MODULAR PULSED PRESSURE DEVICE FOR THE TRANSPORT OF LIQUID CRYOGEN TO A CRYOPROBE

摘要

A cryogenic medical device for delivery of subcooled liquid cryogen to various configurations of cryoprobes is designed for the treatment of damaged, diseased, cancerous or other unwanted tissues. The device is a closed or semi-closed system in which the liquid cryogen is contained in both the supply and return stages. The device is capable of generating cryogen to a supercritical state and may be utilized in any rapid cooling systems. As designed, the device comprises a number of parts including a vacuum insulated outer dewar, submersible cryogen pump, baffled linear heat exchanger, multiple pressurization cartridges, a return chamber, and a series of valves to control the flow of the liquid cryogen. The cryogenic medical device promotes the subcooling to any external cryogenic instrument.

主权项

1. A method of delivering cryogen to a cryoprobe, said method comprising the steps of:
providing a device containing cryogen, said device having one or more ports; providing a pump submersed within the cryogen; providing at least one pressurized apparatus within said device, said pressurized apparatus having an immersion heater contained therein, at least one inlet port, and at least one outlet port; providing an instrument outside said device for use in cooling processes, said instrument connected to one or more supply lines which interconnect with said device; activating said pressurized apparatus to form pressurized cryogen; and directing said pressurized cryogen to said instrument through said one or more supply lines.