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 cryosurgery device includes an aerosol container holding a liquid refrigerant and having a valve and a stem extending out therefrom; an actuator seated on the stem and including an outlet tube for receiving released refrigerant from the container; a hub mounted on the container and including slots therein; and a base having a central opening for receiving the hub, the base including aligning projections that enter the slots in the hub to engage and apply pressure to the actuator to cause the actuator to depress the stem and release refrigerant into the base. The container may further contain an applicator tube mounted to the hub in fluid communication with the outlet tube with a porous tip mounted to a distal end of the applicator tube for receiving the refrigerant and, being chilled thereby, applied to a skin lesion to be treated.

Abstract: A container for a cryosurgery device which includes a cryogen bottle. The container includes a container body including an internal space sufficiently large to hold the cryogen bottle; a valve actuation assembly mechanically coupled to the container body, the valve actuation assembly configured to actuate a valve on the cryogen bottle; and a reservoir positioned relative to the valve actuation assembly so that the reservoir receives cryogen from the cryogen bottle when the valve on the cryogen bottle is actuated using the valve actuation assembly.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system using a low-pressure liquid nitrogen supply, which requires only 0.5 to 15 bar of pressure to provide adequate cooling power for treatment of typical breast lesions. The pressure may be provided by supplying lightly pressurized air into the dewar, by heating a small portion of the nitrogen in the dewar, or with a small low pressure pump.

Abstract: 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: Bipolar electrosurgical forceps includes a first electrode attached to a first heat pipe and a second electrode attached to a second heat pipe. The heat pipe can be removably attached to the forceps. The forceps can also include a securing mechanism that secures the removable heat pipes to the device.

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: An expansible and retractable mechanism of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,175 and/or a medical grasper of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,622 in which (1) the fixed flexure elements are self-biased to move into the expanded condition thereof. A handpiece for the medical grasper is constructed and arranged so that after a stone has been grasped, a further digital pull on the movable handpiece structure effects the application of a limiting resiliently yielding force to the gripping action.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring heat requires a supply tube connected in fluid communication with a capillary tube. A tip member is positioned to surround the distal end of the capillary tube to create a cryo-chamber. In operation, a liquid refrigerant is introduced into the supply tube at a working pressure (e.g. 450 psia). The pressure is then significantly reduced on the liquid refrigerant as it transits through the capillary tube. The refrigerant then exits the distal end of the capillary tube, still in its liquid state. Inside the cryo-chamber, at a pressure of less than about one atmosphere, the refrigerant transitions into its gaseous state. The resultant refrigeration causes heat to transfer into the cryo-chamber.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to devices for causing cold-induced necrosis or apoptosis. The present invention includes a cryo therapy apparatus including a core member; a cryoplasty tube coupled to the core member, the cryoplasty tube having a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the distal end includes a coil disposed about at least a portion of the tubular sheath, the coil including at least one opening; an outer tube disposed over at least a portion of the cryoplasty tube; and a cooling member disposed over the coil and coupled to the outer tube. A method of causing cold-induced necrosis is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the optically controlled micromanipulation of biological objects, containing the following: at least one micro manipulator comprising at least one holder that is motor-displaceable by means of Control elements for a cytological instrument; and a microscope, which has at least one functional element that is motor-displaceable by means of a control element. The motor-displaceable holder is coupled to at least one motor-displaceable functional clement in such a way that a mutual adjustment or setting of the holder and an adjustment of the functional element(s) of the microscope can be carded out in a co-ordinated manner by means of a common control element (17, 18).

Abstract: A cryocatheter system includes a first handle portion having a proximal end, a distal end, a first fluid flow path, and a second fluid flow path; a second handle portion having a proximal end, a distal end, a first fluid flow path, and a second fluid flow path; and a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, a first fluid flow path, and a second fluid flow path. The distal end of the first handle portion is matable with the proximal end of the second handle portion to place the respective first and second fluid flow paths of each handle portion in fluid communication; and the distal end of the second handle portion is matable with the proximal end of the catheter to place the respective first and second fluid flow paths of the second handle portion and the catheter in fluid communication.

Abstract: A self-contained cryotherapy apparatus adapted to be operated with one hand, using flashing temperature of a cartridge liquefied gas (CO2) sprayed in partly solid phase onto the epidermis. The cartridge support and the ejection and expansion system are aligned therewith and in the axis thereof, inside a housing whereof the median part acts as handle to be grasped by the adult user's hand, whereof the upper part includes an input for inserting the cartridge with its head down and into the housing axis and striking it or for removing it after use, and whereof the lower part includes a calibrated opening forming a passage for the sprayed gas substantially in the housing axis and elements for controlling its effect on the epidermis.

Abstract: A cryosurgery apparatus is disclosed. The cryosurgery apparatus an introducer having a hollow and a distal portion, the distal portion being sufficiently sharp so as to penetrate into a body, the hollow of the introducer being designed and constructed for containing a plurality of cryoprobes each of the cryoprobes being for effecting cryoablation, such that each of the plurality of cryoprobes is deployable through the distal portion of the introducer when the distal portion is positioned with respect to a tissue to be cryoablated.

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

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

Abstract: A medical device for entraining biological stones during medical procedures for the fragmentation of urinary, biliary, pancreatic, and other biological calculi and safely removing them from the body. The device includes a guidewire having a longitudinally-extending wire core. A portion of the wire core more adjacent the distal end thereof than the proximal end thereof is wound to form a helical coil which tapers in diameter from a larger diameter end at the proximal end thereof to a smaller diameter end at the distal end thereof. At least a portion of the core forming said helical coil is made of a super-elastic deformable material which collapses upon retraction into a tubular sheath and which reforms into a coil upon deployment from the sheath.

Abstract: An apparatus for lowering the temperature of skin on a patient during treatment applying electromagnetic energy to the skin comprising a window of a first thermally conductive material through which electromagnetic energy can pass for placement against the epidermis of the skin. A reservoir of coolant is spaced from an edge of the window. A non-flowing second thermally conductive material connects the window and the reservoir to transfer heat from the window to the coolant in the reservoir.

Abstract: In methods and apparatus for cooling surfaces, a pressurized liquid refrigerant is dispensed through a shaped member composed of an open celled foam. The method is particularly useful for localized freezing of a wart or other growth prior to its removal from skin of a human being or another animal.

Abstract: A sheath for use on a closed loop Joule-Thomson cryosurgical probe, and the combination of the sheath and the closed loop probe. The sheath is slipped over the probe, thereby separating the probe from the environment. The sheath has a grip which fits over the handle of the cryosurgical probe, and an extendible shroud which can be longitudinally extended to cover tubing and which are attached to the handle. The sheath has a hollow multi-lumen catheter shaped and sized to fit snugly over the cannula of the cryosurgical probe. The catheter is not thermally conductive, preventing transfer of heat from the ambient to the gas mixture, and preventing the freezing of tissues at undesired locations along the catheter. A thermally conductive cap or tip is attached to the distal end of the hollow catheter. The thermally conductive cap or tip is biased against the cold tip on the probe by a biasing element in the sheath assembly, to promote heat transfer.

Abstract: A hand-held cryosurgical instrument is provided with an insulating, cold-resistive, non-slip grip, which fits onto the neck of a cryosurgical instrument by means of machined threads. The grip has a lip for the users hand to rest against to protect it from the cold metal of the instrument.

Abstract: A cryosurgical instrument comprises a cooling tip operable to be cooled by a flow of a cryogenic fluid within the tip; and a fluid transfer chamber having a fluid inlet for receiving cryogenic fluid, a first fluid outlet communicating with the cooling tip for supplying cryogenic fluid to the cooling tip, and a second fluid outlet communicating with an atmospheric air vent.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and devices for detecting, destroying and removing urinary calculi and other similar structures anywhere within an animal body, and more specifically to a method for locating such structures, fragmenting and vaporizing them and related detection and control schemes.

Abstract: A lithotripsy combination, includes a therapy unit and a separate X-ray locating unit which has a first carriage and which can be coupled to the therapy unit via a coupling unit. The X-ray locating unit includes an X-ray source and an X-ray image converter for locating in at least two defined locating positions. Simple alignment of the X-ray locating unit and the therapy unit is achieved in that the therapy unit consists of a second carriage and a shockwave generator which is mounted thereon and which has a stationary focus relative to the carriage, that the two carriages (or parts rigidly connected thereto) can be coupled to one another, via the coupling unit, in such a manner that the coupled carriages can be displaced together and that the focus of the shockwave generator is situated, at least in the locating positions, on the central line which interconnects the X-ray source and the X-ray image converter.

Abstract: Devices and method for freezing of tissues. Devices comprise a cryosurgical probe that can be very slim with diameter up to a fraction of a millimeter for very focal freezing application, and an insulating canula for adjusting freeze zone. A cryosurgical probe with solid and liquid cold sources, wherein the solid cold source forms the portion of the probe inserted to tissue for thermal exchange while the liquid cold source maintains the operating temperature of said solid cold source. Method for rupturing targeted cells during freezing while minimizing freezing of nearby tissues and vasculatures.

Abstract: In methods and apparatus for cooling surfaces, a pressurized liquid refrigerant is dispensed through a shaped member composed of an open celled foam. The method is particularly useful for localized freezing of a wart or other growth prior to its removal from skin of a human being or another animal.

Abstract: A device for removing calculi by using an intracorporeal lithotripter (1) including a probe (2) transmitting impact waves is characterized by a guiding tube (5) for the probe, which is adapted for introduction into the operating passage of an endoscope and which is provided with a suction and/or extraction passage (8, 9, 10, 15) for removal of the calculi fragmented by means of the probe, for connexion to a suction pump.

Abstract: A method of carrying out cryosurgical interventions includes cooling biological tissue at a rate of at least 180 K/min to a temperature of -190.degree. C. to -160.degree. C., subsequently rewarming the biological tissue at a rate of 100 to 240 K/min to a temperature of -70.degree. C. to -20.degree. C. with a subsequent rewarming at a rate of 10 to 25 K/min to a temperature of -5.degree. C. to +5.degree. C., and further rewarming the biological tissue up to body temperature. The total time of the controlled rewarming of the biological tissue is shorter than 5 minutes. An apparatus for carrying out the method of cryosurgical interventions includes a container of cooled medium an operating instrument, and a control unit for controlling the cooling and subsequent rewarming of biological tissue. The control unit includes a microprocessor coupled to electronic switches and a measuring unit.

Abstract: A catheter that provides precise temperature control for treating diseased tissue. The catheter may use a variety of passive heat pipe structures alone or in combination with feedback devices. The catheter is particularly useful for treating diseased tissue that cannot be removed by surgery, such as a brain tumor.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating veins. In the subject method, the skin is pierced with the sharpened tip of a fiber optic probe. The probe is advanced to a location underneath the vessel to be treated. Once in position, the vessel is irradiated with a treatment beam having a fluence sufficient to coagulate and collapse the vessel at that location. The procedure is then repeated at multiple sites along the length of the vessel so that it will collapse along its length and no longer carry any blood. In the preferred embodiment, a curved probe is used to facilitate the insertion of the tip under the vessel.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating veins. In the subject method, the skin is pierced with the sharpened tip of a fiber optic probe. The probe is advanced to a location underneath the vessel to be treated. Once in position, the vessel is irradiated with a treatment beam having a fluence sufficient to coagulate and collapse the vessel at that location. The procedure is then repeated at multiple sites along the length of the vessel so that it will collapse along its length and no longer carry any blood. In the preferred embodiment, a curved probe is used to facilitate the insertion of the tip under the vessel.

Abstract: A method of laser lithotripsy is disclosed that utilizes pulse stretched Q-switched solid state lasers in conjunction with relatively small diameter optical fibers to achieve effective breakup of calculi located within the body, such as kidney and gall stones.

Abstract: In the cryo-probe, refrigerant is furnished from a high pressure, room temperature supply. Insulation of the refrigerant lines is unnecessary. Refrigerant flows through a pre-cooling heat exchanger in the probe and through a restrictor wherein the pressure drops. In accordance with the Joule-Thompson effect, the refrigerant expands and becomes cold and liquid is applied in the region of the cryo-tip to provide rapid cooling thereof. Expanded refrigerant gas at low pressure reverses direction and flows back from the cold tip in counterflow arrangement through the aforementioned heat exchanger to give a pre-cooling effect to the refrigerant incoming from the external supply. A second tube for conveying warm-up gas is located in the probe and extends to the cold tip. After cryosurgery is complete, the high pressure flow is stopped and warm gas is delivered to the tip in the probe at reduced pressure through the second tube from the same refrigerant supply as is used for cooling.

Abstract: A shielded tip catheter for use with a pulsed energy source for fracturing deposits such as urinary and biliary stones and atherosclerotic plaque in the human body is disclosed. The flexible catheter has a shielded tip structure which is adapted for insertion through a fluid passage in a living body. The tip structure can contain an impact element, a scraping implement or a cutting implement. An energy source creates repeated rapid vapor expansions adjacent the element causing it to undergo repeated pulse like movements, imparting a series of high-velocity impulses to an adjacent deposit, thereby fracturing or cutting it. The energy source can be a laser with a fiber optic delivery system in the catheter terminating adjacent the impact element, or a spark generator with a conductor within the catheter to deliver a fluid vaporizing spark adjacent the element.

Abstract: A catheter that provides precise temperature control is disclosed herein. The catheter may use a variety of passive heat pipe structures alone or in combination with feedback devices. The catheter is particularly useful for treating diseased tissue that cannot be removed by surgery.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a freeze brand to the hide of an animal. The apparatus includes a source of cryogenic fluid (e.g., liquid nitrogen), a canister having an inlet and an outlet for cryogenic fluid, and a brand relief attached to the canister. A flexible insulated hose is connected between the source of fluid and the canister. Preferably the cryogenic fluid passes through a conduit extending through the length of the handle to the canister. A swivel is preferably included in the handle enabling the canister and brand relief to be easily turned or rotated as needed.

Abstract: A multichannel probe comprising a hollow tube defining a distal end and a proximal end, the tube being made of a flexible self-supporting material enabling the tube to fold or to be curved, and said hollow tube being subdivided into at least three independent longitudinal channels by at least two internal partitions disposed longitudinally substantially parallel to the axis of symmetry of the tube.

Abstract: The invention provides a catheter for ice mapping and ablation and a method of ablation using the catheter. The catheter includes at least two lumens for circulating a refrigerating fluid adjacent an ablation device located at the end of a catheter. The refrigerated ablation device is used to chill a localized region of myocardial tissue, thereby permitting the resulting change in electrical activity to be determined. In response to the test results, the ablation device may be used to make a lesion in the myocardial tissue to correct a cardiac arrhythmia. In one embodiment, the ablation device is an electrode which uses radio frequency energy to ablate the myocardial tissue. Alternatively, the ablation device is an electrode adapted for direct current ablation. In another embodiment, the electrode is replaced with an optical fiber in communication with a laser which uses the laser's light energy to ablate tissue.

Abstract: A cryogenic scalpel comprises a hollow housing, a pressure source, a working portion connected to the hollow housing and having a heat-exchanger communicating with the pressure source through a piping, and a blade. The scalpel comprises also a source of electromechanical oscillations located in a hollow housing and establishing reciprocating motion of the working portion, and a unit for imparting electromechanical oscillations to the working portion, interconnected to the source of electromechanical oscillations.

Abstract: The tube, known as a straw, according to the invention, is conventional in its form, and is constituted by a rectilinear length of transparent tubular envelope. In the vicinity of a first end, the straw contains a sliding stopper with a quantity of powder gellable by hydration between two porous pads. The tubular envelope is extruded from an ionomer resin marketed under the brand name of Surlyn 8921. Ionomer resins have, above and below a transition zone extending from 45.degree. C. to 60.degree. C. approximately, states that are respectively thermofusible and crosslinked. Thus, the straw can be closed by fusion of the ends clamped by heated jaws, while presenting suitable properties of rigidity at ambient temperature. Furthermore, the ionomer resin used does not have an embrittlement temperature, so that it can be manipulated at cryogenic temperatures (77 K) without the need for taking any particular precautions. The filling and sealing of the straws can be automated, to ensure the safety of the operators.

Abstract: A micro-heat-pipe catheter provides a hyperthermia or hypothermia source for the treatment of cancerous tumors or other diseased tissue. The heat-pipe is about the size of a hypodermic needle and is thermally insulated along a substantial portion of its length. The heat-pipe includes a channel, partially charged with an appropriate working fluid. Active or passive heat control tailors the delivery or removal of thermal energy directly to or from the tumor or diseased tissue site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a secondary refrigerant to precool and liquefy a primary refrigerant, then vaporizing and expanding the primary refrigerant to cool a cold tip of a cryosurgical instrument for ablation of biological tissue, such as cardiovascular tissue, in particular endocardiac tissue and tissue inside a cardiac blood vessel. The secondary refrigerant has a critical temperature above the critical temperature of the primary refrigerant, and a cooling temperature below the critical temperature of the primary refrigerant, thereby facilitating the use of the precooling step to provide liquid primary refrigerant in an operating room environment in which the primary refrigerant could not otherwise be provided in the liquid phase.