FLEXIBLE CRYOGENIC PROBE TIP

摘要

One embodiment of the invention is a flexible cryogenic probe tip. The flexible probe tip has a linear freeze zone at a distal end of the probe that allows for its placement and precisely controlled movements. The flexible cryogenic probe tip precisely conforms to the target tissue surface to create a linear lesion. In addition, the probe tip is steerable to facilitate proper placement with minimal access points into a patient's body. Various configurations of the flexible probe tip allow it to conform and ablate tissue of many sizes, shapes, and/or dimensions. Methods of utilizing the cryogenic probe tip include steps of positioning the distal end at a tissue site for at least one ablative procedure, maneuvering the distal end to the tissue site, directing a cryogen from the supply source to the distal end, controlling a flow of cryogen from the supply source to the distal end and back to the supply source, and segmenting control of the distal end mechanically or through the step of controlling the flow of cryogen.

主权项

1. An ablation instrument comprising:
a longitudinal body having one or more sidewalls which form a flexible sleeve, the longitudinal body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central axis; a luminary space formed within the flexible sleeve; and at least one internal component inserted through the proximal end of the longitudinal body and extending through the luminary space to the distal end;wherein the internal component is interconnected with a deflection mechanism for controlling the distal end of the longitudinal body such that the distal end is capable of multi-planar movement.