Cryosurgical system and method
US6306129A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 19, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 23, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 19, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S128/27
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A cryosurgical system comprises a compressor unit and a probe assembly. A secondary refrigerant stream from the compressor unit pre-cools a heat exchanger within the probe assembly in a standby mode of operation. After the heat exchange is pre-cooled, a primary refrigerant stream can be passed through the cooled heat exchanger and thereafter expanded within a tissue-contacting portion of the probe assembly to achieve very low temperatures, typically minus 100.degree. C. or lower. After cooling, the refrigerant stream may be passed through the probe assembly with no or partial expansion to warm the tissue-contacting surface of the probe. A probe sheath can be used to provide sterility.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.