in a first direction between a fluid supply line and a distal end of a cryosurgical probe within a first space defined within the threaded element. Working fluid is transported in a second direction between the distal end of the cryosurgical probe and the fluid supply line within a second space defined between the outer tube and the threaded element.

Abstract: A cryoablation device having a temperature control system includes an elongated catheter tube that has a central lumen and is formed with a closed distal tip. The distal end of a refrigerant supply line is positioned in the central lumen and distanced from the catheter tube's distal tip to establish an expansion chamber therebetween. A return line, which can be established between the supply line and the catheter tube, is provided to exhaust expanded refrigerant from the chamber. The temperature control system includes a valve that is positioned at a predetermined location along the return line. The valve is adjustable to vary a pressure within the return line to control the operational temperature at the distal tip of the catheter tube. Specifically, the valve can be used to reduce the pressure in the return line to thereby increase the tip temperature, and vice versa.

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 tool 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: A method of using a probe that emits energy to coagulate lesions is disclosed. The probe is constructed and arranged to emit light from its distal end, either at an angle to its longitudinal axis, or along its longitudinal axis. Optionally, an end reflector may be used to direct the energy in a beam to one side of the fiber end. A reinforcing sleeve for the fiber is mounted to a shielded, Piezo-electric motor constructed and arranged to move the fiber both longitudinally and rotationally within an optional elongate cannula. An MRI system is arranged to generate a series of output signals indicative of temperature in the targeted area. The application of energy is stopped when the temperature at the boundary of the lesion reaches the required hyperthermic temperature. Cooling of the tip portion of the probe is effected by expansion of a supplied cooling fluid through a restrictive orifice into an expansion zone at the probe end.

Abstract: A positioning system for an applicator includes a glove for being used for a diagnosis of the affected part, a mark body provided on the glove, an applicator for being inserted into a living body, and an energy emitter provided on the applicator for supplying energy to the living body. The positioning system further includes a sensor provided on the applicator which is capable of detecting the distance to the mark body, a control apparatus for discriminating an optimum position of the applicator based on the distance between the sensor and the mark body while the mark body is disposed in the proximity of the affected part based on a diagnosis performed using the glove, and a display apparatus for displaying a result of the discrimination by the control apparatus.

Abstract: The invention proposes a cryoprobe for surgical and other treatments. The cryoprobe comprises a bellow-wise section that performs displacement of a distal cryotip forwards with elevation of operation pressure in the interior of the cryoprobe. Needle-wise metal elements are installed on the external side of the cryotip. These needle-wise elements are deflecting outwards by a deflecting member fastened on the distal edge of an external shaft of the cryoprobe. This allows to enlarge significantly a frozen volume of the treated tissue for same operation temperature and the outer diameter of the cryoprobe.

Abstract: A closed loop cryosurgical system utilizing a plurality of cryoprobes to perform a cryosurgical treatment. The cryoprobes individually connect to a manifold portion of the cryosurgical system with a quick-connect coupling. Each cryoprobe includes a flexible conduit portion that is vacuum insulated leaving a freeze length of a probe end portion exposed on which ice ball formation may occur. The insulation space may be evacuated through an insulation channel by one or more of a getter chamber located within the cryostat, a vacuum pump located within the console, or by activation of one of the console compressors to pull the gases out of the insulation space prior to introduction of refrigerant into the circuit. The fluid pathways through which refrigerant travels through the console, cryostat, couplers, and cryoprobes can also be evacuated prior to a cryosurgical procedure.

Abstract: Low temperature lesion formation apparatus, systems and methods. The apparatus includes a base member and an inflatable element carried by the base member.

Abstract: Clamp based low temperature lesion formation apparatus, systems and methods.