| 摘要 |
<p>This invention is a method and apparatus to treat Barrett's tissue, a pre-cancerous condition, by removing the epithelium above the lower esophageal sphincter through cryo-ablation. An endoscope (10) with fiber optics is used to view the operation, and a catheter (20) for supplying liquid nitrogen (LG) is passed through the lumen of the endoscope. Liquid nitrogen is sprayed directly onto the Barrett's tissue through the catheter while the physician views the operation through the fiber optics of the endoscope, and controls the spray via a valve. Freezing is indicated by whiteness, and shows that the epithelium has been cryo-ablated. The apparatus can also be used to various other gastrointestinal tract lesions. A most important and significant feature of this invention is the fact that the liquid nitrogen spray is applied in the esophagus at low pressure.</p> |
