FLUOROCHEMICAL LIQUID AUGMENTED CRYOSURGERY

摘要

This invention is a method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion (20) which comprises the steps of delivering a fluoro-chemical liquid to the lesion (20), placing at least one cryoprobe (26) into the lesion (20), and circulating a cryogenic fluid causing an ice ball (30) to form in a vicinity around the cryoprobe (26), wherein the ice ball (30) obliterates at least a portion of the lesion (20). The fluoro-chemical liquid is utilized to augment the cryosurgical procedure and is perfused or injected into and/or around the lesion site prior and/or during the application of a cryprobe (26) to the site. In one embodiment of the invention, the fluoro-chemical liquid acts as a contrast agent to enhance real time medical imaging of the lesion area and modifies the environment in and around the lesion area. In another embodiment of the invention, the fluoro-chemical liquid augments cryosurgical procedures by controlling the size and shape of ice balls (30) formed during the cryosurgical procedures. In this embodiment, a fluoro-chemical liquid with a properly chosen thermal conductivity and freezing point is utilized. Depending on the thermal properties chosen, the liquid either augments freezing of the target area and/or promotes thermal conduction to freeze larger areas, or limits the freezing of the target area and reduces thermal conduction. In an non-cryoprobe embodiment, the liquid is cooled to a temperature below the freezing point of the biological tissue. The cooled liquid is then infused into or around the cystic lesion to produce ablation.