Cryosurgical devices and methods for endometrial ablation
US7500973B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 10, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 8, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/0262
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A cryoablation system including a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis, an expandable balloon extending from the distal end of the cannula and fluidly connected to a source of heat transfer fluid by at least one fluid path, a pump for circulating the heat transfer fluid into and out of the balloon, a probe handle coupled to the proximal end of the cannula and in fluidic communication with the balloon through the cannula, and a heat exchanger for varying the temperature of the heat transfer fluid, wherein the heat exchanger is fluidly connected to a secondary refrigerant source. The heat exchanger may be positioned within the probe handle, within the cannula, or at least partially within the balloon. The heat transfer fluid of this cryoablation system preferably has a freezing point lower than about −110° C. and a boiling point greater than about 50° C.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.