Cryogenic needle with freeze zone regulation

摘要

A cryogenic needle of a cryogenic system is coupled to a heater. While the needle is inserted into target tissue beneath skin, the heater provides heat to protect the skin. Power supplied to the heater is used to interpolate performance of the needle and/or operating parameters of the cryogenic system.

主权项

1. A method for cryogenically treating tissue, the method comprising:
regulating coolant to a needle probe using a valve, the needle probe having at least one needle and a heater thermally coupled to the at least one needle, wherein the heater comprises a thermally conductive element, the thermally conductive element being thermally coupled to a proximal skin engaging portion of the at least one needle; providing power to the heater based on power demand from the heater; monitoring the power provided to the heater; and performing a correlation of the monitored power with at least one of a tissue characteristic and/or an operating parameter.