Device for cryosurgical treatment with a high-efficiency heat exchange unit.

摘要

The cryode (12) is inserted removably in a hollow body (10) of thermal insulating material (e.g. synthetic resin) and is supplied with refrigerant gas (pref. dry N2O) for cooling its tip (14) to about -90 deg.C. The associated counterflow heat exchanger (32) is bonded to the metallic mass of the cryode and incorporates at least one double tube along which the gas is subjected to successive Joule-Thomson expansions in passages shaped for improved heat transfer.. The active constituent is capable of very rapid cooling and rapid restoration to normal temp. when treatment is interrupted. Gas consumption is very low and the patient is not endangered by high-pressure leakage.