Patent · US Expired

Refrigeration source for a cryoablation catheter

US7004936B2 · kind B2 · utility

23Cited by
47References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 12, 2002
Grant dateFeb 28, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 12, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF25D2400/36
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A catheter-based system for performing a cryoablation procedure uses a precooler to lower the temperature of a fluid refrigerant to a sub-cool temperature (−40° C.) at a working pressure (400 psi). The sub-cooled fluid is then introduced into a supply line of the catheter. Upon outflow of the primary fluid from the supply line, and into a tip section of the catheter, the fluid refrigerant boils at an outflow pressure of approximately one atmosphere, at a temperature of about −88° C. In operation, the working pressure is computer controlled to obtain an appropriate outflow pressure for the coldest possible temperature in the tip section.

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