Patent · US Expired

Fluorochemical liquid augmented cryosurgery

US5741248A · kind A · utility

378Cited by
45References
66Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 7, 1995
Grant dateApr 21, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 7, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B2218/002
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion which includes the steps of delivering a fluorochemical liquid to the lesion, placing at least one cryoprobe into the lesion, and circulating cryogenic fluid through the cryoprobe, the cryogenic fluid causing an ice ball to form in a vicinity around the cryoprobe, wherein the ice ball obliterates at least a portion of the lesion. The fluorochemical liquid is utilized to augment the cryosurgical procedure and is perfused or injected into and/or around the lesioned site prior and/or during the application of a cryoprobe to the site. In one embodiment of the invention, the fluorochemical liquid acts as a contrast agent to enhance real-time medical imaging of the lesioned area and modifies the environment in and around the lesioned area. In another embodiment of the invention, the fluorochemical liquid augments cryosurgical procedures by controlling the size and shape of ice balls formed during the cryosurgical procedures. In this embodiment, a fluorochemical liquid with a properly chosen thermal conductivity and freezing point is utilized. Depending on the thermal properties chosen, the liquid either augments freezing of the target area and…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.