Abstract: Apparatus, consisting of a probe, containing a lumen and having a distal end configured to contact tissue of a living subject. A temperature sensor is located at the distal end, and a pump, having a pump motor, is coupled to deliver a cryogenic fluid through the lumen to the distal end of the probe and to receive the cryogenic fluid returning from the probe. There is a separator, coupled to separate the returning cryogenic fluid into a returning cryogenic liquid and a returning cryogenic gas, and a flow meter, coupled to measure a rate of flow of the returning cryogenic gas. A processor is configured to control a rate of pumping of the pump motor in response to a temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the rate of flow of the returning cryogenic gas.

Abstract: A cryoablation device is provide herein which, in an embodiment, includes a catheter shaft and a cryogen return line disposed within the catheter shaft. A cryogen supply line is disposed within the cryogen return line, such that the cryogen supply line, the cryogen return line, and the catheter shaft are all substantially coaxial. A needle tip probe is disposed at a distal end of the cryogen return line and the cryogen supply line extends in a distal direction beyond a distal end of the cryogen return line and into the needle tip probe. An insulating tube is disposed circumferentially around the cryogen return line and within the catheter shaft. An insulating lumen is circumferentially disposed around the return line, between an inner diameter of the catheter shaft and an outer diameter of the insulating tube. A position of the insulating tube is fixed relative to the catheter shaft.

Abstract: The embodied invention is a method of removing intraperitoneal fat by using a freezing cryoprobe and inserting it into the abdominal cavity. The freezing cryoprobe is covered by a vacuum sleeve which provides for a method for abdominal fat removal once the cells are damaged. A multi-step surgical procedure is used to freeze, irrigate, and remove the destroyed fat tissue. Also, an ultrasonic transmitter is inserted into an outer cryoprobe sheath to assess organ position with the advantage of an internal transmitter which greatly aids in organ identification.

Abstract: Medical devices, systems, and methods for pain management and other applications may apply cooling with at least one probe inserted through an exposed skin surface of skin. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissues so as to effect a desired change in composition of the target tissue and/or a change in its behavior, often to interfere with transmission of pain signals along sensory nerves. Alternative embodiments may interfere with the function of motor nerves, the function of contractile muscles, and/or some other tissue included in the contractile function chain so as to inhibit muscle contraction and thereby alleviate associated pain. In some embodiments, other sources of pain such as components of the spine (optionally including herniated disks) may be treated.

Abstract: Cryosurgical devices, such as cryosurgical probes (cryoprobes) are disclosed. Some example embodiments may include an elongated shaft at least partially housing or delineating a fluid supply conduit and a fluid exhaust conduit, the elongated shaft including a distal ablation section terminating at a closed distal end, a housing at least partially circumscribing at least a portion of a proximal end of the elongated shaft and receiving or delineating at least a portion of the fluid supply conduit and a portion of the fluid exhaust conduit; and/or a flow restricting element in fluid communication with the fluid exhaust conduit, the flow restricting element regulating the flow of fluid through at least a portion of the fluid exhaust conduit.

Abstract: Embodiments include cryogenic systems and methods for treating pain or spasm associated with a nerve of a patient. A target nerve may be located and a distal end of a cryogenic system needle may be inserted into a tissue at a desired location in proximity to the target nerve. The needle includes an outer lumen and an inner lumen extending distally within the outer lumen, the inner lumen including a distal opening that is open to the outer lumen. A cooling fluid may be delivered from a cooling fluid source to the needle via a fluidic pathway, the fluidic pathway including the cooling fluid source, the inner lumen, and the outer lumen, wherein a flow of the cooling fluid cools the needle so that the needle cools the target nerve at the desired location sufficiently such that the pain or spasm is inhibited.

Abstract: Flexible apparatus for ablating unhealthy spinal tissue. A housing includes a distal end and a proximal end. Multiple thermocouples mounted on the housing measure spinal tissue temperatures at locations between the proximal end and the distal end. A sensor measures spinal tissue impedance. The measured spinal tissue impedance corresponds to various physical state data of the spinal tissue. The spinal tissue impedance and the spinal tissue temperatures are displayed to the surgeon, enabling the surgeon to determine with certainty the location of the unhealthy spinal tissue, and to exercise control over the ablation apparatus. Nerve stimulation by IMP/STM switch system to detect nerve responses before and after treatment.

Abstract: A cryoablation device is provided herein which, in an embodiment, includes a catheter shaft; a cryogen return line disposed within the catheter shaft; and a cryogen supply line disposed within the cryogen return line, such that the cryogen supply line, the cryogen return line, and the catheter shaft are all substantially coaxial. A needle tip probe is disposed at a distal end of the cryogen return line. The cryogen supply line extends in a distal direction beyond a distal end of the cryogen return line and into the needle tip probe, and the catheter shaft is axially movable relative to the needle tip probe and the cryogen return line, and the catheter shaft is configured such that the catheter shaft is distally extended over the needle tip probe in an extended position.

Abstract: A medical vapor system and method is provided. The medical vapor system can include a fluid conduit having an inlet, an outlet and a heating section, the inlet being adapted and configured to be connected to a source of liquid water, a resistance heater disposed and configured to generate heat and conduct the heat to the heating section of the fluid conduit to vaporize liquid water flowing through the heating section, a power supply operatively connected to the heater, and a controller adapted to control production of water vapor by the system. Methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to programming a foot pedal and switches located therewith that is used with a medical device and/or medical device system. A user may select any switch or directional movement available on the foot pedal for programming by activating the switch and/or moving a treadle located on the foot pedal or by selecting a foot pedal feature on a display. The programming options available for the selected switch or directional movement are displayed on the display screen. Using the foot pedal, the display screen, voice command or combinations thereof, the user can navigate through different options to select one or more options and confirm the chosen option(s) for the particular switch or directional movement. The control and feel of the movement of the treadle and/or switch provides the user with the ability to program custom settings that suit the user's foot position(s) and/or particular style of surgery.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for the treatment of tissue via an electrode assembly is disclosed having at least one active electrode and an aspiration system for configured to collect aspirated materials and to remove those aspirated materials from a surgical site while preventing the materials from melting and thereby clogging the aspiration system. In at least one embodiment, the aspiration system may include an internal aspiration collection chamber positioned at a distal end of the instrument to collect aspirated material and insulate the aspirated material to prevent the aspirated material from melting within the aspiration system and thereby clogging the aspiration system. The internal aspiration collection chamber may also be subjected to reduced heating from the active electrode by limiting the exposure of the internal aspiration collection chamber to a minimally sized support arm extending from active electrode to the channel of the aspiration system in the electrosurgical instrument shaft.

Abstract: A cryogenic system as well as a method of generating a pressurized, sub-cooled mixed-phase cryogen and a method of delivering such a cryogen to a cryoprobe are disclosed. In an embodiment, the cryogenic system includes a reservoir containing a liquid cryogen and a sub-cooling coil immersed in the liquid cryogen. The cryogen is supplied to the sub-cooling coil and is cooled under pressure to produce a pressurized mixed phase cryogen within the sub-cooling coil. This pressurized mixed phase cryogen is provided via supply line to a cryo-device for use.

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 cryogenic needle of a cryogenic system is coupled to a heater. While the needle is inserted into target tissue beneath skin, the heater provides heat to protect the skin. Power supplied to the heater is used to interpolate performance of the needle and/or operating parameters of the cryogenic system.

Abstract: A method for cryogenically treating a target tissue comprises providing a cryogenic device having one or more tissue penetrating needle probes, and advancing the one or more tissue penetrating needle probes through skin disposed above the target tissue into the target tissue. The target tissue comprises a motor nerve. The method also includes cooling the target tissue with the one or more tissue penetrating needle probes, and temporarily disrupting signal conduction from the motor nerve thereby preventing contraction of a muscle operably coupled to the motor nerve. This reduces or eliminates hyperdynamic wrinkles of a patient's face.

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: A cryogenic system having a base unit tethered to a handpiece connectable to a needle probe. The handpiece holds a replaceable cryogen canister assembly. The base unit connects to mains to provide power to the handpiece. The base unit includes a back-up power source in the event of interruptions of power via mains.

Abstract: A system and a method for its use are provided to cool a cryotip at the distal end of a probe for a cryosurgical procedure. In particular, the cryotip is cooled by a liquid refrigerant to cryogenic temperatures in order to perform a cryosurgical procedure on biological tissue. For the invention, the system maintains the refrigerant in a liquid state as it transits through the cryotip. In one embodiment, a closed system is disclosed in which liquid refrigerant from the cryotip is recycled and reused. In another disclosed embodiment, liquid refrigerant from the cryotip is evaporated and the resulting vapor is released through a vent.

Abstract: A system for alleviating occipital neuralgia. The system has a needle probe having at least one needle. The at least one needle has a proximal end, a distal end, and a needle lumen therebetween, the needle configured for insertion proximate to a location of the occipital nerve. A cooling fluid supply lumen extends distally within the needle lumen to a distal portion of the needle lumen. A cooling fluid source is coupled to the cooling fluid supply lumen to direct cooling fluid flow into the needle lumen. A controller that has at least one processor configured implements an occipital neuralgia treatment algorithm for controlling the cooling fluid source so that liquid from the cooling flow vaporizes within the needle lumen to provide a treatment phase to location of the occipital nerve such that the occipital neuralgia is mitigated.

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.

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.

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: Systems and methods related to selective heating of cryogenic balloons for targeted cryogenic neuromodulation are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an elongated shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The shaft can be configured to locate the distal portion in a vessel. The cryotherapeutic device can further include a cryoballoon extending from the distal portion and a plurality of heating elements arranged about the cryoballoon. The plurality of heating elements can be individually controlled to selectively deliver heat to tissue of a wall of the vessel proximate the outer surface of the cryoballoon.

Abstract: A method and system for improved lesion creation. The method generally includes positioning a treatment element of a medical device proximate an area of target tissue and operating a control unit in accordance with a duty cycle, that includes at least one freeze-warm cycle, each freeze-warm cycle including: supplying coolant to the treatment element at a first flow rate that causes the treatment element to reach a first temperature, the first temperature causing ablation of the target tissue and cryoadhesion between the treatment element and target tissue, and supplying coolant to the treatment element at a second flow rate that causes the treatment element to reach a second temperature, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature and the second flow rate being lower than the first flow rate, the second temperature being above a temperature at which ablation occurs and below a temperature at which cryoadhesion is broken.

Abstract: A system and a method for its use are provided to cool a cryotip at the distal end of a probe for a cryosurgical procedure. In particular, the cryotip is cooled by a liquid refrigerant to cryogenic temperatures in order to perform a cryosurgical procedure on biological tissue. The system is closed-loop, and during transit of the liquid refrigerant through the entire system, the liquid refrigerant always remains in a liquid state at a relatively low pressure.

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 cryoablation apparatus includes a distal energy delivery section to facilitate energy transfer to the tissue, resulting in faster achievement of tissue target temperatures. The energy delivery section includes a first heat exchange region and a second heat exchange region having a different heat exchange efficiency than the first heat exchange region. The first heat exchange region may comprise an increased surface area along a radial portion or length of the cryoprobe in contact with surrounding tissue. The heat exchange region may include ridges, texture, threads, and microtubes which serve to increase the thermal-contacting surface area and provide enhanced cryoenergy to the tissue.

Abstract: Methods and percutaneous devices for assessing, and treating patients having sympathetically mediated disease, involving augmented peripheral chemoreflex and heightened sympathetic tone by reducing chemosensor input to the nervous system via percutaneous carotid body ablation.

Abstract: A hollow needle for removing unhealthy inclusions from organism is cooled by filling with a cooling medium by its cooling device and freezes an inclusion, the needle is then heated by it heating device to dislodge the inclusion, and thereafter the dislodged inclusion is withdrawn through a passage in the needle by its withdrawing device.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-functional ablation device that encompasses the use of both heat energy and cryogenic energy as integrated into one medical device. In one embodiment, the medical device integrates a heat source such as RF or HIFU in combination with a source of cryogenic energy such that the multi-functional ablation device is a dual thermal ablation device capable of utilizing either energy source alone or in combination.

Abstract: A cryogenic needle of a cryogenic system is coupled to a heater. While the needle is inserted into target tissue beneath skin, the heater provides heat to protect the skin. Power supplied to the heater is used to interpolate performance of the needle and/or operating parameters of the cryogenic system.

Abstract: An invention relates to the area of cryosurgical equipment. It proposes a cryosurgical system, which incorporates measuring and computing means for estimation of a real time ice ball diameter and operation temperature of a cryotip (the distal section of a cryosurgical probe). The cryosurgical probe of the cryosurgical system operates by blowing in a gaseous medium at cryogenic temperature.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides improved medical devices, systems, and methods. Embodiments may be particularly well suited for the treatment of dermatological and/or cosmetic defects, and alternative embodiments may be configured for treatment of a wide range of target tissues. Some embodiments of the present invention 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. 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 make use of replaceable needle probes supported by a probe body handle, with small needle probes often being replaced during treatment of a single patient. Unlike the large format cryogenic cooling systems of the past, small cryogenic cooling needle probes may dull or be damaged by insertion.

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: A medical system, including a catheter body, an elongate body disposed in the catheter body; an expandable element having a proximal portion coupled to the catheter body and a distal portion coupled to the elongate body, the distal portion of the expandable element defining the distal-most portion of the medical device; a mesh or array of longitudinal splines substantially surrounding the expandable element, at least a portion of the mesh or splines being electrically conductive; and a coolant source in fluid communication with the expandable element.

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 energy delivery probe is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the energy delivery probe is that it can apply energy to tissue, such as a duct, to shrink, damage, or occlude the duct. In some embodiments, the energy can be applied with a vapor media. In some embodiments, the duct can be a ductus deferens or an ejaculatory duct of the male reproductive system. Another feature of the energy delivery probe is that it can utilize an inflatable member to form a seal to contain the vapor media. Methods associated with use of the energy delivery probe are also covered.

Abstract: A method for ablation in which a portion of atrial tissue around the pulmonary veins of the heart is ablated by a first elongated ablation component and a second elongated ablation component movable relative to the first ablation component and having means for magnetically attracting the first and second components toward one another. The magnetic means draw the first and second components toward one another to compress the atrial tissue therebetween, along the length of the first and second components and thereby position the device for ablation of the tissue.

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: 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, particularly as utilized for the ablation of cardiac tissue in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. The device is a closed or semi-closed system in which the liquid cryogen is nitrogen contained in both the supply and return stages. The device is capable of generating cryogen to a supercritical state, specifically supercritical nitrogen, and may be utilized in any rapid cooling systems. As designed, the device also integrates endocardial catheters and epicardial probes.

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: 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: 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: 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: A system for selectively cooling and warming a cryosurgical instrument using a dual phase cryogen, including: two sources of the cryogen, a first source storing liquid phase cryogen and having a first source heater therein that selectively converts at least some of the liquid phase cryogen into gaseous phase cryogen and a second source storing the gaseous phase cryogen; a cryogen delivery control section selectively delivering cryogen to the tip; a cryogen return path from the tip to the first and second sources; a cryogen return control section that includes a pump that pumps the returning cryogen to the second source; and a pressure control section including a first pressure sensor that senses a pressure in the first source, a second pressure sensor that senses a pressure in the second source, and a pressure regulator that regulates the pressure of the first source based on information from the pressure sensors.

Abstract: A system for selectively cooling and warming a cryosurgical instrument using a dual phase cryogen, including: two sources of the cryogen, a first source storing liquid phase cryogen and having a first source heater therein that selectively converts at least some of the liquid phase cryogen into gaseous phase cryogen and a second source storing the gaseous phase cryogen; a cryogen delivery control section selectively delivering cryogen to the tip; a cryogen return path from the tip to the first and second sources; a cryogen return control section that includes a pump that pumps the returning cryogen to the second source; and a pressure control section including a first pressure sensor that senses a pressure in the first source, a second pressure sensor that senses a pressure in the second source, and a pressure regulator that regulates the pressure of the first source based on information from the pressure sensors.

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 system featuring both cooling and heating utilizing a single type of cryogen but from two different sources. The liquid cryogen cools the tip of a cryosurgical instrument in the cryosurgical system, such as a cryoprobe or cryocatheter. The gaseous cryogen is further heated by a heating element, preferably an electrical heating element, supplying the heating needed for the thaw and release parts of the cryo treatment procedure. Thus, the cryosurgical system supports the freeze/thaw cycle of the operation of the cryosurgical instrument.

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.