Method of using cryotreatment to treat brain tissue
US6648880B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 15, 2002 |
| Grant date | Nov 18, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 15, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/0262
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method is disclosed for treating brain tissue with cryotreatment. A surgical tool, such as a catheter is disposed proximate to a target region of brain tissue. The tool or catheter provided includes a cryotreatment element. 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 brain tissue to be treated, either through endovascular insertion, or via an opening in the cranium. A refrigerant flow within the cryochamber creates endothermic cooling with respect to the surrounding brain tissue, inducing hypothermia and forming iceballs proximate said 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. Mapping using conventional techniques may be used to measure and assess brain function before and after cryotreatment, and cryotreatment itself may be integrally and progressively used to map brain function and treat tissue.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.